The Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger has a long medicinal and culinary use dating back centuries. It adds flavour and heat to curries and stir-fries and is a major ingredient in Asian cooking. It also makes a refreshing and invigorating tea. The health benefits of ginger include nausea relief, gastro-intestinal health, immune boosting, inflammation prevention, cancer prevention and detoxification.

·         Many frequent travelers swear by the effectiveness of ginger at preventing motion sickness, and some studies have suggested that it is just as effective as Dramamine and other common drugs used to treat motion sickness. While these effects are still being studied, it can’t hurt to add a bit of ginger to the meal you eat before hopping on that plane or boat.

·         Most major supermarket chains carry fresh ginger root, and if they do not chances are the local organic grocery store or health food stores does carry this herb. When choosing ginger, it is important to choose those roots that are firm, and that have a distinct aroma. The more strong the odor of the ginger in the store, the more aromatic it will be in your recipes.

·         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.

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·         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 Treatment

Ginger 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).