Ginger has been long considered nature's gift to humanity. Being a nutritional as well as flavorful spice, ginger has taken up a prime place among other spices and earned itself the title of 'superfood.'
Real ginger extract has a sea of benefits for both the body and the brain with its abundance in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Traditionally, ginger has been used to improve digestion, curb nausea, and relieve the flu and common cold.
Why Ginger Extract is a Superfood?
Let us explore some of these research-backed benefits real ginger extract can bring to our lives.
- Gingerol
Have you ever smelled fresh ginger or wondered where that strong taste comes from in your food? It is highly likely it is the work of real ginger extract. The distinct and overpowering flavour and fragrance of ginger are rooted in the natural oils within.
One of the most significant of these natural oils is gingerol. It carries immense medicinal power being the main bioactive compound found in ginger. Gingerol delivers excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Treat Nausea, Specifically Morning Sickness
I am sure most of you have heard this one. Ginger is an effective deterrent to nausea. For the longest time, ginger has been utilized to treat seasickness. Its effects are so fruitful that it has often been preferred over-prescribed medication (in some instances).
To curb nausea, ginger has also helped after surgery. It has even helped cancer patients going through chemotherapy. However, ginger is best known to help pregnant women with nausea (the 'morning sickness' kind).
If you are a little skeptical about any adverse effects that ingesting ginger may cause, be assured that it is considered safe. However, if you still have doubts, pregnant women should consult their doctor before planning on consuming ginger multiple times a day.
- Say No To Muscle Pain And Tenderness
The day after you go through an intense workout is the day you can't walk or function straight. Your body needs to rest. All those sore muscles and fatigue is the result of exercise. Ginger has been known to relieve such type of muscle pain through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Eat 2 grams of real ginger extract consistently, and you will see the results!
- Osteoarthritis
To all those suffering from osteoarthritis, real ginger extract might help your joints feel better.
Osteoarthritis is a disease that involves the degeneration of the joints. This can cause the joints to become weak, resulting in joint pain and restriction of movement.
According to studies, real ginger extract worked wonders on osteoarthritis patients. Consuming it helped reduce joint pain, which led to the need to take medication going down.
Also, topically applying a paste made with ginger, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil also helps relieve the pain.
- Blood Sugar Levels and Heart Disease Risk
This may come as a weird surprise to certain readers, since it is newly discovered, but ginger has shown anti-diabetic properties. 2 grams of real ginger extract a day can bring down blood sugar levels by 12% and HbA1c by 10%.
Ginger extract can also reduce the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio by 28% and markers for oxidized lipoproteins by 23%. Being major risk factors of heart diseases, a reduction in such factors, by using ginger extract, can ensure a healthy heart.
- Chronic Indigestion
Indigestion is a widespread and challenging medical condition. The significant onset of indigestion is a result of delayed passing of stool. This creates pangs of pain and constant discomfort in the upper area of the stomach.
Good news for all those who tend to suffer from cycles of indigestion! Real ginger extract yet again has a solution. 1.2 grams of ginger extract before a meal or snack can speed up the process of passing stool by 50%. How crazy is that?
- Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps can be really hard on you. But don't let them bring you down!
Real ginger extract has been a long-used remedy to neutralize menstrual pain. It has been known to be as effective as any other pain-relieving drugs like mefenamic acid or ibuprofen in some instances.
Bottom Line
Ginger is a valuable spice for the medicinal world. Incorporating real ginger extract in your regular meals can save you from medical conditions you might not have thought of! It really is a superfood we can all easily add to our eating habits.
