The benefits and harms of ginger for the human body, medicinal properties and contraindications

In the popular American old story "The Gingerbread Man", the gingerbread man is eaten by a fox. This is evidence that ginger, the benefits and harms of which concern many, has been eaten for a long time.

General information

The plant benefits people, and reviews of the results of use are positive.It has been scientifically proven that the properties of ginger are due to the presence of many vitamins and minerals. Their greatest concentration is located under the skin. When cleaning, it should not be carefully cut, just rinse well and place in cold water for an hour.

Ginger belongs to the Ginger family (lat. Zingiberaceae), along with cardamom and turmeric. It is grown on an industrial scale in countries located in the tropics and subtropics (India, Jamaica, Fiji, Indonesia, Australia).

The rhizome of the plant is eaten fresh, dry, as part of spices, in the form of juice or ginger essential oil. It is used to make tea, seasoning for spicy dishes, dried or candied. Used by some pharmaceutical manufacturers to mask the taste of bitter medicines such as syrups, capsules and lozenges. Helps reduce nausea, pain and inflammation.

Medicinal ginger root

Scientists have proven that the root cures many diseases. The characteristic taste and smell are provided by a number of specific organic compounds. This plant has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is used to prevent bone diseases.

Positive effects of consuming (using) ginger for medicinal purposes:

1. Ginger infusions have been used since ancient times to treat diarrhea as they prevent stomach cramps.
2. Helps with increased gas formation. Relieves unpleasant symptoms and prevents their reappearance.
3. Recognized as a digestive stimulant.
4. Increases sweating, especially when consumed with a hot drink.
5. Fights fungal infections.
6. The plant accelerates tissue regeneration and treats joint pain.

The medicinal properties of ginger may change when dried: the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are enhanced, but the stimulation of digestion is reduced.

Useful properties of ginger

Even in ancient China, the effect of ginger on the human body was noticed. Patients were given powder from this root. Studies have shown that consuming this root daily leads to a reduction in muscle pain after exercise.

Ginger has the following effects on the body:

1. Blood glucose levels above 5.5 mmol/l (fasting) cause the development of unpleasant symptoms, including frequent urination, headaches, severe hunger, disturbances of consciousness, dizziness, and increased thirst. Ginger can help lower blood sugar levels to prevent all side effects.
2. The beneficial properties of ginger include the ability to gently lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
3. Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the brain. The presence of antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory effects are able to maintain human health.

The beneficial effect of ginger on the body is not limited to oral administration for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The root is also used in cosmetology. It is actively used in the fight against pigmentation and is added to various masks and scrubs for the face, body and hair.

Ginger root: harmful to the body

Despite the positive properties of ginger, the root may be harmful to those who suffer from stomach diseases or have gallstones. The product causes the release of bile from the gallbladder, causing stomach discomfort, heartburn and diarrhea.

If you are in any doubt about your health, you should consult your doctor before consuming ginger. This plant is safe in moderation.

Any medical product containing ginger (capsules, syrups) is dangerous due to possible side effects. You should start with the lowest dose and increase it gradually to monitor tolerance to the drug. In rare cases, some people may be allergic to ginger. If alarming symptoms occur (choking, swelling or difficulty breathing), stop use immediately and consult a doctor.

The benefits and harms of pickled ginger and candied fruits

Ginger is consumed unprocessed (raw) and pickled. Pickling Facts:

1. The main purpose of this seasoning is to facilitate the digestion of fatty foods.
2. In case of exacerbations of peptic ulcer disease or pancreatitis, it is better not to use it.
3. If pickled ginger is consumed in large quantities, unpleasant symptoms may also occur in people with a healthy digestive system.

Ginger with sugar cannot be considered healthy:

1. Like other sweets, candied fruits from this root are not the best thing to eat if you have problems with excess weight. A healthy diet should include no more than 6 tsp. sugar every day for women and 9 tsp. for men.
2. Just 100 g of candied ginger contains 19 tsp. - more than the daily norm.
3. Although candied fruits are not the best food, you can get no more than 16% of your daily iron requirement from them.

Candied ginger can be added to the diet occasionally, but this product is not for daily use. The properties of ginger in sugar are not the same as those of the fresh plant.

The benefits and harms of ginger tea

Ginger tea is effective for colds, especially in combination with agents that stimulate the nervous system: cayenne pepper, garlic, lemon juice, honey. This plant relieves respiratory symptoms associated with allergies. Important and beneficial qualities of ginger are restoring blood circulation and reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.

It is important to remember that the harmful and dangerous properties of ginger tea may appear. For example, if you have a fever, this drink is not recommended because it can cause a rise in temperature. Another side effect of ginger tea is that it causes trouble sleeping. It is better not to drink it at night, as the root has a tonic effect on the body.

Useful properties and contraindications of ginger for women

Scientists have found that ginger extract in middle-aged women can protect against brain aging, enhance cognitive abilities and help improve cognitive function and attention.

Ginger helps reduce the level of prostaglandins in the body, which means it helps in relieving menstrual cramps. Research shows that the plant reduces the intensity and duration of painful spasms. Ginger is effective in treating nausea and seasickness; it is recommended to take it during chemotherapy to reduce the risk of side effects.

Features of use for pregnant women and women with children:

1. During the first trimester of pregnancy it eliminates toxicosis.
2. At a later date, you need to remember about the possible harm of ginger. It can cause spontaneous abortion or premature birth, and lead to other complications.
3. Mothers who have lost a lot of blood during childbirth should refrain from taking ginger products.
4. During lactation, women should be careful because the use of the plant may cause anxiety in the child and problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Useful properties and contraindications of ginger for men

Many people believe that ginger root can be used as an aphrodisiac. It enhances sexual activity and helps increase blood circulation. The rhizome contains useful microelements involved in the synthesis of male hormones responsible for sperm quality.

Essential amino acids and vitamins speed up metabolism and improve the functioning of the prostate gland. For prostate cancer, the components of essential oils gingerol and shogaol suppress the growth of tumor cells without having a negative effect on healthy tissue.

You need to remember the harmful properties of ginger if you have the following diseases:

• malignant neoplasms;
• gastritis;
• cholelithiasis;
• prostatitis in acute or chronic form;
• prostate diseases;
• frequent bleeding.

Any ailment, including erectile dysfunction in men and prostatitis, can be treated with ginger root only after consulting a doctor. Constant use of the plant in the treatment of certain problems and consumption can negatively affect the human condition, because the plant can have a negative effect on organs and systems, and individual intolerance to some of the components included in its composition may develop.

How to eat ginger: recipes for health

The safe dose of the product is from 250 mg to 1 g, the frequency of administration is 3-4 times a day.Exceeding this dose can lead to the fact that the benefits of ginger are lost, and the harm from taking the root increases.

Dosage of ginger root per day, taking into account age and condition:

• for children from 2 to 6 years old, no more than 2 mg;
• for adults no more than 4 g;
• for pregnant women no more than 1 g.

Ginger-honey food supplement is very popular. You should not put a lot of herbs and spices so that it can be consumed daily.

Ingredients:

• a small piece of fresh ginger root about 3 cm long (washed thoroughly);
• 2 glasses of water (filtered);
• 1 tsp. rosemary (optional) and other spices to taste;
• 1 tsp. honey (optional, for flavor).

Cut the root into 5-6 parts, add water to the pan and bring to a boil, add rosemary and other spices. At least 10 minutes should pass from the beginning of the boil, the water will become dark and will have a rich ginger smell. After removing from the heat, the mixture should be cooled for 1-2 minutes.

You can take ginger and honey as a bite with tea. To do this, mix 200 g of fresh root with 200 g of honey and two lemons. No heat treatment is required; the mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 weeks.

Several ways to use the root:

1. With hot tea in autumn and winter. Add a piece of root to black or green tea.
2. With hot creamy soups and Japanese dishes.
3. With fish. For example, with baked tilapia with the addition of cilantro.
4. With meat.
5. With pastries and desserts. For example, with gingerbread or pumpkin pie.

How to store ginger root?

The beneficial properties of fresh ginger last for several weeks. If you have no choice, then you can purchase dried powder.It should not be light gray in color, but only sandy, light yellow, in a secure sealed package.

What you need to do to get the maximum benefit from the plant:

1. Buy root of excellent quality without damage or unpleasant odor. You need to choose dense, smooth, fresh roots. Preference should be given to light and shiny roots, since dark ones have fewer nutrients.
2. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 3 weeks. It is better to purchase more often than to buy a large quantity and eat a plant that loses its properties over time.
3. When chopping, it is better not to use a wooden cutting board, which absorbs the juice; it is better to use a grater. It helps get rid of hard veins located in the root.
4. The remaining piece after use can be poured with vodka or sherry so that the alcohol completely covers it. Can be added to tea or diluted with water and drunk to strengthen the immune system.
5. You can store frozen product in the refrigerator for a year. The root does not lose its properties.
6. To have a fresh plant all year round, you can plant the root in a small pot and place it on the windowsill.

The benefits and harms of ginger depend mainly on the condition of the body. If you have any diseases, it is better not to take risks and consult a doctor. You need to know that the plant can bring benefits and harm. It all depends on the method of use, whether there is an allergy to the components of the plant and what quality the root is.