Ginger : here's a spice with multiple health benefits ! It's one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world. Ginger's benefits for the entire body are numerous and varied: it aids digestion, relieves nausea, is an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and is also known for its anti-diabetic and pain-relieving properties. Ginger is a good natural tonic that boosts immunity.
1. Where does ginger come from?
Ginger is a tropical plant grown in Asia (China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, India) and in all hot regions of the planet with strong sunshine.
Ginger root is primarily known as a spice to enhance and flavor dishes around the world. Ginger is used in various forms in cooking: freshly grated or in strips, powdered, candied like fruit. Ginger blends wonderfully in an infusion with lemon and honey .
2. What are the nutrients in ginger?
Ginger is a plant with superpowers! It owes its benefits to its chemical and nutritional composition, which is particularly rich and varied. Ginger is a beneficial plant with very few calories, composed mainly of water (90%) and rich in minerals (manganese, copper, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, and iron) but also in vitamins B, E, and C.
Ginger is also rich in antioxidants, making it one of the richest fresh vegetables in antioxidants. Ginger is very high in fiber and contains carbohydrates.
3. What are the main benefits of ginger?
Ginger aids digestion
By acting as a natural stimulant (ginger root stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and promotes the secretion of bile): after a good meal, opt for a simple ginger root infusion to help you digest .
Ginger is a good alternative to coffee , with its slight "boost" effect. Regular consumption of ginger is said to have a long-term beneficial effect on the digestive process but also on the entire digestive system, from the stomach to the colon.
By promoting digestion and stimulating metabolism and the production of leptin (the satiety hormone), ginger curbs cravings and is also an excellent fat burner, which can be beneficial when trying to lose weight. Ginger root also helps lower blood sugar (blood sugar) and cholesterol levels, which can help limit weight gain.
A good reason to consume ginger regularly! And if you haven't heard of them yet, here are the best plants that aid digestion.
Ginger boosts the immune system
It is of great help to the body's natural defenses , do not hesitate to consume it at the beginning of winter, when respiratory and digestive viruses are particularly active.
And if you want to know more, here are 10 natural remedies to strengthen your immune system.
Ginger is active on nausea and vomiting
It is a natural remedy well known to our grandmothers who already used it. Its antiemetic properties are recognized for motion sickness, seasickness and nausea related to pregnancy or post-operative vomiting .
Ginger is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory
Ginger is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever thanks to its active ingredients (gingerol in particular).
It is interesting to consume ginger in cases of flu and fever, rheumatism and joint conditions , its root relieves pain and helps to better prevent it with daily consumption.
Ginger is an anti-fatigue tonic
Ginger helps combat temporary fatigue , thanks to its many vitamins, mineral salts and trace elements. It has a much-appreciated "boost" effect .
Ginger is a powerful antioxidant
It therefore protects cells from the effects of free radicals (which accelerate cellular aging). Ginger is particularly beneficial for the heart and cardiovascular function thanks to its antioxidant properties.
4. How to consume ginger?
Choose fresh ginger - preferably organic - as fresh and firm as possible , it will have retained its important nutritional properties. Avoid eating ginger that is too old, has wrinkled skin and is often too soft.
It is recommended to consume between 2 and 3 grams of ginger root, 2 to 3 times a day, ideally in the form of herbal tea with the infusion Chaud le Gingembre (to be infused in very hot water, add lemon and a small drizzle of honey) or grated fresh or cut into thin strips in your dishes.
If you like ginger, discover our collection of organic infusions and broths: L'Élixir, organic energy infusion with ginger and lemon , L'Élancée, organic draining infusion with red vine and chamomile , Chic Chaï, organic spice infusion with cinnamon and cardamom and Fantasma, organic Ayurvedic infusion with ginger and cardamom and organic Indian broth with ginger.
Fresh ginger can also be easily added to homemade vegetable and fruit juices made with a juice extractor. Don't hesitate to use grated ginger root in your salad dressings ; combined with lemon, it adds a little zing to liven up your salads and vegetables!
Eating raw ginger every day is a good habit to get into to get the most benefits.
To best preserve fresh ginger , place it in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight glass container; it will keep for 2 to 3 weeks without any problem.
You can also consume powdered ginger (choose organic ginger) to enhance your dishes and as a dessert or sweet treat, candied ginger (which you can find in stores or make yourself at home).
5. What are the contraindications to consuming ginger?
The properties of ginger are so powerful that in some cases you have to be careful about its consumption . The dangers of ginger can be real. Ginger is notably a very powerful blood thinner , ask your doctor for advice if you have vascular or cardiac problems and/or if you have blood clotting problems and are under treatment and/or if you are going to have surgery soon.
Also, be careful if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult your doctor before drinking fresh ginger infusions because it is effective against nausea during pregnancy but can cause certain complications. To learn more, consult our article which details which herbal teas to drink during pregnancy.
Ginger consumption is not recommended in cases of gallstones, diabetes or hypertension.
For regular consumption, it is recommended not to exceed 3 grams of ginger per day (fresh, powdered or candied). Excessive consumption of ginger can cause stomach aches, heartburn and gas.
Also be careful not to give ginger to children under 6 years old, except in small doses in dishes, with the possible advice of your pediatrician.
