Health Benefits Of Ginger

Even before the great civilizations rose, humans have already recognized some of the ginger health benefits. Since ancient times, humans have been using ginger as a remedy for illnesses like colds, nausea, migraine, hypertension, and arthritis. Although it is possible that humans have been cultivating ginger as a medicinal plant before the Indians and the Chinese, available records state that the aforementioned countries have been cultivating the plant for over 5000 years. Ginger benefits were not solely recognised in Asia. In fact, ginger was India’s major export to the Roman Empire. Even after the Roman Empire fell, European countries still exported ginger but mostly from the Arab merchants. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, a lot of people intended to consume ginger for health benefits. However, it became very expensive because it was highly sought after. Back then, a pound of ginger can be traded for a sheep.  The popular Christmas treat, gingerbread man, was made popular by Queen Elizabeth I of England in the fifteenth century.

Ginger is primarily used as an aromatic spice. The ketone ‘gingerol’ is responsible for its strong aromatic property, and for ginger health benefits. Zingiber officinale is the most commonly consumed ginger species. Most studies that are conducted on ginger use this species.

Ginger benefits and side effects are closely being studied and most of the research that was previously conducted has been reviewed extensively.  This is a result of the fact that a lot of older adults, those who are in their 60s and up, are using natural or alternative medicines, like ginger.

Is Ginger A Superfood?

There are numerous purported ginger health benefits, most of which are influenced by traditional medicine. Although further studies are needed, most of these studies on ginger benefits show promising results. Gingerol is responsible for most of the health benefits of ginger. It is an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, anti-cancer, and hypotensive organic compound. Although some may not like the strong taste of ginger, its versatility as an ingredient may make up for this disadvantage. For example, ginger tea may not be suitable for someone’s taste. However, by adding in some Yuja-cheng or Citron Marmalade the tea’s taste is improved considerably. So to sum it all up, yes, ginger can be considered a superfood.