6 reasons to eat ginger more often

You already feel the first little tickle in your throat or your nose is already running? Then get yourself a ginger tuber from the supermarket as soon as possible and we’ll tell you here how to prepare a fresh ginger tea or a healthy shot to alleviate the symptoms. Ginger not only scores points for its unique spiciness, but also for its numerous health-promoting properties, which you probably didn’t know about yet.

1. Drinking ginger tea helps with colds

You probably know it from your own experience: If you eat spicy food, you start to sweat a lot. This is quite normal and is due to the so-called pungent substances contained in the food. But spicy food not only warms you from the inside, it also strengthens your immune system. The two substances gingerol and shogaol in ginger interact with the pain receptors in your body, which are involved in both pain and inflammatory reactions. “In addition, as plant defense compounds, the pungents also have a bacteria-killing effect,” explains nutritionist Dr. Bettina Schwiegelshohn. “This combination of effects provides for the soothing effect observed in colds.”Ginger stimulates additionally the blood circulation of the mucous membranes, so also the blocked nose becomes again free.

How to prepare fresh ginger tea

Cut 3 to 4 thin slices from a ginger bulb. Take preferably organic ginger, then you do not have to peel it. Put the slices in a cup and pour boiling water over them. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Attention: The longer the infusion time, the stronger the spiciness – try different infusion times. Add a little honey to taste.

2. Ginger can relieve pain

Studies have shown that ginger has not only antibacterial, but also analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, American scientists at the University of Georgia found that the spicy tuber can relieve muscle pain after excessive exercise. Also in knee joint osteoarthritis can, according to a US study a ginger extract can also help. The analgesic effect is attributed to the aforementioned pungents gingerol and shogaol. Like aspirin or ibuprofen, these intervene in metabolic processes that are closely related to the pain process. This is probably due to the gingerol contained in ginger, which has a similar structure to acetylsalicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin), which is known for its pain-relieving effect.

So the next time you feel a headache or aching limbs, don’t just reach for a painkiller, try a ginger tea first, because ginger is a really good, over-the-counter alternative to painkillers – without any side effects.

3. Ginger stimulates your metabolism

Ginger has a reputation as a fat burner food, as it is said to boost fat burning. Overnight slim becomes by the regular consumption of ginger certainly nobody, but by the sharp materials contained in the ginger a slightly increased energy conversion and with it connected a slight metabolic boost can be reached, knows our nourishing expert.

4. Ginger helps against nausea, vomiting and motion sickness

Nausea and vomiting can have many causes, such as when traveling in a car or on a ship, after surgery or during a gastrointestinal infection. The good thing: In most cases, ginger can help relieve the symptoms. The root acts on specific serotonin receptors (serotonin = happiness hormone) that are involved in nausea. “Thus, ginger can be helpful as a gentle remedy for nausea of various causes,” explains our expert. Studies also showed that the root could even prove its worth in the case of vomiting and nausea as a result of chemotherapy.

5. Ginger relieves indigestion

Especially during the Christmas season, we like to go overboard with our meals and suffer from fullness, flatulence or constipation due to the sweet or fatty temptations. Also here ginger can create remedy, betrays us Dr. Schwiegelshohn: “For the effect for the relief of digestion problems the stimulating effect on the gastric juice, saliva, bile formation and intestine function, already well-known from the naturopathy, comes to bear.” It weakens the sensitivity of the stomach and stimulates the movement of the stomach, thereby stimulating digestion and relieving the stomach.

6. Ginger in the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes

There are promising indications that ginger, due to its antioxidant effect, could prevent numerous diseases in the development of which inflammation and oxidative stress play a role. However, as long-term studies with patients are very complex and ethically questionable, there are unfortunately no studies to scientifically confirm a positive effect of ginger on various diseases.

Treat yourself to a daily ginger shot

You are not the type of tea drinker? Then try it with a ginger shot. With it you can take the concentrated tuber power with two or three sips and profit from the numerous benefits. But beware: No matter if you buy a ginger shot or make it yourself – they are insanely spicy and take a little getting used to. Here comes the recipe to try:

Recipe for about 10 ginger shots:

• 100 grams ginger, peeled
• 2 to 3 lemons
• 100 ml honey, agave syrup or maple syrup

How to make: Cut the ginger into small pieces and put them in a tall container. Squeeze the lemons and add them together with the honey, mix everything (blender or mixer). Now press the liquid through a sieve so that there are no pieces in the shot. Use within one week.

Ginger should be consumed daily, especially during the cold season. Whether as tea, shot or in food. Fancy some tasty recipe ideas with ginger? How about this Thai curry or a hearty chicken stew?