Emma Slattery, a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicine breaks down ginger saying, “Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Thus, eating ginger encourages efficient digestion”. Here are the other upsides of ginger:
- BLOATING AND GAS. Ginger can aid in cutting down on the gases formed in the intestinal tract during digestion. The enzymes in ginger are able to break down the gases and relieve constipation, bloating and excess gas in the body.
- NAUSEA. Pregnant women always use ginger to manage “morning sickness” and so have chemotherapy patients after their treatments.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM. If you have a cold and are downing ginger ale, you’re on the right track. Ginger is a common remedy for weakened immune systems as it contains strong antibody properties that can support immunity and the respiratory system.
How to make ginger tea, you ask? Here’s how:
- Trim off the knots and dry ends of a ginger.
- Peel it into thin slices.
- Put them in boiling water and cover it.
- Enjoy!
Slattery shares the pivotal fact that ginger is generally safe for most to eat. Nevertheless, studies are still investigating the effects of ginger on insulin, low blood sugar and bleeding. “For any questions about ginger or any other food ingredient and how it might affect your health, a clinical dietitian can provide information and guidance,” she notes.
As mentioned, ginger needs no introduction. Its health benefits are well known and continuously harnessed to this day. If you haven’t experienced it, no judgments. Go ahead and shop for some today!
Sources: Healthline, WebMD, Medical News Today, Johns Hopkins University