In a paste or chopped fresh, ginger delivers many health benefits, here is how ginger helps the body and a yummy recipe to eat more ginger.

Super Food Ginger

Easing a cold or the flu

Many people use ginger to help recover from a cold or the flu. However, the evidence supporting this remedy is mostly anecdotal.

In 2013, a study found the effects of fresh and dried ginger on one respiratory virus in human cells.

The results indicated that fresh ginger may help protect the respiratory system, while dried ginger did not have the same impact.

Also in 2013, a small set out to investigate the popularity of herbal medicine as a cold or flu treatment.

After polling 300 pharmacy customers in two different locations, the researchers determined that 69% of those polled used herbal medicine and that most of this group found it effective.

However, while ginger was among the most popular ingredients in these remedies, some of the participants may not have used it.

Reducing inflammation

One group of researchers concluded that taking ginger by mouth is “modestly efficacious and reasonably safe” for treating inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.

However, the studies included in their meta-analysis were small and may not represent the general population.

Meanwhile, a 2017 article of 16 clinical trials determined that the phytochemical properties in ginger may combat inflammation. These authors also called for further research into the most effective dosages and types of ginger extract.

Lowering cancer risk

Ginger does not provide protein or other nutrients, but it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Ginger reduces oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress happens when too many free radicals build up in the body. Free radicals are toxic substances produced by metabolism and other factors.

The body needs to eliminate free radicals to prevent them from causing cellular damage that can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer. Dietary antioxidants help the body get rid of free radicals.

In a study, researchers gave 20 participants either 2 g of ginger or a placebo for 28 days. The participants all had a high risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Biopsies showed that the participants who had consumed the ginger had fewer negative changes in healthy colon tissue. This group also had reduced cellular proliferation. The findings indicate that ginger could play a role in preventing colorectal cancer.

Ginger Strawberry Smoothie

Super yummy strawberry ginger smoothie is delicious and refreshing, and super healthy too.

Strawberries
Ginger
Yogurt

Blend and add 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (peeled and chopped), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baobab powder. Mix on high speed until you get even creamy texture.
Taste the smoothie and additional sweetener if smoothie is not sweet enough. I recommend using raw honey.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk, ice cubes or water. Blend again until everything is well combined.