Ginger (Zingiber officianale) is a tropical plant with spicy roots used for its amazing flavor in various cuisines. It has been traditionally used for several different ailments such as nausea, constipation, pain, colitis, and bronchitis. Today, many people are opting for holistic remedies to naturally cure their conditions, and ginger is ranking high in popularity and effectiveness.
A Brief History of Ginger
Ginger has been used to treat many diseases for thousands of years. Ancient Indian, Chinese, African, Greek, and Roman civilizations noted the remarkable power of the plant and its rhizomatic roots. The earliest writings detailing any healing potential of ginger date back to over 5000 years ago. Although the spice is cultivated in many tropical countries around the world, the suspected place of origin for ginger is India and southeast Asia because there is considerable biological variability of ginger in this region of the world.
Consuming plant-based foods is widely known to combat many lifestyle-related diseases. Ginger is no exception. In fact, ginger can provide some uniquely different benefits. The spice can be consumed in various ways – from tea to powder. Ginger tea is simple to prepare and enjoy. Let’s look at why you should consider drinking ginger tea everyday for your health.
Reduce Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a very serious condition identified in individuals with prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. Approximately 30.3 million Americans have diabetes – that is 9.4% of the population in the United States.
There are a many factors that contribute to abnormally high blood sugar levels. Smoking, overeating, Standard American Diet (SAD), excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient sleep, and frequent physical inactivity are some of the lifestyle choices that contribute to diabetes. Regardless of the cause, it is essential for individuals with blood sugar abnormalities to take control their condition. Untreated diabetes increases one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Several studies have show how ginger can increase insulin sensitivity, therefore reducing blood sugar. Ginger is a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Some of these compounds include gingerol, shogaol, zingerone, and paradol. Gingerol, for example, has been shown to reduce free fatty acids due to oxidative stress. This reduction improves the responsiveness of cells to insulin, therefore increasing insulin sensitivity.
Reduce Arthritic Pain
Arthritis is a common condition affecting more that 54 million Americans. Manifestation of the disease occurs when symptoms of joint inflammation, pain and stiffness become very clear.
Inflammation is a classic symptom of disease. When joint inflammation occurs, immune cells and substances flood to the joints, causing swelling and irritation. As a result, joint cartilage becomes weaker overtime. Ginger contains may anti-inflammatory compounds that combat inflammation manifesting as arthritis. A 2012 study demonstrated that ginger can perform just as well as steroids at minimizing inflammatory reactions.
Normalize Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a relatively symptomless condition. It occurs when the force of blood against the artery wall is too high over a long period of time. The disease is identified when individuals get their blood pressure checked with a blood pressure monitor at the doctor’s office or at home. Usually, when blood pressure becomes extremely high, symptoms such as nosebleeds, headaches, and stroke may occur.
Inflammation is often associated with high blood pressure; however, whether or not inflammation causes or is a result of hypertension is not well understood. Perhaps, inflammation causes hypertension, and the resulting condition causes even more inflammation. Persistently high blood pressure can cause severe damage to blood vessels and lead up to an increased risk of kidney failure and heart disease. Therefore, it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly and get it under control.
Oftentimes, getting things under control will involve a lifestyle change. Exercise, weight loss, regular sleep and a change in diet are a few lifestyle choices that can help normalize blood pressure. Ginger supplementation is also a great way to treat high blood pressure. Ginger contains salicylate, a plant phenol that acts as a natural blood-thinner. Salicylates behave similarly to aspirin in dilating blood vessels, fighting inflammation, and reducing blood clot formation. Although the potency of ginger does not compare to that of aspirin, drinking a couple of cups of ginger tea daily can help reduce high blood pressure.
How to Prepare Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is quick and simple to prepare. Peel the skin of fresh ginger and proceed to grate or slice about a tablespoon of ginger into a pot. Fill the pot with about 10 ounces of water. Bring the water up to a boil, then lower the temperature and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a mug and enjoy. Add honey, lemon, or cinnamon to your tea to add some flavor and nutrition.
Risks
Too much of anything is never good. It is best to avoid consuming ginger in excessive amounts. Cap your consumption at 4 grams per day. Perhaps due to its spicy nature, moderate to excessive amounts may cause symptoms such as:
- heartburn
- burning sensation in the mouth
- gas
- upset stomach
As always, please consult with your primary care provider if you have any concerns, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, about to get surgery, or taking any medications.