A couple of years ago while out shopping, I decided to take a breather in one of the many eateries I usually frequent. Since it was already past 5 pm, and I don’t drink coffee after 2 pm, I told the waitress to surprise me with something different. She asked if I liked ginger and I told her that I didn’t mind. Five minutes later, she came back with ginger tea in a pot, with a side of honey. And that’s when my love affair with ginger begun, and I decided to dig deep into the health benefits of ginger.

After that amazing ginger tea, I decided to frequently prepare the same drink at home, and I am always falling in love with it with each passing year. I just hope it will not turn out to be just another fling before I get bored, and move on to something else. For those of us who never mind this root, we surely must have had it on many occasions; from Chinese delicacies and ginger ale to ginger tea (chai). But all this time it was what I would describe as ‘just ok’.

Although I know some people who would rather die than put ginger in their mouth, there are others who’ve had an affair with ginger for as long as I have known them, which is many years, because I think they already know the health benefits of ginger.

Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger

To try and recruit you into this ginger cult, I have shared some of the top reasons you should eat/drink more ginger.

Soothing agent for the digestive system

Have you ever had this upper stomach pain that is mostly brought on by indigestion? Eating or drinking something made out of real ginger can alleviate that pain by speeding up the emptying of your stomach. Just be sure to have it before your next meal.

Nausea remedy

This is one of the health benefits of ginger that most ginger lovers are very much aware of. It is considered amazing especially for expectant women who are facing morning sickness. If you are having nausea due to other reasons, you can also sniff or chew a bit of fresh ginger to reduce that horrible feeling. Just clear it with your physician beforehand.

Lowers blood sugar

I don’t know much when it comes to medicine but I was once a witness to the anti-diabetic powers of ginger. I saw a friend who happens to be diabetic slowly recover after being given fresh ginger to chew on so as to lower his blood sugar levels; which was pretty incredible. A few studies that have been conducted in regards to this fact have also shown that ginger is good at lowering blood sugar levels of persons with type 2 diabetes. But before you go around trying to level your blood sugar levels, I would suggest you seek medical advice if you can.

YOU’LL LOVE: 5 Reasons Why Healthy Snacks are Key to Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Soothes pain

Ginger is considered a pain reliever for toothache, sore throat, joint pain, and sore muscles. There are some compounds found in ginger, including zingerone and gingerol, which are considered very effective in pain reduction. This is one of the great health benefits of ginger, but I am wondering if I would be able to start looking for ginger to chew on when I have a toothache. On a brighter side, you could have a refreshing glass of ginger-infused drink after a workout session to reduce all that muscle soreness.

Alleviates cold and flu symptoms

Ginger works wonders to alleviate cold and flu symptoms which include sore throat, coughing, stuffed nose, and congestion. Having ginger as a tea when you are suffering from these symptoms will have more effect, and it will improve your immune system as well. You can add a dash of lemon and natural honey to increase its efficiency.

DON’T MISS: 10 Tips to a Healthier Lifestyle

Reduces inflammation

The gingerol found in ginger is responsible for reducing inflammation within the body. These inflammations could be brought on by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. This compound also reduces pain levels and swelling. But before you decide on ginger, have a chat with a professional first.

Are you a ginger lover? What other health benefits of ginger have you come across? Feel free to share in the comments…