7 Things Ginger Does to Your Body | Health & Wellbeing

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If you’re looking to kickstart your health journey, there’s probably one food that’s popped up time and time again - ginger. Ginger is a golden spice with a sweet taste and a fiery kick. It’s been used for centuries as an ingredient for cooking, beauty and medicinal purposes.

In this article, we cover the benefits of eating ginger raw to the benefits of ginger capsules. We’ve also included everyday ways you can incorporate ginger into your diet. Let’s get started.

What are the benefits of Ginger?

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Before you read any further, it’s best to know - Is ginger good for you? As a brief summary - yes. The health benefits of ginger are plentiful, but what are they? Read on for the top benefits of ginger and how they could positively impact your lifestyle.

Supports Gut Health

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A benefit of ginger is its incredible ability to nurture your gut health. A 2020 study found ginger is a digestive enhancer, helping settle the stomach. Ginger also reduces the fermentation time of food, reducing trapped gas, bloating and abdominal cramps. The spice may help pregnant women with nausea (although it’s great for any cause of queasiness).

There are also benefits of eating raw ginger on an empty stomach. If your gut feels unsettled, sip on detox ginger-infused tea or nibble on crystallised ginger to calm your digestive system. If you want something cold, get ginger benefits from ginger kombucha, which contains probiotics to promote good gut health.

Read more: The Truth About Drinking Kombucha.

Calms Aggravated Skin

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Ginger health benefits include its incredible anti-oxidant properties, which shield your body against free radicals triggered by UV rays. Too much UV exposure breaks down collagen, which keeps fibres taught and firm.

Over time, the lack of collagen reflects in your skin, causing sagging, fine lines and premature wrinkles. The skin’s derma barrier also loosens, and moisture escapes more easily. This can create an uneven skin tone, acne, dryness, and a dull and flaky complexion.

A study on ginger and healthy ageing suggests that the benefits of ginger root include protecting the skin against UV rays. Ginger extract may also be responsible for retaining collagen. Therefore, eating ginger daily, such as crystallised ginger or ginger juice, may promote a firm and glowing complexion.

Soothes Sore Joints

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Sore joints are often caused by inflammation, which is when cells become swollen and aggravated. That’s why achey knees are more common over winter when the weather is damp and cold.

Ginger is a fantastic anti-inflammatory and reduces irritation to soothe joints. It’s also a natural pain reliever, making it an excellent natural remedy for anything from achy bones to headaches.

If you suffer from sore joints, there are many benefits of ginger capsules. Taking them regularly could help reduce swelling so you can get back to exercising.

Boosts Natural Energy

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There’s only a certain amount of coffee you can drink before the caffeine hits and a jittery feeling takes over. But starting your day with lemongrass and ginger tea or chewing ginger root is an alternative way to enhance your energy.

Chewing ginger benefits include opening artery walls to increase blood flow and circulation. This allows vital organs, such as your lungs, brain and kidneys, to receive oxygen and nutrients regularly and efficiently. The result is better energy levels.

Increases Libido

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A 2023 experiment shows that the benefits of ginger for men and women include enhancing libido (sex drive). Participants who took ginger capsules found an increased sexual arousal over the placebo group. There are more ginger benefits for men, as some evidence suggests that taking ginger may improve age-associated erectile dysfunction (ED).

Side Effects of Ginger

Like all things in life, there is too much of a good thing. And that includes times when not to take ginger. If you consume a high dosage of ginger, you may experience heartburn, diarrhoea, burping, and mouth irritation.

You should also consult your doctor before taking ginger if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, taking blood thinners or have a bleeding condition.

Everyday Ways to Use Ginger

There are many ways to get the benefits of ginger. We’ve listed some of our favourites below so you can make a start.

Take ginger supplements - The benefits of ginger supplements are plentiful, and they are the easiest way to get your daily dose of ginger. Fito’s Turmeric And Ginger Capsules contain extraordinary anti-inflammatory ingredients to boost your health and wellness.
Nibble on raw ginger - Eating ginger raw is great for your skin, gut and joints. Our deliciously chewy Crystallised Ginger fixes your sugar craving whilst giving you a hit of antioxidants.
Eat ginger snacks - The creamy, sweet taste of chocolate combined with the spicy punch of ginger makes an incredible snack. Try Grape Tree’s Milk Chocolate Ginger for a pick-me-up, or add to lunchboxes for a luxurious treat.

Sip on ginger-infused tea - Drinking ginger tea is the ideal way to settle nausea, kickstart your day or boost your energy during an afternoon slump.

Pukka’s Organic Three Ginger Herbal Tea is a potent mix of ginger to keep you alert. They also have delicious Lemon Ginger and Manuka Honey Tea to ease congestion if you have a cold. Alternatively, steep Sliced Ginger to make homemade ginger tea (watch out - it can be strong!).

Add ginger to baking and meals - Ginger has been used in savoury dishes and sweet baking for centuries. Sprinkle half a teaspoon of ground ginger into curries or make gingerbread men, gingerbread loaf or ginger snap cookies. For a mouth-watering spicy sweetness, you can also drizzle ginger syrup over porridge or cakes.

Harness the Health Properties of Ginger With Grape Tree

There are many benefits of ginger, from smooth skin and supple joints to a calm digestive system. You can also experience a natural burst in energy and increased libido. Take ginger capsules, drink ginger tea, or sprinkle ground ginger into your meals to enjoy ginger benefits with Grape Tree.