Hello, it’s another beautiful week and we are gradually itching towards the Yuletide. Thank for His unending mercies.
Welcome to your general health and well-being column..HEALTH- CHECK with Oluwabukunolami..
This week, we shall be discussing a familiar spice or root in our various kitchens…It has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years…
I am talking about Ginger.
Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.
It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain
Ginger remains one of the healthiest herbs around the world.
Scientific analysis shows that ginger contains hundreds of compounds and metabolites, some of which may contribute to health and healing.
Ginger is surprisingly the most widely used dietary condiment in the world today.
It is actually part of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, which explains why the health benefits of ginger are so extraordinary. Ginger comes from rhizomes; a rhizome is an underground stem that grows horizontally and forms roots downwards while leaves and new stems sprout on top. Buds then form at intervals along each stem.
The Chinese and Indians have used ginger tonics to treat ailments for over 4,700 years, and it was a priceless commodity during the Roman Empire because of its medicinal properties…..
So, what makes ginger so good for our health?
Of the 115 different chemical components found in ginger root, the therapeutic benefits come from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. These bioactive ingredients, especially -gingerol, have been thoroughly evaluated clinically, and the research backs up why you should use ginger on a regular basis. Here are some of the uses of GINGER as a herbal remedy:-
DIGESTION
The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production, and suppress gastric contractions as food and fluids move through the Gastrointestinal tract.
At the same time, ginger also is also said to be effective on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, and helps to increase mobility through the digestive tract.
This suggests ginger could help prevent colon cancer and constipation.
NAUSEA
Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment. Taking ginger for motion sickness is said to reduce feelings of nausea, but it does not appear to prevent vomiting. Ginger is safe to use during pregnancy, to relieve nausea.
COLD AND FLU RELIEF
During cold weather, drinking ginger tea is good a way to keep warm.
It is diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating, working to warm the body from within. To make ginger tea at home, slice 20 to 40 grams of fresh ginger and steep it in a cup of hot water. Adding a slice of lemon or a drop of honey adds flavor and additional benefits, including vitamin C and antibacterial properties. This makes a soothing natural remedy for a cold or flu.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in cooking recipes. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger comes from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy . But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness. Although ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant. Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are currently no studies to support this. Ginger has been discovered to help with sea sickness, chemotherapy-related nausea, nausea after surgery and morning sickness
GINGER MAY REDUCE MUSCLE PAIN AND SORENESS
Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.
Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. Ginger appears to be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain, and may reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
It is a common health problem which involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms like joint pain and stiffness. Another study recently found out that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied.
Taking Ginger tea, Tea, laced with lemon or lime gives it a distinct taste. Blending Ginger, Tumeric and Garlic comes out as drink. There are so many other uses of Ginger… depending on what it is being used for..This is where we would stop this week.
Thanks for taking time out to read our column. Don’t forget, Discipline is the watch-word for a healthy life. Stay away from junk food , practice lifestyle changes, eat healthy, take a lot of fruits and sleep well.
Till I come your way again next week…I remain yours in good health, .. Oluwabukunolami.Like we always say, we would like to hear from you. You can send us mails through gregatt0305@gmail.com…you can also call or send sms to 08121456771
