The Health Benefits of Ginger

Fresh herbs and spices that come from the plants of the earth - a hallmark of a primarily raw diet plant-based diet - have a number of medicinal properties. Since the civilization of the Roman Empire during the time of Jesus, these dietary condiments have been used to remedy a number of different ailments, according to Dr. Axe's natural health source. Today, the dietary condiment most used around the world is ginger. Sourced from the rhizomes of the plant, ginger comes from the same family as cardamom and turmeric, both of which have a number of health benefits as well. Though ginger root has more than 100 chemical components, gingerols are what give ginger its exceptionally beneficial properties. As Dr. Axe explained, the oily gingerols are anti-inflammatory and also works as antioxidants. The positive health outcomes that result from incorporating ginger into your daily diet have been backed by much research and review. Here are a few ways ginger can improve your overall lifestyle: Aids With Digestion and Nausea If you are someone who experiences regular complications or discomfort when it comes to digestion, consider incorporating ginger into your diet. Doing so can help alleviate gas and bloating. Assisting in relieving gastrointestinal irritation are the phenolic compounds found within the root, explained Medical News Today. As the body goes through the digestion process of breaking down food, these compounds can help to curb gastric contractions. One of ginger's most common uses is reducing feelings of nausea. Ginger pills are regularly taken for motion sickness and raw ginger or ginger tea is often prescribed for pregnant women and those going through chemotherapy, noted Medical News Today. Naturally Cleanses the Liver As the biggest gland in the body, the liver has a number of responsibilities. Though it is capable of numerous functions, this also makes the liver quite prone to disease and as such, it is crucial to ensure that it goes through a natural detox, according to our experts at Hallelujah Diet. The natural heat of ginger helps the digestive system by enhancing metabolism and circulation, as well as boosting secretions. Our Hallelujah Diet experts explained that a study of animals taking ginger demonstrated increased amounts of antioxidant enzymes in the bloodstream among subjects that consumed the herb. At the same time, free radical damage was shown to decrease. Based on these two discoveries, ginger is thought to reduce, or mend, damage to the liver. By incorporating ginger into your daily diet to naturally cleanse the liver, you can ensure this large gland continues to do its job of storing iron and vitamins, creating bile needed to digest fats, destroying old red blood cells and breaking down hemoglobin, among other things. Reduces Inflammation and Pain As mentioned above, ginger contains gingerols, which are strong anti-inflammatory agents. Essentially, gingerols become chemical messengers of the immune system and thus, when consumed on a regular basis, have been known to help alleviate pain among those with arthritis, explained BBC Good Food. Those living with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis who consume forms of ginger root often also reported improved mobility. If you or a loved one is living with consistent inflammation or constant pain, consider having a daily cup of Iced Ginger Mint Green Tea with our Hallelujah Diet recipe. Protects Against the Common Cold As a diaphoretic, ginger naturally warms up the body from the inside causing those who consume it to sweat, explained Medical News Today. For this reason, it can help eliminate toxins that have built up within the organs. While sipping a warm cup of ginger tea helps you feel good when living with a cold or the flu, its benefits include boosting your body's immunity, so you can fight back to get rid of that cough even sooner. Fights Heart Disease Ginger is known to keep blood sugar at a healthy level as well as bring down cholesterol numbers, noted Medical News Today. And as Dr. Axe explained, properties in ginger can help reduce blood clotting, meaning that it also works to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Ginger works especially well in fighting against stroke and heart attacks when consumed with other heart-healthy superfoods such as garlic and onion. He recommended several means of incorporating ginger into your daily life. Consuming ginger raw is a great way to absorb all of its benefits though some people refer to blend it into their vegetable juice or smoothies. The option with the highest levels of gingerol is essential ginger oil, which can be taken internally via medicine or rubbed on an area of pain or discomfort. Ground ginger powder is great for cooking or adding to smoothies and as mentioned above, sipping ginger tea is a great way to soothe nausea or discomfort. No matter how you choose to incorporate ginger into your primarily raw, plant-based diet, it will pay off in a number of ways.