Ginger for health: 7 reasons to add ginger to your diet

Ginger, which belongs to the same family as cardamom and turmeric, is native to South-East Asia, India and China, and has been used as an alternative form of medicine for a long time.

It's commonly used in all types of recipes throughout the world and is popularly valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. Apart from great taste and flavor, there are several benefits of ginger for health.

So, what does ginger do for the body? Continue reading as we discuss some of the most incredible benefits of ginger for overall health.

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Why should you add ginger to your diet?

Here are seven reasons:

#1 Improves digestion

The benefits of ginger for health include improving digestion. (Photo via Pexels/Towfiqu barbhuiya)

Ginger for health is useful and beneficial, as it helps speed up digestion and allows you to pass waste more quickly. Regular intake of ginger can be especially helpful for people with digestive problems, including constipation, ulcers and IBS.

Studies have shown that people who have ginger digest their food more effectively and speedily compared to those who don’t. Ginger increases the production of healthy enzymes and improves movement in the digestive system.

#2 Good for skin

The benefits of having ginger include promoting healthier skin. Ginger contains antioxidant and antiseptic properties, which are known to improve skin health.

While antioxidants in ginger prevent UV rays from damaging the skin, antiseptic properties prevent acne and heal irritated skin. Regular intake of ginger improves collagen production and makes the skin look younger too.

#3 Helps in weight loss

Studies suggest that ginger plays a major role in weight management. Ginger significantly reduces the waist-hip ratio in people with obesity. Experts believe that ginger’s ability to reduce inflammation and increase number of calories burned impacts weight loss.

#4 Promotes oral health

Benefit of ginger for health is its ability to maintain your oral health. (Photo via Pexels/Anna Shvets)

Another great benefit of ginger for health is its ability to maintain oral health. Ginger contains an active compound – gingerol - which helps prevent bacteria from growing in the mouth, reducing risk of serious periodontal disease.

#5 Eases nausea

One of the most well-known benefits of ginger for health is its ability to alleviate nausea.

Whether its during pregnancy, motion sickness or general weakness, ginger can help relieve nausea. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger regulate blood pressure and help you relax while easing nausea and fatigue.

#6 Relieves PMS symptoms

Adding ginger to your diet can help alleviate PMS symptoms like cramps and weakness. Consuming ginger during the initial days of menstrual cycle can help ease bloating and also reduce stomach pain.

#7 Helps with osteoarthritis

Another incredible advantage of ginger for health is its ability to manage osteoarthritis and its symptoms. Osteoarthritis involves degeneration of the joints, which leads to joint stiffness and pain in the long run.

Studies have found ginger to be an effective remedy to prevent pain and disability that can be caused due to osteoarthritis.

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How to add ginger to your diet?

Ginger tea is a great way to add ginger to your diet. (Photo via Pexels/Lisa Fotios)

There are several ways to consume ginger for health benefits. They include ginger tea, ginger juice, or you can simply add freshly grated ginger to vegetables and other recipes.

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Is ginger safe?

Medical experts believe that ginger is safe for most people when consumed in moderation in recipes.

However, higher doses of ginger may lead to health conditions like bleeding. It might also not be suitable for people experiencing acid reflux or heartburn or those with blood pressure problems.