Why ginger is needed: useful properties, recipes and contraindications

Have you heard that ginger is the king of spices? Indeed, in rare cuisine there is no such spice. And everyone probably tasted delicious ginger tea. This plant has been known to mankind for more than 3000 years. It is used not only as a seasoning, but also in a fresh, candied, pickled form.

Why ginger in terms of health benefits? There is no single answer. The plant has a whole set of useful properties. Moreover, it is considered one of the most healing, useful in the world.

In the article we will analyze specifically what the benefits of ginger for the body, in what diseases and conditions it should be used. We will get acquainted with contraindications. And also we will analyze recipes with its inclusion, known for their effectiveness.

What is this plant?

What is ginger for? First of all, the plant is used as a universal seasoning. It is made from dried and ground roots. But there are many other ways to use it. In particular, there is ginger in recipes for health (we will consider them later).

This is a perennial herb. Its "official" name in Latin is Zingiber. It features erect stems, somewhat reminiscent of reeds. It grows in height of 1.5-2 meters. Ginger flowers are collected in a kind of spike-shaped inflorescences. Their shade ranges from golden, yellowish to brown. Ginger rhizomes are fleshy, divided into separate finger-shaped, rounded processes.

The plant is native to Southeast Asia. Why ginger is needed, local residents of those lands learned thousands of years ago. The plant prefers tropical and subtropical zones. In relation to the agroclimatic environment, ginger is undemanding. However, it is recommended to grow it at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level. Ginger also prefers loamy soils with minimal humus content.

The plant reproduces with the help of rhizomes. Harvesting - once a year.

What does it contain?

Spicy taste of the rhizome of the plant is given by zingeron, shoagol, gingerol. The latter substance is effective for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

The plant contains the following:

• Starch and fats.
• Vitamins A, B1, B2, C.
• Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, magnesium.
• Felandrin, cineole, citral, borneol, gingerol, camphin, essential oils.
• Amino acids: lysine, phenylalanine, methionine.

How to eat ginger?

The most common use is as a universal seasoning, powder from crushed rhizomes. How to eat ginger yet? In pickled, candied form. In supermarkets you can find fresh rhizomes. Grinding them, you can make delicious tea. Dried, ground roots are sold.

There is also a dry plant extract for making ginger beer. In pharmacies and specialty stores it is possible to find ginger essential oils.

Ten useful properties

What is the use of ginger for the body? Ten of its main useful properties stand out:

1. Prevention of various forms of cancer, cancer.
2. Prevention of diabetes, lowering the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
3. The general tonic effect on the body.
4. Strengthening potency, increased sex drive.
5. Maintaining the health of both the heart and the vascular system.
6. Removal of toxins from the body, the fight against infections of fungal origin.
7. Mobilization of the immune system to fight infectious and colds.
8. Normalization of cerebral circulation, which helps to focus attention, improve memory, brain function.
9. Natural antibiotic against various pathogenic bacteria.
10. Acceleration of metabolism in the body. It contributes to the rapid burning of calories, which makes ginger an assistant for those who want to lose weight.

Plant application

What is ginger for? First of all, as a universal seasoning, giving the dishes a peculiar pungent taste. But it is no less important for health. The healing properties of ginger in the treatment and prevention of many diseases and conditions have been verified by centuries of experience. Its beneficial effects on vital body systems cannot be overestimated.

We analyze the useful properties, contraindications of ginger for men, women, children. Here in what cases its use will be useful:

• Colds, infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract (SARS, flu), sore throat. Ginger for pharyngitis is indicated because of its anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, warming properties.
• Bronchitis. We can not say about recipes with ginger for coughing. Rhizomes of the plant are finely chopped, brewed. Drink drink moderately hot. It helps to get rid of cough more effectively.
• Normalization of the digestive system. Here the properties of ginger are due to its stimulating, warming effect. Dishes with ginger normalize appetite, stimulate the production of gastric juice, which is why they are used for indigestion, painful belching, heartburn. Ginger diets also make it easier for peptic ulcers. The plant has a slight laxative effect.
• Allergic diseases, skin rashes, bronchial asthma. Such evidence is justified by the fact that ginger neutralizes many poisons, fights against pathogens of fungal diseases.
• Maintaining and strengthening the immune forces. Due to the fact that the plant is a strong natural antioxidant, it allows you to extend the youth of the body.
• Improving cerebral circulation, a positive effect on memory.
• Strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Ginger helps them stay supple for as long as possible.
• Hypertension. The use of ginger for hypertension is alarming for many. Is it possible or not to use it? It all depends on the individual case - consultation with your doctor is mandatory in any case.
• Atherosclerosis is a decrease in cholesterol. Scientific studies have confirmed that ginger extract reduces the content of "bad" cholesterol in blood plasma. This inhibits the oxidation of LDL. Which ultimately inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis.
• Fighting overweight. How to lose weight with ginger is interesting to many aspiring to a slim figure. This plant accelerates metabolic processes in the body, and also stimulates increased burning of excess calories.
• Gynecological problems. Ginger is useful, for example, in the treatment of infertility. In addition, it is known that it improves potency, helps to make an intimate life more vibrant.
• Pregnancy. If a pregnant woman regularly consumes ginger, then this will make toxicosis less painful - nausea and weakness will be eliminated. But in this case, the plant should be used very carefully and only after consultation with your doctor.
• Arthritis, arthrosis, joint diseases. In addition to these cases, ginger is also indicated for dislocations, sprains, rheumatism. First of all, due to its analgesic effect.
• Oncological diseases. Here, ginger is one of the most effective preventative measures.
• Dental problems. Here ginger will be effective for freshening the breath, as well as improving the condition of the gums. It's all about the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. Just chew a piece of ginger.
• Skin problems. The plant improves the condition of the skin, relieves irritation, helps restore skin elasticity.
• Cosmetology. Here, ginger is often used in aromatherapy. It is a fragrance for a number of cosmetic preparations.
• Endocrine problems. The plant stimulates the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Psychological problems. Another healing property of universal ginger is the normalization of mood. It also helps to quickly return to a stable state after strong physical or mental stress.

Contraindications

In the article we analyze the useful properties, contraindications to ginger for men, children, women. In addition to benefits, this plant is capable of causing harm to the body. If you use it for certain diseases and conditions.

Ginger for gout. Is it possible or not to eat this plant? Mandatory consultation with your doctor. After all, everyone has an individual course of the disease. We will list the most common contraindications:

• Pregnancy. In particular, the use of ginger is completely contraindicated in the last stages of gestation. Its properties tone the muscles of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage.
• Lactation. Ginger is a hot seasoning that significantly impairs the taste of milk. It can also cause allergies in the newborn.
• The acute form of a stomach ulcer.
• Ulcerative nonspecific colitis.
• Diverticulitis.
• Diverticulosis
• Formations of gallstones.
• Food reflux.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Side effect

How does ginger affect pressure? Let's get acquainted with the side effects of using the product:

• In particular, studies by American scientists have confirmed that this plant reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. How does ginger affect blood pressure? It can lead to an increase in blood pressure, as the effects of your usual medicines will be weakened.
• Do not use ginger in large quantities for people with an impaired heart cycle. It also reduces the effectiveness of drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors.
• But at the same time, ginger can increase the effectiveness of drugs that prevent blood coagulation, drugs prescribed for "sugar disease". Therefore, the combination of ginger and lemon in diabetes helps to improve the patient's condition.

In the case when you use ginger is not standardized, you may also be persecuted with signs of food poisoning by this product: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, allergic skin reactions. In this case, the use of the product should be stopped immediately.

Popular recipes

Many people wonder how to cook ginger for colds. Next, we will introduce you to the most popular recipes. Of course, it is worth remembering that ginger is used only as an adjunct, but not the main therapy:

• Colds, sore throats, gum disease. A small piece of the rhizome of the plant is cut off and peeled. Put it in your mouth, dissolve lightly. As soon as you stop feeling the tingling of the tongue, a slight burning sensation, ginger needs to be bitten.
• Toothache. It is also worth cutting a piece of the plant, peeling its skin. Attach to a diseased tooth. Essential oils will not only help reduce pain, but also destroy bacteria in the oral cavity.
• Pain of various origins - headache, muscle. Grate either fresh or dried ginger on a grater. Dilute the chips with water until pasty. This mass must be applied to the affected area on the body.
• Rheumatism. 2 tablespoons of dry ginger powder are mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of hot red pepper and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Dilute with water to a pasty state. Next, the mass is wrapped in gauze and applied to a sore spot.
• Improving overall well-being. After a busy day, a ginger bath will quickly regain your strength. It will help your muscles relax, relieve pain. For two liters of water, add 2-3 tablespoons of ginger powder. Boil the broth for 10 minutes. Strain it and add to the bath.
• Losing weight. To reduce weight, teas, drinks and elixirs with ginger root are effective. The simplest and most common means here are teas. It is possible to cook them at home by simply brewing a fresh root of the plant.
• Bowel disorder. Take natural yogurt without flavors and colorings. Dilute 1/2 cup of water. Add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and nutmeg to the resulting mixture. Stir well and drink the mixture.
• Skin rashes, boils. It requires external use of ginger. Take 1/2 teaspoon of ginger and turmeric powder. Dilute to paste with water, apply to the affected area of ​​the skin.
• Hemorrhoids. One pinch of ginger powder is mixed with 1 teaspoon of aloe juice. Take this composition twice a day.

Ginger tea

Of course, you can not do without a recipe for delicious ginger tea. It will not only help you discover a new delicious taste, but it is also very effective in a number of diseases and conditions:

• Mood optimization.
• Recovery of strength after mental and physical exertion.
• Beneficial effect on the digestive and vascular system.
• Cleansing the body of toxins.
• Means for colds and infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
• Metabolism stimulation, means for normalization, weight loss.

You will need a few ingredients:

• 1 liter of water.
• 3 tbsp. tablespoons of ginger - finely grated fresh root or chopped dry. As for the latter option, it needs to be added slightly less, since it is more concentrated.
• To taste - juice of lemon, orange or lime (no more than 3 tbsp. Tablespoons).
• To taste - chopped peppermint.
• To taste - honey.

The preparation of the drink is simple:

1. Wait for the water to boil. Add the ginger. Let it brew for 5-10 minutes.
2. After the liquid has cooled slightly, add mint and citrus juice.
3. As soon as the temperature of the drink drops below 40 ° C, put honey (at a higher temperature, it loses its beneficial properties).
4. Optionally, you can add herbs, berries, inflorescences.

Weight loss application

For weight loss, you can take tea according to the recipe above. Special pharmaceutical drinks based on ginger are also on sale. To make their use more effective, pay attention to these tips:

• Drink a drink before meals. It helps reduce hunger.
• The maximum daily intake of the drink is 2 liters per day. Do not exceed it so as not to have health problems.
• Brew the drink in the morning and drink tea during the day. For this, one middle root of ginger is enough.
• Late in the evening and before going to bed, it is better to give up the drink. After all, it has a tonic, stimulating effect on the body.
• Before brewing, cut fresh ginger into thin slices - this will allow all the beneficial properties of the plant to go into tea. Be sure to strain the tea after brewing, as it can turn out to be very saturated.
• To prevent hunger during breaks between meals, chew a small slice of the plant’s rhizome.

Male and female problems

As for women's health, ginger is used as a sedative for menstrual cramps. In early pregnancy, ginger tea helps get rid of the effects of toxicosis. They also use it for infertility - it helps fight inflammation, and prevents the formation of adhesions. Ginger is used for myoma, to normalize the hormonal background.

With menopause, ginger helps relieve painful symptoms, get rid of irritability, headaches. It is enough to make tea, add honey. Drink both warm and chilled. With toxicosis, it helps to cope with vomiting.

Ginger is often called the "male spice" due to the fact that it improves blood circulation, increases potency, and causes a rush of blood to the organs of the reproductive system. The constant use of ginger dishes is the prevention of prostatitis, as well as a tool to help recover after hard physical and mental work.

Ginger is a universal plant. This is not only an original seasoning, but also actually a “cure for all diseases”. You have already come across useful recipes. But do not forget about side effects and contraindications.