Ginger has maintained a distinct identity for centuries due to its warm and spicy taste. Ginger is a common spice found in the kitchen of every household. Ginger is used to enhance the taste of tea and to enhance the taste of delicious dishes like gingerbread, cookies and cakes. This spice is also loved for its unique taste and powerful health benefits. By eating ginger, we can avoid many diseases because it contains abundant bioactive compounds. But you will be surprised to know that if you consume ginger in a quantity, then it is beneficial for our body. But excessive consumption of ginger can have a bad effect on your health. What effect does eating this powerful spice have on our health. In this article we will know about the benefits and disadvantages of eating ginger?
What are the benefits of eating ginger?
Aids digestion
Eating ginger increases the digestive capacity of our body. Ginger helps stimulate the production of digestive enzymes which help our body to digest food. Adding fresh ginger to your diet can make a big difference in your digestive health.
Fights inflammation
Ginger contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called gingerol. Regular consumption of ginger helps reduce pain in chronic inflammation such as arthritis and osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Increases immunity
The antioxidant properties of ginger help boost the immune system. Compounds such as gingerol, shogaol and paradol present in ginger have been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to which it helps our body to fight infections. Including ginger in your diet helps your body to avoid cold, flu and other diseases.
Manages blood sugar levels
Ginger also helps control blood sugar levels. It is especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that ginger can improve insulin sensitivity and also help lower blood sugar levels.
Healthy Heart
Ginger has a positive effect on heart health. It helps lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots. It also helps reduce the risk of heart stroke.
Reduces menstrual pain
Women have to go through a lot of pain during menstruation. If you consume ginger at the beginning of menstruation, it will work like a medicine in reducing your menstrual pain. Ginger can be a natural remedy for menstrual problems.
How can you include ginger in your diet?
Fresh ginger: You can add fresh ginger to your food by peeling and chopping it or grating it.
Ginger tea: You can add fresh ginger to your tea. You can also use honey and lemon to enhance the taste of the tea.
Smoothies: You can spice up your smoothie in the morning by adding a small piece of fresh ginger to it.
Ginger powder: You can use ginger powder while baking cakes, cookies and breads.
What happens when you eat too much ginger?
Digestive problems
Heartburn and acid reflux: If you eat ginger in excess it can increase the acid in your stomach which increases the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.
Diarrhea: Consuming ginger in excess increases the movement of food and liquids in your intestines. Due to which you may get diarrhea.
blood thinners
Although ginger has natural blood thinning properties which are beneficial for heart health. But eating ginger in excess increases the risk of bleeding in the body.
skin problem
Some people also develop skin related diseases due to excessive consumption of ginger.
What are the potential health risks of eating excessive amounts of ginger?
If you use diabetes and blood pressure medicines, then consuming ginger in excess can have adverse effects on you.
Pregnant women are often advised to consume ginger in limited quantities. Because consuming ginger in excess can increase the risk of miscarriage
How much ginger is too much for your body?
4 grams of ginger per day is sufficient for a healthy person. This includes all sources – fresh, dried, powdered and supplements. On the other hand for a pregnant woman, about 1 gram of ginger per day is generally sufficient. If you are allergic to ginger or are unsure about the right amount, you can consult a doctor.
