Herbal treatments have been used as part of alternative medicine for centuries. In recent years, the health benefits of plants have started to attract more attention all over the world. Ginger is also a delicious plant known for its health benefits.
What is Ginger?
Ginger belongs to a plant family that includes cardamom and turmeric. The ginger plant belongs to the zingiberaceae family. Basically the roots are consumed. The mainly beneficial component of ginger is gingerols. The use of ginger in traditional/alternative medicine dates back to ancient times. It is believed that Indians and Chinese have used ginger root for over 5000 years. Currently, the largest producer of ginger is India.
What are the Benefits of Ginger?
The benefits of ginger are endless. Ginger has been used traditionally for centuries to treat many ailments such as stomach ailments, arthritis, asthma and diabetes. Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Free oxygen radicals emerge as a result of oxidative reactions in the body.
The active components in ginger have an antioxidant effect by reducing the damage caused by free oxygen radicals to the body. For this reason, it is claimed that ginger is effective against osteoarthritis, inflammation and rheumatism. One of the most important uses of ginger for centuries has been to relieve nausea and vomiting. Many scientific studies on this subject support this usage. It is thought that ginger has a nausea-reducing effect by accelerating gastric emptying. It is also recommended to use ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, nausea during cancer treatment and post-surgical nausea. Studies have shown that ginger is safe to use during pregnancy. However, it is still recommended that pregnant women consult their physician before using this product. Evidence has been obtained in human and animal studies that ginger prevents the proliferation of cancer cells. Intestine, liver, pancreas Its effects on s, ovarian and breast cancer are being investigated. Studies on this subject continue. In animal experiments on ginger, it has been shown to have a protective effect against heart diseases. Ginger is thought to be beneficial for cardiovascular health by showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, blood pressure lowering effects and reducing blood fats. There is a need for more studies on humans on this subject. Asthma is a common disease with contraction of bronchial smooth muscles.
Ginger has been used for centuries in the treatment of respiratory system diseases. Ginger is thought to be beneficial in asthmatic patients by suppressing allergic reactions. There is evidence that ginger reduces blood sugar in studies. It has been shown that ginger is not effective in lowering fasting blood sugar, but has a long-term blood sugar lowering effect. Therefore, its use in diabetic patients is thought to be beneficial. Ginger accelerates gastric emptying and thus is useful in cases of indigestion. Pain during the menstrual cycle is called dysmenorrhea. Ginger has been tried in women with dysmenorrhea and it has been observed that it is as effective on pain as painkillers. As it is known, oxidative stress and formed metabolites accelerate aging. In animal experiments, ginger has been shown to reduce the decline in brain functions related to aging. These studies give rise to a glimmer of hope that ginger will be beneficial for Alzheimer's patients. The antimicrobial effect of ginger is well known. It has a healing effect especially in gum infections. Ginger extract is thought to inhibit the growth of many bacteria. Fresh ginger has been shown to be effective against RSV, the human respiratory virus. The benefits of fresh ginger are more than the dry one. The benefits of ginger continue to be researched.
How to Make Ginger Tea?
It is considered safe to drink ginger tea after not taking high doses. . If you are considering consuming more than 1-2 cups a day and especially if you are taking medication, it is useful to consult your doctor. The benefits of ginger tea are similar to using fresh ginger. 1 cup of ginger tea every day relaxes the digestive system. It is good for indigestion. Let's talk about how to prepare ginger tea:
- The root ginger is taken, cleaned thoroughly, you can peel the skin if you wish. Then slice thinly.
- Put the amount of water you want to prepare into the cup and teapot and place the ginger slices in it. It is appropriate to put 2-3 slices of ginger for a cup of tea.
- Boil the water for 5-10 minutes. Then strain.
- You can consume it by adding lemon or honey if you wish.
How to Consume Ginger?
''How to use ginger? ? The question often comes to mind. Ginger can be consumed as tea, in powder form and fresh. The beneficial components of ginger are most often found in the form of fresh roots. So how should ginger be consumed? You can consume ginger as a tea, or you can use it by adding it to cakes and cookies, meals and soups. Examples of these are gingerbread, ginger-orange chicken, ginger rice.
Who Cannot Use Ginger
- Ginger tea is not suitable for children under 2 years old.
- Ginger has a blood thinning effect. For this reason, those who use blood thinners should consult their physician before using this herb.
- Ginger lowers blood pressure. If you are a blood pressure patient and you are taking medication, consult your doctor before using ginger.
- There is no known side effect of ginger on pregnant women. However, pregnant women should consult their physician before using it.
- It should not be used instead of the medication prescribed by your doctor in case of an illness.
What is Ginger Good for?
- Nausea during pregnancy
- In case of vehicle and seasickness
- In case of nausea after chemotherapy
- In case of indigestion
- To reduce brain damage in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's
- To lower blood sugar and increase the amount of insulin in patients with diabetes
- To reduce blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure
- To reduce bad blood fats for
- A Ginger can be used under the supervision of a physician and to aid treatment in cancer patients.
What are the Side Effects of Ginger?
Ginger reduces the coagulation of platelets, therefore it has a blood thinning effect. Excessive consumption of ginger can cause bleeding in people who are prone to bleeding. It can lower blood pressure more and cause fatigue in people who experience hypotension (low blood pressure). It can be used as an adjunct to treatment in cancer patients, to reduce high blood pressure, as an adjunct to diabetes patients.
Which Vitamins Are in Ginger?
component has been found. Gingerols, the main beneficial component of ginger, are found more in fresh ginger than in dry one. 1 teaspoon of dried ginger has 6 cal, less than 1 gram of fat, 0 protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates and less than 1 gram of fiber. Dried ginger also has very little iron. In half a cup of fresh ginger; It has 19 calories, less than 1 gram of protein, fat and fiber, 4 grams of carbohydrates. Fresh ginger contains vitamin C and iron.
How Much Ginger Should You Consume?
Ginger is a useful and delicious spice, but using more than recommended may be inconvenient. The recommended amount for ginger tea is 1 or 2 cups per day. Consumption of more than 4 grams of ginger a day in any form is not recommended.
How to Select and Store Ginger?
If possible, fresh ginger should be preferred instead of powdered ginger. Fresh ginger contains more gingerols and anti-inflammatory. Fresh ginger is sold in grocery stores and markets. When buying fresh ginger, make sure that the roots are firm, smooth and free of mold. Dried ginger is usually available in grocery stores and spice shops. You should make sure that the dried ginger you buy is fresh. You can store fresh ginger unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can be stored in the freezer for 6 weeks without peeling. Be careful that the dried ginger does not get moisture. Store dried ginger in a glass jar in a dry and cool place.
Use traditional medicine. Many plants continue to be used within the scope of gullamas today. You can get support from specialist physicians by contacting health institutions about whether the use of these herbs is suitable for you.
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