Useful properties of ginger and contraindications for use
For a healing effect ginger root For the first time, the ancient Indians drew attention, having told about the plant in treatises on healing. Although more than three millennia have passed, ginger, the beneficial properties and contraindications of its horned roots are still appreciated by traditional healers, doctors and ordinary people.
It was from the north of the Indian Peninsula with wandering merchants that the miraculous root came first to the Middle East, to Persia, Egypt, and then to the states on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. For the Phoenicians, ginger was so valuable that they used roots to pay for goods, as an analogue of coins.
How is ginger useful, and what substances in the composition determine its healing effect?
Ginger root composition
The beneficial properties and contraindications of ginger root are determined by the presence of certain biologically active substances and their concentration.
For 100 grams of peeled fresh root pulp, there are about 70 mg of carbohydrates, 6 mg of fiber, slightly less than 10 mg of protein and half the fat. Ginger also contains a lot of vitamins. This is ascorbic acid, B1, B2, B3, A. Among the macro- and microelements - magnesium and phosphorus, sodium and calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. It is rich in juicy dense pulp and essential amino acids.
The aroma of fresh ginger is due to the high concentration of essential oils, and the burning, pungent taste is due to gingerol, which has found application in the fight against obesity and the treatment of diseases associated with metabolic disorders.
The healing effect of ginger on the human body
The seemingly modest light beige thickened root has an amazing set of qualities recognized by folk and official medicine. The beneficial properties of ginger for women and men of different ages are in demand for various disorders of the digestive system.
Beverages, culinary dishes and herbal preparations contribute to:
- salivation;
- strengthening the production of amylase necessary to maintain digestion;
- suppression of pathogenic microflora;
- the destruction and elimination of intestinal parasites from the body;
- weakening and reducing gas formation;
- speedy healing of wounds and erosions on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and stomach;
- relieving spasms and pain relief;
- elimination of food toxins.
No less broad and effective effect of the root on the circulatory system and heart. With a small number of contraindications, the beneficial properties of ginger are very valuable:
- to stimulate blood circulation, including cerebral;
- to remove excess cholesterol from the body and cleanse the walls of blood vessels from already formed atherosclerotic plaques;
- with high blood pressure and signs of hypertension;
- in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis and varicose veins.
Ginger root can gently but effectively regulate the condition of the heart muscle, maintain overall body tone, and regulate blood sugar.In terms of its variety and effectiveness, ginger can only be compared with ginseng or garlic. But at the same time the range of diseases, the course of which this plant can alleviate, is many times wider.
It has long been known that ginger is useful for colds and seasonal viral diseases. And here it is important to note that the plant helps to simultaneously cope with several unpleasant symptoms at once.
The root has the ability to:
- intensify sweating;
- have anti-inflammatory antimicrobial or bactericidal action;
- disinfect and refresh the oral cavity;
- to tone up and maintain a reserve of strength even with serious stress for the body, which can be considered a flu and a cold;
- gently relieve headaches and joint pain;
- stimulate the discharge and thinning of phlegm.
Infusion of ginger is one of the popular folk remedies for sinusitis, congestion or shortness of breath for respiratory ailments. Based on the study of the beneficial properties and contraindications of ginger, doctors concluded that the plant is promising in the treatment of such complex diseases as hepatitis, bronchial asthma, dysbiosis, diabetes mellitus and even cancer.
Ginger tea and medicines made using the root of this plant have pronounced diuretic properties. Combined with the ability to stimulate digestion and metabolic processes, this turns out to be extremely important if ginger is used for weight loss.
With antioxidant properties, ginger is included in the course of cleansing and rejuvenating the body. This is an excellent tool for maintaining youth, strengthening immunity and getting rid of toxins accumulated in the digestive tract.
With the help of the diuretic action of ginger, you can forget about edema for a long time, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the root are in demand if a person suffers from joint problems.
Useful properties and contraindications of ginger for men and women
Rejuvenating, toning and other beneficial properties of ginger for women over the age of 45 and men over 50 are necessary to maintain good health, high performance and activity. The herbal product stimulates cerebral circulation, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and, if used correctly, is an excellent prevention of stroke and heart attack.
But that's not all of the health benefits for men and women. Fresh ginger root has established itself as a fast-acting remedy for the treatment of genitourinary and sexual disorders. These properties of ginger are especially beneficial for men suffering from erectile dysfunction, as well as inflammatory problems and prostatitis.
Ginger is highly effective in preventing bouts of nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness discomfort.
This property of ginger, useful for a woman's body, is used by expectant mothers suffering from toxicosis in the first half of pregnancy. In addition, the plant helps to better digest food, relieves swelling that is frequent in pregnant women, and maintains overall tone. Women of childbearing age who experience spasmodic pain during menstruation can also use ginger to alleviate their condition and, at the same time, prevent inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
You can use ginger root not only as an ingredient for preparing food and drinks. The root is effective for solving external problems, such as inflammatory processes on the skin, cellulite, seborrhea of the scalp.
If there are no contraindications, the beneficial properties of ginger for a man can bring a solution to the problem of baldness. The local irritating effect of the pulp of the fresh root stimulates blood circulation and activates the "dormant" hair follicles.
Using the medicinal properties of ginger, you need to remember that this plant can enhance the effects of other herbs and fruits consumed with it.
Contraindications to the use of ginger root
Ginger root is a real storehouse of bioactive compounds. This predetermines a huge number of useful properties, but ginger also has contraindications. Moreover, they are explained by the presence of the same active substances. Why do the benefits and harms of ginger go alongside?
The point is in the high concentration of essential oils, acids, bitterness and other active compounds. You will have to refuse ginger if you have:
- any exacerbation of a chronic disease of the digestive system;
- allergic reactions to plants and herbs;
- inflammatory processes on the skin;
- heat;
- internal and external bleeding.
Do not get carried away with ginger in the second half of pregnancy. Since plant materials increase the tone of the uterus, it is worth giving up ginger tea, pickled root, or preparations containing ginger. Chopped root can be added to culinary and baked goods.
Risk factors when consuming large amounts of ginger are:
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- cholelithiasis;
- exacerbation of skin diseases of a different nature;
- taking certain medicines, whose action is intensified in combination with ginger.
Therefore, deciding to experience the wonderful effects of ginger root on yourself, it is useful to first consult a professional. The doctor will evaluate all the positive and possible negative aspects of taking ginger and give recommendations on the dosage and duration of the course.