The
health
Benefits
of
Ginger
Ginger
(Zingiber
officinale)
has
been
prized
for
centuries
for
its
benefits
to
human
health
and
well-‐being.
Ginger
originated
in
Asia,
and
was
u sed
widely
as
both
a
culinary
and
a
medicinal
herb
in
not
only
Asian
but
Indian
and
Arabic
traditions
as
well.
The
plant
is
famous
for
its
concentrated,
spicy
aroma,
which
can
be
attributed
to
the
fact
that
it
is
composed
of
up
to
3%
natural
essential
oils.
The
important
active
components
of
the
ginger
root
are
thought
to
be
these
volatile
oils
and
pungent
phenol
compounds
(such
as
gingerols
and
shogaols).
The
top
10
health
benefits
attributed
to
this
multi
functional
root:
1. Ginger
has
carminative
properties
(anti
spasm)
and
can
be
used
to
calm
in
upset
stomach,
providing
relief
for
the
relief
of
bloating
and
gas.
2. The
intake
of
ginger
helps
stimulate
the
secretion
of
mucus,
quieting
your
cough
and
soothing
any
scratchiness
in
your
throat.
3. Ginger
has
been
proven
(in
multiple
studies)
to
treat
feelings
of
nausea,
particularly
in
the
form
of
seasickness,
morning
sickness,
motion
sickness
and
as
a
side
effect
of
chemotherapy.
4. Ginger
contains
anti
viral,
anti
toxic,
and
anti
fungal
properties,
and
is
used
for
the
prevention
of
and
treatment
against
the
common
cold.
5. Ginger
acts
as
an
antihistamine
and
aids
in
the
treatment
of
allergies.
6. Ginger
displays
anti-‐inflammatory
properties
and
can
be
used
to
treat
rheumatoid
arthritis,
osteoarthritis,
and
various
other
muscular
disorders.
The
chemical
components
of
the
root
are
instrumental
in
inhibiting
the
biosynthesis
of
prostaglandins,
which
are
responsible
for
causing
inflammation.
Thus
the
root
has
proven
to
be
a
highly
effective
form
of
treatment,
in
some
cases,
even
more
so
than
the
NSAID's
that
are
traditionally
prescribed.
7. Ginger
contains
special
enzymes
responsible
for
catalysing
the
proteins
in
your
food,
thus
aiding
in
digestion
and
the
prevention
of
cramps.
The
ancient
Greeks
used
to
eat
ginger
after
a
large
meal
in
order
to
ease
the
digestion
process.
8. Due
to
its
promotion
of
mucus
secretion,
ginger
protects
against
the
development
of
ulcers,
unwanted
holes
in
the
lining
of
your
stomach.
9. Ginger
has
proven
to
help
lower
your
cholesterol
levels
and
prevent
the
formation
of
blood
clots.
10. Ginger
is
often
used
to
settle
an
upset
stomach
or
treat
severe
stomach
ailments
such
as
d yspepsia
or
colic.
It
is
frequently
used
today
in
developing
countries
to
treat
diarrhea.
A
great
way
to
incorporate
ginger
into
your
daily
life
is
to
make
your
own
ginger
tea
or
add
it
to
a
pot
of
loose
leaf
green
tea,
add
it
to
soups,
stir-‐fries
or
get
creative
with
some
ginger
recipes!
Phone: 02 9371 3000 | 655 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay NSW 2029 | www.o2studio.com.au
