7 Health Benefits of Ginger

The benefits of ginger for health are mainly to aid in weight loss by accelerating metabolism, and relax the gastrointestinal system thus preventing nausea and vomiting. However, ginger also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, aiding in the prevention of diseases such as colorectal cancer and stomach ulcers.

Ginger is a root that can be used in tea or grated, which can be added to water, juices, rice or salads. Below is a list of 6 benefits of this food.

1. Auxiliary in Weight Loss

Ginger favors weight loss because it acts by accelerating the metabolism and stimulating the process to burn body fat. The 6-gingerol and 8-gingerol compounds, present in this root, act by increasing heat and sweat production, which also helps with weight loss and prevents weight gain.

2. Fights Heartburn and Intestinal Gas

Ginger is widely used to combat heartburn and intestinal gas, and must be consumed mainly in the form of tea to obtain that benefit. The tea must be made in the proportion of 1 tbsp of ginger for 1 cup of water, this being the ideal proportion so that 4 cups of tea are ingested throughout the day and thus obtain improvement of intestinal symptoms.

3. Acts as an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory

Ginger has antioxidant action in the body, acting in the prevention of diseases such as flu, colds, dizziness, cancer and early aging. In addition to this, it also has anti-inflammatory action, improving the symptoms of arthritis, headache, muscle pain and respiratory diseases such as cough, asthma and bronchitis.

4. Improves Nausea and Vomiting

Ginger helps reduce nausea and vomiting that occur frequently during pregnancy, chemotherapy treatments or in the first few days after surgery. The improvement of these symptoms is obtained after 4 days of consumption of 0.5g of ginger, which is equivalent to about ½ tsp of ginger zest that should be ingested preferably in the morning.

5. Protects the Stomach Against Ulcers

Ginger helps protect the stomach against ulcers because it helps fight the H. pylori bacteria , the main cause of gastritis and stomach ulcers. In addition to this, ginger also prevents the onset of stomach cancer, which in most cases is associated with alterations in the cells caused by the ulcer.

6. Prevents Colorectal Cancer

Ginger also acts in the prevention of colorectal cancer, since it has a substance called 6-gingerol, which prevents the development and proliferation of cancer cells in that region of the intestine.

7. Regulates Blood Pressure

Because of its ability to adapt in the body, ginger can regulate pressure in people who have high blood pressure. This can happen because it acts by inhibiting the formation of fat plaques in the vessels, increasing their elasticity and promoting circulation. In addition, it is able to make the blood more "liquid", making it more fluid, improving its circulation through the body.

When Ginger Should not be Consumed

Ginger should be consumed under the guidance of a nutritionist, as consumption in excessive amounts can cause hypoglycemia in diabetic people or hypotension in people who are hypertensive.

In addition, people who take anticoagulants, such as aspirin or warfarin for example, should not consume ginger because it can enhance the effect of the medication and cause discomfort and bleeding. Ginger consumption during pregnancy should be guided by the obstetrician or nutritionist.