What Is Ginger Juice Good For

The ginger plant – Zingiber officinale – is a tropical vine that’s been cultivated for thousands of years in Southeast Asia and India. It was brought to America by the early colonists and has become an important part of American cuisine. The root, rhizome (the underground stem), peel, juice, and seeds are all used medicinally. The best way to use it is fresh or pickled. If you’re using freshly juiced ginger, be careful not to burn your tongue!
Ginger contains volatile oils called zingiberene and shogaol, which give it its characteristic pungent smell. These oils seem to have strong anti-inflammatory properties as well. Studies show that they inhibit prostaglandin E2 production in activated macrophages. This may explain why ginger can reduce inflammation from arthritis, asthma, or sinusitis. In addition, gingerols and paradols have antioxidant effects on free radicals. This means that they help protect cells against damage caused by oxidation. They also appear to increase blood flow, especially to the heart and brain.
One study found that women who consumed one teaspoon of ground ginger daily had lower estrogen levels than those who did not consume any at all. However, another study showed no significant change in hormone levels after men took ginger supplements. So, if you want to avoid birth control pills, take ginger with caution.
While some people report stomach upset when eating ginger, others say their symptoms clear up after consuming it. One theory is that this happens because ginger contains vitamin C, which helps neutralize gastric acid. Another reason could be that ginger decreases gastric motility-a condition where the stomach contracts instead of relaxing, making stools harder to pass. People taking anticoagulants should consult their doctors before taking ginger supplements, since it inhibits platelet aggregation.
A lot of studies are looking into whether ginger can play a role in preventing certain types of cancer. Early results suggest that it may work against colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and skin cancer. But other researchers think that more research needs to be done to confirm these findings.
Fresh ginger contains only about 0.3% gingerols and shogaol. When you cook it, the amount increases dramatically. Cooking releases the volatile oils, so cooking does make it safer. Also, heating causes changes in the chemical structure of the active ingredients. That’s why adding fresh ginger to stir fries makes them hotter.
But how do we get our hands on fresh ginger? Well, first of all, you don’t need much. A small piece will go a long way. And if you’re really pressed for time, try squeezing it through a potato peeler or grater. You’ll probably find that it’s easier to buy it pre-squeezed in a jar or bottle.
In Chinese medicine, ginger is considered a warming herb. It’s said to treat digestive problems, including abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and indigestion. Its reputation as an emmenagogue (an agent that promotes menstruation) earned it the nickname “female pepper.” Women in China and Japan would chew fresh ginger during a menstrual period to relieve discomfort. There are even reports that Native Americans would boil pieces of ginger to prevent miscarriage.
It seems that there are many ways to benefit from ginger. Let’s start with what it can do for your immune system. Ginger can boost immunity and fight infection. Some animal studies indicate that it may even kill bacteria that cause tuberculosis and typhoid fever. In fact, scientists believe that compounds in ginger may help combat such diseases.
If you’ve ever eaten sushi, then you know that ginger can add heat to the taste experience. Sushi chefs often grate fresh ginger over raw fish just before serving; otherwise, the fish might lose its flavor. Raw ginger gives food its spicy bite and adds a subtle warmth to dishes like chicken curry or soy sauce marinated beef.
Did you know that ginger tea can help ward off bronchial infections? The main ingredient in ginger tea is ginger root, but it’s also rich in vitamins B1 and B2. According to a Japanese study, drinking ginger tea after exercise reduces muscle soreness. Drinking ginger tea can also aid circulation and digestion. Many Asian cultures consider ginger tea good for treating coughs, colds, flu, and respiratory ailments.
Studies show that ginger extract can be effective against motion sickness. Researchers speculate that ginger works by stimulating the vestibular system. Vestibular disorders involve problems with sensory perception, balance, and coordination. Motion sickness occurs most frequently while traveling. Ginger tablets taken 30 minutes before travel helped alleviate nausea in a study conducted at Harvard Medical School.
In a Dutch study, participants were given ginger capsules before being exposed to a simulated airplane trip. Half of the group took capsules containing 600 milligrams of ginger powder, while the others took placebo pills. After 3 hours, the ginger group felt less nauseous and tired than the placebo group. Their blood pressure and pulse rates were also lower.
So, what else can ginger juice do? Here are just a few ideas:
Ease digestion. Calm motion sickness or nausea. Ward off colds and sickness, and ease symptoms like congestion. May calm headaches or joint pain
Relieve aches and pains. Promote healing of cuts, burns, sprains, bruises, and rashes. Reduce swelling around joints. Relieve stiffness and improve mobility. Increase flexibility and range of motion. Help circulation. Stimulates endorphins, which promote relaxation.
Calm ulcers and intestinal gas. Relieve spasms and irritable bowel syndrome. Helps treat Crohn’s disease.
Treat allergies. Reduces allergic reactions and treats eczema.
Help beat depression. Studies show that ginger improves mood and relieves anxiety.
Promote healthy bones. Supplies essential fatty acids needed for bone growth and repair.
Boost memory. Improves learning ability and mental focus.
Fight wrinkles. Contains antioxidants that help preserve elastin and collagen. Protects skin from UV rays.
Reduce risk of heart attack. Increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Slows plaque formation in arteries. May protect against atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat in artery walls that can lead to clots blocking coronary arteries.
For centuries, people have believed that ginger aids digestion. The ancient Egyptians ate it to strengthen the spleen. Romans chewed on it to relieve toothaches and swellings. Today, many people still swear by ginger to settle upset tummies.
To learn more about ginger and related topics, visit the links on the following page.
Ginger Juice FAQ

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