What is Ginger? What are its benefits?

Ginger, which adds a unique flavor to dishes, is also widely used in alternative medicine. The use of ginger as a medicine is almost as old as human history. Used frequently, especially during the winter months, ginger is a plant with significant health benefits.

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a plant widely grown in China, reaching up to two meters in height. While not native to Turkey, this plant also goes by other names such as ginger and zingiber. Among the countries where ginger is most commonly grown are India, Australia, and Indonesia. Ginger is rich in nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, magnesium, vitamins C and B, phosphorus, and iron.

What are the benefits of ginger?

Ginger has a different benefit on almost every organ of the body.

These are as follows;

• Benefits for the stomach and digestive system : It reduces stomach bloating and is also beneficial for indigestion. It helps relieve nausea, including pregnancy-related nausea. It helps expel gas from the intestines and stomach, normalizes intestinal function, and prevents diarrhea. It reduces the negative effects of reflux and ulcers. It strengthens intestinal muscles, prevents constipation, and contributes to the elimination of toxins.
• Benefits for the heart and respiratory tract : Lowers harmful cholesterol in the blood and significantly reduces the risk of heart attack. When used in oil form, it helps treat shortness of breath.
• Benefits against infections : Because it strengthens the immune system, it also increases the body's resistance to infections. It has a powerful effect in the treatment of fungal, intestinal, and stomach infections.
• Painkiller : Significantly reduces the severity of all types of pain in the body, including joint pain. It helps treat painful spasms that occur during menstrual periods in women.

Ginger has positive effects on many types of cancer. Its therapeutic effects on colon and ovarian cancers, in particular, have been proven.

How to Consume Ginger?

Ginger is generally used in cooking in small pieces or grated. For health reasons, it is commonly consumed in powder form. It is also frequently used as a paste and in oil and cream form.

Is Ginger Harmful?

As with all herbs, ginger shouldn't be consumed excessively. Experts recommend a maximum of two grams of ginger daily. Due to its blood-thinning properties and its ability to slow blood clotting, it should not be used before surgery. Pregnant women should also limit their ginger intake to a lower level than usual.