Health Benefits of Ginger

We can all appreciate the value of a clean house – whether you do your own house cleaning or rely on a crew of maid service professionals to take of the house cleaning for you. We continue our discussion on how to take the next step beyond a clean house – the step towards a healthier you. Today we explore the amazing health benefits of ginger – that mysterious, abundant, and wonderfully delicious spice we know so well from eastern cuisine.
Ginger is a herbaceous perennial plant that is closely related to turmeric. It is thought to have originated in the Indian subcontinent though it no longer grows in the wild. The root of the plant produces a strong, pungent yet fragrant spice that is used in a variety of different cuisines. It is also quite popular in alternative medicine. Below are some of the popular health benefits of ginger:

• Treatment for Nausea: Ginger has a long history as a remedy for sea-sickness but it may be most effective as a treatment for pregnancy-related morning sickness and nausea.
• Cancer Fighter: Ginger has shown to be effective in fighting certain forms of cancer such as ovarian and colon cancer.
• Anti-inflammatory: The main ingredient of ginger, known as gingerols, has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Just as well, it can be an effective treatment for arthritis and osteoporosis.  
• Flatulence: Yes, you can reduce passing gas at the dinner table but having a bit of ginger as it’s been shown to reduce flatulence!
• Increased Metabolism: Ginger has even been shown to temporarily increase metabolism in the body. This happens by boosting thermogenesis, a process whereby the body burns up stored-up fat to create heat.

Beyond incorporating ginger into regular recipes, it can be consumed by other means. A very popular way to consume is by making a tea. Simply bring water to a boil and add some shredded ginger and let boil for a few minutes. Then cover for a few minutes to let it steep. You can certainly add mint, honey, or even maple syrup to add some flavor. Simply strain the liquid and enjoy! In our household, we grate ginger in huge quantities and then freeze it in ice cube trays. The “ginger cubes” come in use for our daily ginger tea as well as for various dishes we cook. It is a must for our daily routine!

While ginger is a powerful spice – consuming too much of it can have serious side-effects so please check with your doctor before embarking on any natural medicine regimen.
So go ahead and embark on this journey towards a healthier you – start with a clean home, which will lead to a clean mind, and then focus on yourself to complete the health equation!