As one of the most used spice in Indonesian dishes, ginger owns an array of benefits for physical health. Especially during the rainy season, where days are usually colder than usual and rainfall increases. Ginger is warm in nature, therefore may bring forth certain health benefits during this year's rainy season, in the midst of a global pandemic. Moderate consumption of ginger is recommended, through varieties of dishes or drinks, in order to reap the benefits. On this week's journal, we will be explaining a few benefits ginger consumption can do for your health. Read on!
1. Gives warming effect to the body
While the cold weather caused by rainfall in a tropical country like Indonesia may not compare to the chilly, freezing weather during winter in the northern hemisphere, it can still cause people to get sick. Especially if said person is soaked in the rain. Warming the body can be key to prevent the episodes of cold and flu.
Herbs like ginger naturally has warming properties that may help people get warm from the inside. This is one of the reasons why a lot of Indonesia's traditional herbal drinks, like bajigur and bandrek, uses ginger in their ingredients. Ginger warms the body by increasing blood circulation within your system, enhancing blood flow naturally and stimulates heat all over your body. This is why ginger is also great to prevent circulatory problems and reducing occurence of cold hands and feet.
2. Eases digestion
Ginger also plays an important role in aiding digestion. As one of the main ingredients in folk medicine to soothe the stomach, ginger may help alleviate nausea and motion sickness, as well as reducing bloating, flatulence, and poor digetion in general. Ginger works by promoting natural intestinal movement, decreasing gas production, and increasing nutrient absorption in your digestive system by encouraging secretion of digestive enzymes. Some studies have also shown that ginger consumption helps to protect the stomach from potential ulcer development caused by medication or bacteria.
3. Helps maintain immunity
Protecting ones immunity is certainly a hot topic due to the pandemic that has been going on for almost a year now. It's indeed your body's shield and first line of defense against potential viruses and bacteria that may breach your bodily system. A lot of immune boosting supplements are available in the market, and some of which contains ginger as one of their ingredients.
Gingerol, an active component contained in ginger, is responsible for most of the immunity-boosting properties, as it is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. It may help reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, as well as preventing chronic diseases caused by it, including cancer. Consumption of ginger may also aid the immune system to fight against common cold, flu, and other viral infections. Ginger's warming properties may also help reduce symptoms related to respiratory problems, such as reducing mucus production, helping clear up nasal congestion, coughs and sore throats.
Ginger is commonly consumed through drinks. However, for some people, the pungent smell can be hindering them from consuming ginger and thus making them not able to reap in the benefits. Therefore, a lot of alternatives are being offered, like ginger in a powdered form, or even in a capsule for easier consumption. Made from natural herb extract, like Herbana's Relief Sari Jahe Merah, can be taken anywhere and anytime without any significant side effects. Of course, you may need to consult with your doctor before taking it with your ongoing medications.
