Ways ginger can help you stay healthy

Ginger is a root vegetable with a spicy and peppery flavor, with loads of medicinal properties and health benefits. It is used all over the world in a variety of cuisines. For over 2000 years, Chinese medicine has recommended the use of ginger to help fight nausea, inflammation, provide relief for osteoarthritis, help manage cholesterol and effective relief for period pains. It is a versatile ingredient that you can add in your smoothie, vegetables, curries or gravies, soup or ginger tea. One tablespoon of fresh ginger has 4.8 calories, 1.07 grams of carbohydrate, 0.12 g of dietary fiber, 0.11 g of protein, 0.05 g fat and 0.1 g of sugar. Here is a list of some of the amazing benefits of ginger that you may not be aware of.

Ginger contains some of the most potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which is effective in reducing the pain and swelling in the patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The actice compounds in ginger acts as an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness. Consuming one gram of ginger everyday helps reduce nausea in pregnant women, along with relieving morning sickness.

Taking ginger at the beginning of menstrual period can reduce the symptoms of menstrual pain, also called dysmenorrhea in women. Ginger tea is often used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

According to various reseraches, ginger helps in lowering levels of Low Density Lipoproteins or "bad" cholesterol, which are known to increase risk of heart disease. Add this in your daily diet for best results.

Ginger helps in improving the the immunity of your body. Consuming a small piece of ginger a day can help in reducing the risk of stroke by eliminating fatty deposits from the arteries.

Consumption of ginger encourages the gallbladder to release bile, stimulating digestion. Ginger also provides relief from stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloating caused due to gastritis. We can take ginger in the form of tea or supplements to aid digestion.

Ginger act as a fat burner by eliminating the stubborn fat from your body. It aids in digestion, thus improving metabolism.

The presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol in ginger is known to have anti-cancer properties and can help treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

- Wrap ginger in plastic wrap and seal it in a zipper storage bag.

- Store ginger in a paper bag.

- Avoid wrinkled and damp roots.

- Pick ginger with smooth skin, firm texture and heavy in weight.

Drink ginger tea or chew on some raw ginger for a quick relief.

A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with fenugreek and honey acts as a excellent expectorant and helps in the treatment of asthma.

Cut fresh ginger into small pieces and put into boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Let it steep. Strain, mix in some honey to taste, and drink it warm to relieve throat pain.

Chew raw ginger or boil ginger in water and then inhale the vapor. You can also mix dry ginger powder in water and make a paste. Apply this paste on your forehead to get relief from headache.