Benefits Of Ginger, Uses And Contraindications

In recent decades, research into their health benefits has increased significantly, as many herbs and spices are known to possess properties associated with reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. In particular, some of the potential health benefits of herbs and spices include protection against cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic inflammation, cancer, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, among others.

It is important to understand that spice comes from any part of a plant other than the leaves. If we are talking about ginger, it is a root, with a spicy taste.

This is among a list of the most beneficial species.

Famous in studies

This plant is one of the most studied in medicine. A review by Iran’s University of Medical Sciences found that at least 42 studies related to ginger, nausea, vomiting, and breast cancer appeared between 2012 and 2017.

Its success as an ingredient is said to reduce discomfort, especially in the acute phase of chemotherapy.

Armando Cáceres, a biochemist, explains that among its many medicinal properties, it has been seen that its anti-nausea effect lasts between 6 and 8 hours.

But, that’s not the only thing this plant has been involved in. In May 2019, the University of Alberta in Canada also published a review called Herbs and Spices: biomarkers of intake based on human intervention studies: a systematic review.

In it, she describes that many components with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties have been found in ginger, and it has also been associated with reducing fever and the effects of certain fats in diets, among others.

Its use in Asian cuisine is also due to its carminative effect, which means that it helps reduce gases in the digestive tract, which means that less flatulence and colic are produced, adds Cáceres.

It has also been associated with helping to combat loss of appetite.

Research describes that its flavor and aroma come from its volatile oils (approximately 1 to 3% of the weight of fresh ginger) and its spicy extract.

More about the plant

It is important to understand that culinary herbs and spices have been used as food flavorings and food preservatives for centuries. They have also been used in medical practices since ancient times.

The Canadian university researchers note that while interest in herbs and spices as medicinal agents remains high and their use in foods continues to grow, there are still few in-depth studies that track dietary intake of herbs and spices and even fewer that have tried to find potential food biomarkers. Most studies are done with capsules or extracts and very few with actual foods.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a rhizome or root-based spice derived from the ginger plant and is a relative of turmeric.

It is believed to have originated in India and is widely used as a culinary additive as a warm and fragrant spice. Estuardo Mendoza, a naturopath, explains that it is a food that has also been linked in Chinese folk wisdom as a mood booster and is recommended when a person is low on energy.

There are different recipes for preparing ginger tea, one of the most famous is combining it with honey and lemon. (Photo Prensa Libre: Pixibay). A tea can be prepared by taking a small piece of ginger, cutting it into pieces, and adding it to a liter of water. Let it boil for 10 minutes, then add lemon juice and a head of garlic, and when serving, sweeten it with honey.

A general rule of thumb for this and all foods is to consume it without overdoing it. If you were to consume too much it could cause some stomach discomfort and in some people, it could even cause an allergic skin reaction, although this is a rare condition to encounter, adds Cáceres.

In the kitchen

Pre-ground spices, such as ginger or turmeric, are best stored in a dry, dark, and cool place. So avoid storing them in clear jars.

This ingredient is found in multiple recipes such as sweets, cookies, savory options, and other desserts.

Another way to take it is fermented. Drinking this beverage, known as ginger beer, helps digestion and circulation. It eliminates the feeling of indigestion and acidity.

This option is alcohol-free and is made from the fermentation of sugars and fresh ginger, with a touch of lemon.

Sow it

This is a plant that grows in shady places. You can use any size container as long as it is wide because its roots grow horizontally.

The ginger rhizome is planted, but it must be firm and have some green shoots.

To do this, at least one week before sowing, soak it overnight, put it in a bag, and then wrap it in a cloth. After this time it will begin to germinate.

Place the roots in soil (three parts soil to one part compost). Keep it moist, but not too moist. Water it frequently.

It will take 10 to 12 weeks before you start to see any growth.

Contraindications

According to specialists, there are several contraindications to ginger and they recommend not consuming it if you are in any of the following conditions.

• Diabetes. Taking ginger may increase insulin levels and decrease blood sugar levels, and because of this, general diabetes medications may need to be adjusted by your doctor.
• Treatment for hypertension or with anticoagulants.   Ginger has properties to lower blood pressure and the drugs that are regularly used for this condition are nifedipine, diltiazem, isradipine, or amlodipine, and if taken together with them, it could cause an unwanted drop in blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmia. With anticoagulant medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, ginger has the same effects because it helps slow blood clotting. However, this can enhance the effects of these drugs and increase the likelihood of bleeding and bruising.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The use of ginger during pregnancy is debatable, like any other infusion or vitamin supplement. It is best to consult with your doctor. In addition, according to specialists, they recommend not consuming it when the delivery date is approaching, because the anticoagulant properties of ginger could affect bleeding.