Osteoarthritis, headaches, digestive disorders … This rhizome originating in India (and cultivated in France near Montpellier) does us good from head to toe, or almost.
If it has long been considered a powerful aphrodisiac (which has never been scientifically proven), it is undoubtedly thanks to its stimulating effect on blood circulation (it is a vasodilator), which provides a gentle sensation of body heat: it is moreover especially an excellent food of the winter, in infusion with lemon, of the cinnamon or cardamom and honey, for example, to give yourself a boost! But if we cannot count on an effect on the libido other than placebo, this rhizome has many other health benefits: it is particularly considered an excellent anti-fatigue (during convalescence for example), reduces the level of blood sugar (glycemia) and effectively relieves both migraine that colds and sore throat. In Chinese medicine, ginger has the effect of “warming up” the adrenal glands, which are at the heart of energy processes by making cortisol involved in general fitness and vitality.
The ally of the digestive system
The active substances in ginger are also beneficial for the abdomen: they facilitate the digestion (by stimulating certain enzymes and the production of bile), fight against constipation and abdominal cramps, and reduce gas. In addition, its anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties have been validated by a large number of medical studies. This action is exerted against the morning sickness of the pregnant woman, but also against the travel sickness and above all, against the violent nausea caused by certain treatment chemotherapy cancer, and sometimes prevent the patient from eating properly.
An outstanding anti-inflammatory
The gingerols present in the rhizome (which give it this characteristic pungent odor and have antioxidant properties) have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, comparable to that of the latest generation drugs. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over the past twenty years, several scientific studies have shown that ginger really helps reduce pain inarthritis orrheumatoid arthritis and without unpleasant side effects, provided you consume it regularly. Ginger would also exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the intestine, and could, according to a study carried out by researchers from Michigan in 2011, be as such a preventive agent anticancer colorectal. Moreover, a study published in 2011 in the “British Journal of Nutrition” established that ginger (in high doses) would even be able to stop, in vitro, the development of certain cancer cells (from breast, of the prostate and cervix) and even cause their “suicide” (apoptosis). We do not have any studies carried out in humans on this subject, but in any case, in view of all these benefits, we can put ginger on the menu as often as desired without being afraid of overdose!
Its health benefits
- Antioxidant (like manyspices), it fights against free radicals … and this activity persists, and even increases, after cooking!
- Digestive, ginger is the asset of bellies in good shape (and flat!), and effectively calms the nausea. It is a gentle and daily aid against constipation.
- Whiplash. Slip fresh ginger into your drinks and herbal teas. The effect is immediate!
- Anti-inflammatory, he fights against pain osteoarthritis and D’rheumatoid arthritis
- Anticancer, if its virtues are not demonstrated in humans, they have been in the laboratory and suggest new therapies.
- His CV 81.6 Cal / 100g (of raw ginger) • Fat 0.78g • Carbohydrate 15.8g • Protein 1.85g • Fiber 2g
Read also:
- Ginger root feel good
- Put the ginger in all the sauces
- How to enjoy Ayurvedic cuisine
