Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.
The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger.
It can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. It’s sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.
Highlights
- Ginger water is made by boiling a fresh ginger root in water
- Drinking ginger water can help strengthen your digestive system
- It regulates the blood sugar levels & controls the urge to eat
Overview
Native to Southeast Asia, ginger is common in food and medicine around the world. The ginger plant is rich in natural chemicals that can promote your health and wellness.
Incredible Health Benefits of Eating Ginger
1. Stimulates Digestion
It helps increase the body’s ability to empty food from the stomach more quickly—known as gastric emptying. With this increased motility in the digestive system, it’s less likely that heartburn or indigestion will occur. one study of healthy participants showed that taking ginger capsules (1200 mg) with a meal stimulates digestion so much that gastric emptying speed was doubled! Imagine the relief that would come from food leaving your stomach twice as quickly.
2. Reducing inflammation
One group of researchers concluded that taking ginger by mouth is “modestly efficacious and reasonably safe” for treating inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
However, they noted that the studies included in their meta-analysis were small and may not represent the general population.
3. Balance blood sugar
It improved fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes. These and other findings show promise that it can help treat health concerns caused by chronic diabetes.
4. Weight loss
It may help promote weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It suppressed obesity in rats on high-fat diets. And another Source found that men who drank a hot ginger beverage after eating felt more full for longer. Balanced blood sugar can also prevent you from overeating.
5. Lowering cancer risk
It does not provide protein or other nutrients, but it is an excellent source of antioxidants.It can reduce various types of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when Too many free radicals build up in the body. Free radicals are toxic substances produced by metabolism and other factors.
6. Nutrition
It is a good source of antioxidants, but it does not provide many vitamins, minerals, or calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 2 teaspoons of ginger provide only 4 calories This quantity does not provide a significant amount of any nutrient.
7. Reducing Gas
Several studies have investigated ginger’s effects on the gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion. Some research indicates that enzymes in ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort.
8. Pain
May help decrease some types of pain. In a study that involved 60 adults with migraine pain, researchers found using ginger as an add-on therapy was better than taking painkillers alone.
9. Blood sugar control
It may help control fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
In one 12-week study, researchers divided 41 people with type 2 diabetes into two groups. One group took 2 grams of a ginger powder supplement each day, while the second group received a placebo drug. The people who took it experienced a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar.
10. Hydration
This benefit is mostly because you’re taking your ginger in water. Staying hydrated is very important for supporting every aspect of your health. Many of us simply don’t drink enough water each day. Starting your day with a glass of ginger water, or finding another regular time to drink one each day, will help you hydrate.
Is ginger water safe during pregnancy?
Researchers have looked at the role ginger may play in helping treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. One study noted that the evidence supports the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of pregnancy nausea, but that there may be safety risks for some women. A systematic review of studies, however, found no adverse effects caused by it consumption in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs during pregnancy. In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes may help reduce nausea in pregnancy:
- Eat regular, small meals
- Avoid greasy or spicy foods, since those may upset your stomach
- Sleep at least seven hours each night
- Stay hydrated
Also read: Side Effects Of Ginger And Who Should Never Use It
3 homemade detox drinks that you can start having right away.
1. Lemon and ginger detox drink
This is a wonderful drink that is very effective for weight loss. Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and add an inch of grated ginger. Drink this every morning and check your weight after 1-2 months.
“It contains gingerol which is known to prevent stomach problems and aid digestion. Lemons are not only rich in Vitamin C but also antioxidants which fight the production of free radicals in the body. When combined with an effective exercise regimen, this can work wonders
2. Cinnamon and honey
“This is made by mixing a spoonful of honey and half a tablespoon of cinnamon in a glass of warm water. A dash of fresh lime can help in the fat-burning process. Cinnamon is known to curb cravings while honey aids metabolism,” says Shivani Jotwani, a Delhi-based nutritionist for the medical app, Lybrate.
3. Green tea
“This is a calorie-free drink and something that most weight-watchers swear by. Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that help suppress the production of free radicals in the body. It has also been shown to activate the body’s thermogenic fat-burning activity,” says Sharma.
4. Cranberry juice
Cranberry juice is known to be a natural diuretic and can help in flushing out excess water. It also contains anthocyanin a powerful antioxidant that helps to combat certain infections, diseases and helps in managing cholesterol levels. It is known for helping in avoiding urinary tract infections.
How to make Ginger Water
You can use more or less water or ginger depending on how strong you want the ginger water to be. The ratio of water to ginger below is equivalent to 1 gram of ginger extract.
- Wash the part of the ginger root you’ll be using.
- Use a zester to grate 1/2 teaspoon of ginger.
- Boil 4 cups of water on the stove.
- Add the ginger once the water is boiling.
- Remove the ginger water from the heat and let the ginger steep in the water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the ginger pieces from the water and discard the ginger.
- Drink ginger water hot or cold.
Also read: Treating An Ear Infection During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies
Is it safe to drink Raw Water?
All spring water is definitely not equal. Glaciar water for example should not be consumed at the bottom as it often contains small rock particles (talc), giardia, and other parasites. It’s also unwise to consume spring water from mountains nearby polluted cities or industries as it will be polluted by rainwater.
Raw water from a well is definitely not recommended if you live anywhere near a populated or farming area. Unfortunately, humans have managed to pollute groundwater, rivers, and lakes with pesticides, industrial waste, and all kinds of other bad stuff.
There are also other issues such as bacteria that our bodies are no longer used to, high levels of certain minerals that are unhealthy or contaminated water.