Ginger is much more than just a part of gingerbread. It’s also an important part of traditional Indian and Chinese cuisine and has spread throughout the world as a spice for sweet and savory foods. Many people add ginger to water and tea to add spice and nutrients to these drinks. Ginger water has also commonly been included in folk remedies for conditions like bloating and upset stomachs.
Ginger is technically an herb, though the root is the most commonly eaten part of the plant. The root can be ground into powder or sliced, and it can be used dry, pickled, or fresh. Regardless of how your ginger is prepared, ginger water can offer some useful health benefits.
Health Benefits
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in ginger water offer significant health benefits. For example, ginger is full of choline, which is an important building block of neurotransmitters that help your brain and nerves fire. Your body needs choline to help support your metabolism, your mood, and your muscles function.
Other health benefits of ginger water include:
May Relieve Nausea
Ginger has been used as a remedy for nausea and indigestion for centuries, and recently scientific studies have shown this to be one folk remedy that actually works. A review of current research has shown that consuming between one and two grams of ginger can help reduce symptoms of nausea. While research is still being done on other types of stomach problems, ginger water is likely a safe and effective way to feel better after an upset stomach.
May Reduce Inflammation
There are a number of causes of inflammation, including mild allergic reactions and serious exertion. Initial studies on ginger have shown that it may help reduce inflammation from both of these causes.
One study has demonstrated that ginger extracts may help reduce allergy symptoms, though more studies need to be done to confirm these findings. Another small trial has suggested that consuming ginger could help reduce muscle pain after heavy exercise.
May Lower Cholesterol Levels
High levels of cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of health problems like heart disease and stroke, especially “bad” LDL cholesterol. Some studies suggest that adding ginger to your diet can help reduce not only LDL cholesterol but also total cholesterol and triglycerides. This could help you lower your risk of heart problems and other cholesterol-related health issues.
Nutrition
Ginger water is full of antioxidants, which play an important role in helping your body handle free radicals, lowering your risk of health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Ginger water is also rich in the mineral potassium. This mineral is important for your heart, muscles, bones, and metabolism, because it helps your cells handle salt. A lack of potassium is linked to heart problems and high blood pressure.
Source: www.webmd.com
