Ginger has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help with upset stomachs, motion sickness, and nausea due to chemotherapy treatments or morning sickness during pregnancy. Did you know that if you eat ginger root in an empty stomach it has even more benefits? Most people think of ginger as just a spice, but here are some surprising facts about raw ginger that you may not have known.
Easy on Digestion
While there are numerous health benefits to be gained from consuming raw ginger, including natural pain relief and immune system boosting effects, it is particularly easy on digestion. Once consumed, ginger will stimulate movement through your digestive tract and encourage healthy bowel movements. When taken in small amounts before meals, raw ginger can even help reduce bloating and gas. These side effects associated with eating food make ginger a wonderful addition to any mealtime regimen, especially if you are looking for a way to lose weight safely. When you regularly consume fresh raw ginger root as part of your diet plan, you’ll feel lighter and less bloated than ever before. With regular consumption of raw ginger root also comes balanced blood sugar levels which leads to reduced cravings!
Improves Blood Circulation
When a person consumes raw ginger on an empty stomach, it enters their digestive system and moves towards the small intestine. Here, it triggers gastric acid production that improves blood circulation. This ultimately helps in preventing long-term diseases such as heart attack and stroke by maintaining good blood flow. Studies have also confirmed that daily consumption of raw ginger can help reduce cholesterol levels, thereby lowering risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.
Decongestant
Hot and spicy foods like ginger are known to have a decongestant effect on your body. The capsaicin present in it helps clear your sinuses and throat, allowing you to breathe more easily. A regular intake of raw ginger can aid in reducing phlegm formation and help relieve respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and coughs. Make sure you consume it daily after having an empty stomach, as consuming food at that time will reduce its effects significantly. If possible, eat a teaspoonful right after waking up on an empty stomach for maximum relief! In addition to being a decongestant, ginger is also an antiseptic and analgesic which means it can be used to treat other illnesses as well!
Helps with Nausea
Grown and used as a spice for thousands of years, ginger has been used to help relieve nausea and morning sickness. Ginger also contains compounds known as gingerols, which some research suggests may be helpful for reducing motion sickness. For example, one study found that men who took three milliliters (ml) of a water-based solution containing 2.5 ml of fresh ginger extract had their symptoms reduced significantly compared to those who received placebo. To effectively use ginger to manage nausea, you should consume it before or at the first sign of an illness or discomfort; once you experience symptoms, it’s too late and could actually make you feel worse by activating your gag reflex.
Prevents Heartburn and Constipation
The main benefit of eating raw ginger is that it offers protection against stomach problems. A good amount of ginger acts as a natural reliever for heartburn and constipation. You can have it raw or cooked, but adding it to water or taking few small pieces can be beneficial for your health. It can also help relieve symptoms like gas, bloating, nausea and cramps that result from irritable bowel syndrome. Thus, if you are suffering from one or more conditions mentioned above you must include ginger in your diet plan to get relief from these symptoms. Gives Relief From Indigestion: Another important benefit of raw ginger is that it treats digestive disorders like indigestion caused due to poor food habits and lack of fiber intake.
Keeps Blood Sugar Levels in Check
As is true with most vegetables, ginger can help keep blood sugar levels stable by moderating insulin production. The spice can even boost glucose tolerance, which means that it helps your body adapt more easily to sugar. This is especially important for diabetics and people who are prediabetic. And eating raw ginger on an empty stomach can also help curb hunger pangs, so it’s a good idea to incorporate a small serving into every meal if you’re trying to lose weight or manage your diabetes. If you don’t know how much fresh ginger to consume, aim for one gram per 10 pounds of body weight each day; thus, if you weigh 180 pounds (82 kilograms), aim for around 18 grams per day.
Reduces Inflammation
Ginger is very effective in relieving pain caused by inflammation. It helps to lower histamine levels, which causes inflammation and swelling. The high antioxidant content in ginger makes it a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It also acts as an anti-histamine and reduces swelling without any side effects or adverse reactions when compared to non-steroidal drugs like ibuprofen. Excess histamine production can lead to diseases like asthma, hay fever, urticaria (hives), angioedema, etc., because of increased permeability and leakage of capillaries (1). Therefore, it is important to control it before any disease occurs by regularly consuming ginger root.
Protects Liver Function
The more you eat ginger, and specifically raw ginger, and especially in empty stomach, the better your liver will function. It was found that people who had a high intake of raw ginger had fewer signs of liver disease. The antioxidant compounds found in raw ginger are said to protect against fatty liver disease, according to a study published in 2011. Scientists have also linked other health benefits to having a healthy liver, including combating obesity and diabetes as well as reducing your risk for heart attack or stroke. A healthy liver is essential for keeping our bodies free from disease; if you aren’t already including fresh ginger into your diet on a regular basis, now may be a good time to start.
Raw ginger is a great ally if you are trying to lose weight. It has a thermogenic effect, which means that it raises your body temperature slightly and increases your metabolism. On top of that, it speeds up your digestion and makes you feel fuller for longer periods of time. This way, you won’t be as tempted to snack between meals and will end up consuming fewer calories overall.
Boost Metabolism
Your body is incredibly complex, with a lot going on at any given time—but what you might not realize is that your metabolism is ever-present. It’s a crucial element to our health and weight, since it refers to all chemical reactions that affect energy production and storage. If you’re trying to lose weight safely but quickly, these tips can help boost your metabolism. For example, eating raw ginger can speed up your metabolic rate by as much as 40 percent; when consumed early in the morning or before workouts, it also lowers cholesterol levels and helps ease joint pain. It’s one simple way to ensure your body doesn’t hold onto excess fat for too long. To learn more about boosting your metabolism naturally.
