Ginger

Ginger is one of the most common tropical spices in the world, which is a member of the plant group that includes cardamom and turmeric, it have a hot pungent odor,  due to the existence of a natural substance called ketones, especially ketones , which is called Gingerol, it is the basic natural component of ginger, which gives the therapeutic property of some diseases as indicated by a lot of scientific research on the subject of health, and Ginger is found in the form of fresh or dried roots, or capsules, or in the form of tea to drink.

The effect of ginger on the digestive system

The scientific studies that have investigated the effectiveness of ginger in the treatment of digestive problems have shown that it is characterized by certain therapeutic properties. It possesses some natural compounds that made it unique in the treatment of digestive problems. Some of them are:
  • Enhances digestion and helps regulate high blood sugar levels.
  • Contains compounds that increase the efficiency of absorption of nutrients and minerals from intaked food, and is used as an appetizer, and also stimulates the secretion of saliva in the mouth.
  • Ginger is a protective agent for many different immune diseases, including: Cancer that specifically targets the digestive system with its various organs, such as colon, liver, kidney, and other cancers.
  • Reduces contractions of the stomach muscles.
  • Ginger works as a chaser for gases and reduces constipation and heartburn.
  • It relieves colorectal pain. Is one of the most herbs used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Other benefits of ginger

Ginger benefits and other effects beyond the digestive system, and some of which are:
  • Ginger and the heart: Ginger works to improve blood circulation in the body, and thus increases the efficiency of the heart, and also plays an important role in the case of Hypertension and other heart disease caused by high cholesterol levels in the body as with patients Stimulation of the arteries of the heart, Ginger works to reduce the rate of cholesterol harmful to the body, in addition to lowering blood pressure in the case of height, and is a source of a group of minerals important and necessary for the work of heart muscle and arteries and regulate blood pressure, such as: potassium, magnesium and manganese.
  • Ginger and cancer: Recent studies have shown that ginger is effective in the treatment of cancer that targets the digestive tract in particular, such as colon cancer. The active chemical compounds found in ginger have the ability to stop growth and form cancer cells and reduce the risk of abnormal growth of cells, And reduces the chances of spread in the body,  and also ginger reduces the from the inflammation of the colon. Ginger is a preventive means for those at risk of cancer of the colon , pancreas, and stomach.
  • Ginger and diabetes: Ginger contains natural compounds that have the ability to lower the level of sugar in the blood; by increasing the secretion of the hormone insulin, and increase the sensitivity of the cells of the body, so that controls the levels of sugar in the blood, and works Ginger control enzymes responsible for The metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, especially when high blood sugar, and in the case of diabetes type II, and works to protect the diabetic from the complications associated with the disease.

The right amount to eat ginger

The amount allowed to eat ginger to get its benefits and its multiple health dimensions, and avoid any possible side effects; it is 4 grams per day; about 1/8 cup of ginger daily, and this amount can be divided into parts during the day.

Precautions before eating ginger

It is necessary to mention the subject of ginger and its effects, which may cause health damage when excessive drinking of ginger in quantities more than the appropriate limit; Moderation in the treatment of ginger and careful to consult with the doctor, especially in the event of the existence of certain diseases is very important, Here are some of the conditions that interfere with the treatment of ginger:
  • Diabetes: Those who eat ginger daily, and more than the amounts allowed, put themselves at risk of falling blood sugar level, in addition to the large amounts of ginger may lead to diarrhea, heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Low blood pressure: Ginger works to lower blood pressure and may lead to irregular heartbeat.
  • Heart disease: Ginger increases blood flow, so patients who take blood thinners may end up at risk of severe bleeding, especially when consuming ginger.
  • Pregnant women: Studies have shown that there are many factors that may put the pregnant woman at risk of health problems during pregnancy if the ginger was taken without medical advice based on the health status of pregnant women, it is worth mentioning that ginger has proved its ability to reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting Especially in the morning, but at the stage of pregnancy must be a concern for the health of the mother and the safety of the fetus is very important; recent studies indicate that the treatment of ginger during pregnancy should be under the supervision of a specialist medical, has warned recent studies of eating ginger During the period Especially the first pregnancy for women who have a medical history, such as:
Repeated abortion.
Cases of uterine bleeding.
Women with diabetes are given insulin to control blood sugar during pregnancy.
Women taking medication to control blood pressure and control blood pressure during pregnancy.

References 

  1. Ann M. Bode and Zigang Dong, "The Amazing and Mighty Ginger".
  2. "A review of the gastroprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)."Haniadka R1, Saldanha E, Sunita V, Palatty PL, Fayad R, Baliga MS.
  3. Sahdeo Prasad and Amit K. Tyagi, "Ginger and Its Constituents: Role in Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer".
  4. Sandeep Shah, Parmanand Yoga Heath and Research, "Commentary on Therapeutic Role of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as Medicine for the Whole World".
  5. Miranda A.L. VAN TILBURG, PhD, Olafur S. PALSSON, PsyD, Yehuda RINGEL, MD, and William E WHITEHEAD, PhD, "Is ginger effective for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? A double blind randomized controlled pilot trial".
  6. Sahdeo Prasad and Amit K. Tyagi, "Ginger and Its Constituents: Role in Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer".
  7. Rachel Nicoll, Michael Y Henein, "Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A hot remedy for cardiovascular disease?".
  8. Yiming Li, Van H. Tran, Colin C. Duke, and Basil D. Roufogalis, "Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review".
  9. , CRNA, COI Medically Reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, MSN, CRNA, COI — Written by Ashley Marcin— Written by Ashley Marcin, "Can You Use Ginger to Treat Acid Reflux?".
  10. Wolfgang Marx,1,* Daniel McKavanagh,2 Alexandra L. McCarthy,2,3 Robert Bird,2,4 Karin Ried,5 Alexandre Chan,6 and Liz Isenring1,7, "The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Platelet Aggregation: A Systematic Literature Review".