Ginger-Benefits And Nutritional Facts
March 31, 2020 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in Nutrition Facts, spices and Condiments
Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China, whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal. It contains many health benefits and nutritionally very good
Benefits
It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. The bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections. Ginger may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and other healthful properties.
- Reduces osteoarthritis.
- Maintains heart health.
- Controls diabetes.
- Reduces the risk of cold or flu.
- Prevents or controls cancer.
- Relief from nausea.
- Helps in digestion.
- Reduces muscle pain and soreness.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Lowers cholesterol level.
- Improve Brain Function.
- Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Relives from gastric problems.
Antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and various types of infection. Researchers have also studied its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other health problems. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold etc.
Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Ginger appears to be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain, and may reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Nutritional Facts
Ginger does not provide protein or other nutrients, but it is an excellent source of antioxidants. It contains 81% of moisture.
| Nutrients | Amount per 100 g |
| Energy | 54.97 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8.97 g |
| Protein | 2.22 g |
| Fat | 0.85 g |
| Fiber | 5.36 g |
| Calcium | 18.88 mg |
| Phosphorous | 44.36 mg |
| Sodium | 10.03 mg |
| Potassium | 407 mg |
| Iron | 1.9 mg |
| Folate (vitamin B9) | 10.82 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 5.43 mg |
| Beta carotene | 88.85 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 14.81 mcg |
| Magnesium | 54.66 mg |
| Oxalates | 259 mg |
| Lutein | 15 mcg |
| Zeaxanthin | 5.97 mcg |
| Biotin (vitamin B7) | 1.07 mcg |
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
The enzymes in ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort. Ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant. But it is believed that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage.
One small study found that ginger extract helped reduce the occurrence of heart abnormalities among rats with diabetes. The authors noted that this reduction may stem, in part, from the antioxidant properties of the extract.