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At Goldea Health, we believe in the power of natural products, and ginger is a shining example. From ginger shots to ginger tea, this versatile root has become firmly entrenched in our Western diet. But what exactly is ginger, and what makes it so special?

In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into its origins, health benefits, preparation tips, and much more. Here's everything you need to know about ginger!

What is ginger?

Ginger is the tuber of the Zingiber officinale plant , native to Southeast Asia. Today, ginger is cultivated in almost all tropical regions, with over 50 different varieties , each with unique aromas and flavors. The hotter varieties often come from Africa, while the milder ginger from China is widely used in cooking.

Historically, ginger has been a valuable spice for thousands of years . The ancient Greeks and Romans were familiar with ginger, and the Romans brought it to England. Later, the Spanish brought it to the Americas. This long history of use demonstrates how highly prized ginger is for its flavor and health benefits.

Is ginger healthy?

Yes, ginger is incredibly healthy!

It contains high concentrations of antioxidants and offers numerous health benefits. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol , are responsible for many of its medicinal properties.

Here are some important health benefits of ginger:

1. Ginger stimulates your digestion

Ginger tea can significantly improve your gastrointestinal health . It stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes that help break down sugars and fats . Ginger also boosts saliva production, bile, and gastric juices. All of this helps move stomach contents to your intestines more quickly, which can help reduce bloating .

In addition, ginger improves peristalsis in your intestines, which ensures better bowel movements.

Drink 1-2 cups of ginger tea daily for optimal benefits.

2. Ginger helps against nausea

One of ginger's best-known benefits is its effectiveness against nausea , especially during pregnancy and for motion sickness . Studies show that ginger helps reduce symptoms of nausea.

Tip: If you feel nauseous, stick a piece of ginger behind your ear. The active ingredients penetrate the thin skin behind your ear and help relieve the nausea.

3. Ginger cleanses your body

Ginger has a powerful cleansing effect. It supports your lymphatic system, which is essential for removing harmful substances from your body, especially in cases of inflammation.

Eating ginger regularly prevents toxins from building up in your organs.

Not only does this have a positive effect on your health, but ginger also stimulates your blood circulation, which helps keep you warm on cold days.

4. Ginger relieves muscle pain

Believe it or not, ginger can help relieve muscle soreness. Research shows that drinking ginger tea after exercise can reduce muscle soreness by up to 25%. The medicinal compounds in ginger have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties , making it an excellent addition to your post-workout routine.

Drink 1-2 cups of ginger tea after your workout.

5. Ginger relieves menstrual pain

For women who suffer from menstrual pain , ginger can be a natural alternative to pain relievers.

Studies have shown that ginger capsules are just as effective as regular painkillers. By consuming ginger, you can find natural relief without the side effects of medications.

6. Ginger is rich in vitamins and minerals

Ginger is a true vitamin bomb. It contains large amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B6 , and C , as well as minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc . These nutrients are essential for energy, metabolism, and overall health.

For example, calcium plays a role in bone health, while magnesium is beneficial for your muscles and nerves.

7. Ginger stabilizes your blood sugar levels

Ginger helps increase glucose uptake in your muscles and fat cells, leading to a faster drop in your blood sugar and insulin levels.

8. Ginger curbs your appetite

According to a Columbia University study, drinking ginger juice can reduce your hunger. Subjects who drank ginger powder in warm water every morning felt less hungry than those who didn't. This is because ginger increases nutrient absorption, ensuring your body receives sufficient nutrients and reduces the need for additional food.

How much ginger should you use?

For best results, it is recommended to drink 1-2 grams of fresh ginger or 1-2 cups of ginger tea daily.

For ginger capsules, you can follow the recommended dosage on the packaging, which is usually around 1-2 capsules per day.

Did you know that one capsule of ginger extract (from Goldea Health) is equivalent to the nutrients of 50 cups of ginger tea?

This makes capsules a convenient and powerful way to take advantage of the health benefits of ginger without having to brew a cup of tea every time!

Do you need to peel ginger for tea?

A common question is whether you should peel ginger before using it. The answer is: it depends on your preference! The peel is non-toxic and even contains nutrients, so you can safely eat it. Be sure to wash the ginger thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria. If the ginger is a bit older, peeling or grating it can be beneficial. because the skin is then a bit tougher.

How do you store ginger?

You often don't use a whole ginger root all at once. So, what's the best way to store it? Here are some tips:

Tip 1: In the refrigerator

Ginger root keeps best in the refrigerator. Wrap the ginger in paper towels and place it in a glass container. This way, it will keep for about two to three weeks.

Tip 2: Freeze

For a longer shelf life, you can also freeze ginger. Cut the ginger into bite-sized pieces before placing it in the freezer. This way, you'll always have ginger on hand for your ginger tea or other recipes.

Ginger supplement: a handy option

If you're not a fan of ginger tea or find it difficult to incorporate fresh ginger into your diet, ginger capsules are a good choice.

Because one capsule of ginger extract (from Goldea Health) is equivalent to the nutrients of no less than 50 cups of ginger tea !

This is an easy and effective way to still benefit from the health benefits of ginger.

Contraindications: what should you look out for?

While ginger offers many benefits, it also has some contraindications. If you're taking blood thinners, you should exercise caution, as ginger can affect blood clotting. Furthermore, ginger can increase bile acid secretion, so if you have gallstones or gallbladder problems, it's wise to avoid large amounts of ginger. Always consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Conclusion

Ginger isn't just a flavorful addition to your meals; it's also a powerful superfood: from stimulating your digestion to relieving pain and stabilizing your blood sugar levels, ginger does it all. Whether you choose ginger tea, ginger shots, or a ginger supplement, it's the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle.

Need more inspiration?

Visit our Instagram page or check out our other recipes and blogs for more healthy and tasty ideas.

Source: avogel.nl