Not only can ginger add a punchy flavour to your meals, but this fragrant herb can also provide the body with numerous health benefits.
Ginger has been used for centuries to assist with a range of health woes. Here are 7 reasons why you should consider adding this superfood to your diet…
1. Digestion dilemmas prevented
“Ginger is a versatile spice brimming with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is effective in treating chronic indigestion and associated symptoms of wind and stomach pain. It can help stimulate digestive juices and regulate stomach acid levels,” explains Nutritionist, Alix Woods.
You will soon be able to treat your tastebuds to itsu’s brand new dish, Losing Your Vegan’ity(£4.99, itsu) which is packed full of red ginger goodness, along with; beechwood smoked organic tofu, pickled red cabbage, red ginger, steamed broccoli, teriyaki and sesame dressing. Losing Your Vegan’ity is coming to stores this January.
2. Luscious locks
“One of the reasons for hair loss and poor hair quality can simply be reduced circulation to the scalp, meaning fewer nutrients are available to the hair follicles. Spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cayenne can stimulate the circulation and are great winter warmers too,’ explains Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns.
3. Deter sickness
“Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea. Studies report that the root eases morning sickness in pregnancy and helps relieve nausea in general” explains Alix.
4. Soothe stiffness in joints
“The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can ease osteoarthritis associated symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, as well as deterring muscular pain,” explains Nutritionist Alix Woods. To get your daily dose of ginger, try sense* for Joint & Bone Vitamin & Superfood Powder (£21.99, Boots).
This powder also contains numerous other superfoods including rosehip and bananas, which both help prevent joint damage and inflammation.
5. Beat bad breath
Even after brushing your teeth, are you still concerned about bad breath? Ginger could help prevent this, following new research, which found that ginger stimulates an enzyme contained in saliva, which can break down foul-smelling substances.
6. Help your heart health
“Ginger has been proven to be cardioprotective as it lowers LDL cholesterol and tryglycerides in the blood, explains Alix.
7. Maintain blood sugar
“Ginger helps regulate insulin and the breakdown of carbohydrates (glucose) and fats which helps to maintain blood sugar and energy,” explains Alix.