10 Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and TreatmentGinger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
Ginger and Blood Pressure MedicationThe voltage blocking effects have been compared with the effects that are gained by taking blood pressure medication. If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure, you should work closely with your doctor if you plan to add ginger supplements to your diet.
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and TreatmentGinger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
Ginger and Blood Pressure MedicationThe voltage blocking effects have been compared with the effects that are gained by taking blood pressure medication. If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure, you should work closely with your doctor if you plan to add ginger supplements to your diet.
****Because of the potential blood thinning effects, it is also a good idea to not use ginger supplements if you are going in for surgery. Most doctors suggest that you stop taking the supplement 14 days before surgery is scheduled. How to store and prepare fresh ginger
Buying, Storing and Cooking with Fresh Ginger
When buying fresh ginger, choose a root that is firm and smooth to the touch. A root that appears dry, wilted or cracked will not be as fresh and should be avoided.
Some people prefer not to store fresh ginger in the refrigerator, as it can go moldy. If you do choose to store it in the refrigerator, wrap the ginger in cling film and it should keep for several weeks. Otherwise, ginger can be kept at room temperature, away from mild foods that could take on its flavor.
Ginger can also be kept in the freezer for much longer, but to the detriment of the flavour and quality.
Fresh ginger must usually be peeled before using in cooking. This involves removing the thick outer skin either with a sharp and sturdy knife or with a vegetable peeler.
Subsequently, the ginger can be sliced, diced, minced, grated or chopped and then incorporated into the dish that you are preparing.
Some ideas on how to use ginger in the kitchen
- Use ground ginger in biscuits, milk puddings and desserts, gingerbread and cakes.
- Add ginger to homemade jams and pickles
- Add chopped or grated ginger to curries and all types of stir-fries.
- Use ginger for marinades for poultry and meat.
- Use chopped ginger together with garlic and onion as an addition to vegetables or meat.
- Use fresh ginger to make spicy curries or coconut milk creamy curries.
- Use to make a refreshing ginger lemonade or ginger ale.
- Use ginger with any type of Chinese style sauce made with soy sauce.
- Add grated ginger to spice up rice or couscous.
- Add ginger to olive oil and garlic to make a tasty dressing for salad.
- Add to freshly juiced carrots and apples for an invigorating pick-me-up drink.
- Sprinkle dried ginger over apple or rhubarb crumble.
- Make a ginger tea sweetened with honey.
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