Ginger - Health Benefits
Zingiber Officinale or Ginger is known for its pungent taste and medicinal properties. The plants
botanical name is thought to be derived from its sanskrit name 'singabera'. Basically Ginger belongs to
the Turmeric family. The plant's under ground stem is used for medicine and flavouring. Ginger is a
Ginger is said to have originated in china. The Chinese have relied on ginger as a medicine and
flavouring agent for more than 2000 years. Although a native of southeast Asia the top commercial
producers are India, Jamaica, Indonesia, Australia. Ginger adds a special flavour to the food.
Its available all around the year. Ginger is also available in several other forms including crystallized,
candied and pickled ginger. Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is
left unpeeled. Stored unpeeled in the freezer, it will keep for up to six months. Dried ginger powder
should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Ginger is also used for
flavoring cookies and cakes. Ginger can be freshly grated and used in cooking.
Ginger contains approximately 1-4 % of volatile oils. These oils are responsible for its medicinal
values. The health benefits of ginger come from the gingerols and shogaols, that give ginger its spicy
and pungent taste. Ginger does not interact with any other nutrients or drugs in the body and hence
is very safe.
Ginger is very effective in curing gastrointestinal distress. Ginger's anti-vomiting action has been
shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. The 'Gingerols' present in
ginger reduces the pains in people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger's therapeutic
properties stimulate circulation of the blood, cleansing the bowels and kidneys.
Ginger promotes sweating which is helpful during Influenza. The sweat contains potent germ-fighting
agents. While sweating the Dermicidin that is manufactured in the sweat glands are transported to
the skin surface which helps fight bacteria like staphylococcus. Ginger is the best medicine for
relieving motion sickness, nausea, dizziness, controlling pain etc.,