Digestive benefits of ginger

Ginger is the horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground, of the plant Zingiber officinale. Ginger is commonly used as a delicacy, medicine and spice. This aromatic food and spice is great addition to many fruit and vegetable foods, but it also has a lot of health benefits. Ginger is native to South Asia, but it is available worldwide and all year round, making one of the best natural remedies for various digestive problems. In herbal medicine, ginger is well known as a substance that promotes elimination of intestinal gases. Because of this, it is advised to take remedies containing ginger in privacy.

Ginger for better digestion

Ginger tea, taken just before the meal, can stimulate digestion and speed up the rate at which food travels from the stomach into the upper small intestines. Moreover, ginger will improve muscle contractions in the stomach, and promote more regular bowel movements. Ginger was used more than 2,000 years ago in China, to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea.

Health benefits of ginger

Ginger is fantastic natural remedy for various gastrointestinal problems. It may prevent symptoms of motion sickness and reduces symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and cold sweating. Ginger is safe to use even during the pregnancy where it successfully reduces the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting attacks. It is especially effective in first trimester of pregnancy, when most of the women complain about morning sickness. Ginger is consumed in small amounts and it is completely safe both for the mother and her child.

Ginger may also protect against colorectal cancer. Scientific studies on the University of Minnesota found that gingerols, the main active components in ginger, may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. The results of these studies promise new hope even for the patients with metastasis of nonoperable tumors.

How to use it

Ginger can be used fresh, taken as a tea, or in the form of a tincture or capsules. When using fresh ginger, it is important to peel its kin and slice or mince the root. Grated ginger can be combined by side dishes, by sprinkling the food with ginger and other spices. Combined with olive oil and garlic, it makes great salad dressing. Freshly grated ginger and lemon juice is making great lemonade. It can be also added to favorite stuffing, baked apples, or any type of vegetables. A tea is prepared by simmering the cut root in a covered pot.