Health Benefits of Ginger - Nutritional Value of Ginger

Ginger is a herb, which originated in China and later, spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean. It is basically the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It has been in use since ages, both as a spice as well as an herb. Ginger is also said to have been cultivated ever since the initial days of the civilization and is widely used in cuisines. Apart from being a prominent part of dishes, it is a medicinal herb according to ayurveda, naturopathy, aromatherapy and herbal therapy. The nutrients present inside ginger, especially its volatile oils—gingerols and shogaols, accord a number of health benefits to its users. In fact, ginger has also been found to be effective in fighting against some fatal ailments like cancer. In the following lines, we have provided information on nutritional value and health benefits of eating ginger.

Nutritional Value of Ginger

Nutrient/100g	Content
Energy	80 Kcal
Carbohydrates	17.77 g
Protein	1.82 g
Total Fat	0.75 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Dietary Fiber	2.0 g
Vitamins
Folates	11 µg
Niacin	0.750 mg
Pantothenic acid	0.203 mg
Pyridoxine	0.160 mg
Vitamin A	0 IU
Vitamin C	5 mg
Vitamin E	0.26 mg
Vitamin K	0.1 µg
Electrolytes
Sodium	13 mg
Potassium	415 mg
Minerals
Calcium	16 mg
Copper
Iron	0.60 mg
Magnesium	43 mg
Manganese	0.229 mg
Phosphorus	34 mg
Zinc	0.34 mg

Health and Nutrition Benefits of Eating Ginger

Ginger has been found to be helpful in blocking the harmful effects of prostaglandin, a substance that can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain and even cause migraines.
Ginger has been associated with alleviation of the feeling of nausea, even in case of pregnant women.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it effective in alleviation of the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginger helps to promote warmth in the upper respiratory tract and thus, is quite effective in treating cold and flu.
Those suffering from cramps, caused by stomach gas, have found ginger to be quite effective.
Ginger makes the platelets less sticky and is thus, pretty helpful in case of circulatory disorders.
The cineole content in ginger has been found to be a mood enhancer and can help in relieving stress.
Ginger tea is said to be a great stress buster and has been found to have refreshing properties.
Ginger is a natural and effective mouth freshener and also aids digestion.
Ginger reduces inflammation and also helps lower cholesterol.
Ginger is good for those suffering from gas and bloating.
Ginger is believed to have anti-cancer properties. As per studies, ginger powder leads to cell death which is applied to ovarian cancer cells.
Ginger has been associated with easing of menstrual cramps and mitigation of headache.
Ginger is quite effective in treating diarrhea.
As per studies, ginger provide relief to migraine because it stops prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Slices of ginger root, boiled in water with lemon, orange juice and honey is a popular drink as per ayurvedic medicine for cold, cough and sore throat.
Ginger increases the motility of gastrointestinal tract and has sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Ginger reduces nausea which is the result of motion sickness, relieve migraine or pregnancy. It is effective for all the symptoms that are associated with motion sickness which includes dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.
Zingerone which is a chemical compound present in ginger is very effective in treating diarrhea in children.
Intake of ginger juice warms the body which in turn results in healthy sweating. This leads to detoxification of the body, thereby providing a boost to the immune system.
Ginger juice is regarded as a pain killer which can be used even externally. Applying ginger juice on the forehead is effective for headache. Applying it on the cheek and on the jaw area is an effective remedy for dental pain.
Ginger also contains minerals including potassium, copper, magnesium and manganese. Potassium forms a main component in cell and body fluids, and helps to maintain blood pressure and heart rate.
Ginger juice provides immediate relief from minor burns and skin irritation. It is also used in spas and salons as it is believed to have a refreshing effect and reduce arthritic pain.

Buying & Storing Tips

To store ginger for a short period of time, you can store it at the room temperature. Cover the ginger root in an aluminum foil in such a way that the root is sealed properly and keep it in the kitchen.
Bulk ginger roots must be stored in refrigerator so that they stay fresh. Keep them in a paper bag and keep the bag in the crisper area of the refrigerator. This ginger root can be used for almost two months. Ensure not to peel its skin so that it doesn’t lose its freshness.
Ginger can be frozen by cutting them into huge chunks and keeping them in a plastic bag for individual use.

Cooking Tips

To cook ginger, peel off the skin from fresh ginger using a peeling knife after which it can be sliced or minced. If ginger is added at the beginning, it provides a subtle taste to the dish while it provides more of a pungent taste if added at the end.
Add ginger along with spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, garlic and mustard.
Try ginger in breads, cookies, cakes, biscuits, cooked fruits, fruit salads, puddings, preserves, drinks and jams.
Mix grated ginger with lemon juice, honey and water to make ginger lemonade.

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Benefits Of Ginger

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