When I was younger, I barely paid attention to what I put into my body. Unfortunately, the older I got, the more I started to feel like my body does not appreciate the lack of care, so I took some baby steps and made some changes to my diet.
One of the first things I started adding to my diet is ginger. I just couldn't pass up on the many short and long-term benefits that come with eating the root and drinking its juice.
For a while now, I've been drinking a shot of ginger juice every day, usually in the morning before I consume anything else, and I have noticed a huge difference in how I feel overall. It has helped with my weight loss and skin problems, and I haven't caught the flu in over three years!
Here are 12 benefits you will reap by drinking ginger juice daily:
1. Relieves pain and inflammation
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, which also makes it a very good pain reliever.
If you suffer from back or joint pain, sore muscles, headaches, toothaches, or menstrual cramps, drinking a couple of tablespoons of ginger juice or rubbing it on the affected area will bring you relief. You can even add a little bit of honey to sweeten the taste.
2. Aids digestion
Gingerol and shogoal, the two active ingredients in ginger are believed to be very effective in stimulating the production of saliva, which in turn aids with digestion.
Mix a few tablespoons of ginger juice with some lime and salt and drink it before or after meals to help your body easily digest your food.
Both ginger juice and the root can also be used to get relief from nausea, upset stomach, and even morning sickness.
3. Eliminates bad breath
Ginger contains high amounts of Vitamin C, which kills the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.
Add a spoonful of ginger juice and lemon juice to some warm water and gargle with it for a few minutes in the morning, or as needed.
4. Clears up your skin
If your skin is prone to breakouts, ginger juice may be the solution you need to treat it.
"Ginger juice can help remove toxins from the skin and supply more iron through the blood that will leave you with a healthy glow," according to Dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj. "It can also be applied on cuts or wounds to heal them naturally and prevent scarring."
Since acne is an inflammatory condition, drinking ginger juice as well as applying it on the affected area can help clear your skin by preventing acne flare ups and scarring. The vitamin C can also help in getting rid of blemishes and brightening up your complexion.
5. Controls high blood pressure
There are certain chemical compounds in ginger that are useful in controlling hypertension or high blood pressure. The potent juice is effective because it prevents blood clots from forming in your blood vessels and arteries.
Additionally, you can maintain good heart health by drinking ginger juice as it lowers the low density lipoproteins, also known as bad cholesterol.
Having a tablespoon of fresh ginger juice twice a day will help you reap these benefits.
6. Promotes hair growth
Adding ginger juice to your hair care routine will do wonders for your locks. It increases blood flow, which improves the oxygen supply to your hair follicles and promotes growth. Ginger is also an anti-septic that can eliminate dandruff.
To get the maximum benefits, try making a hair mask by mixing one part ginger juice with two or three parts coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it for a few minutes. Put on a plastic cap and let it sit for about 20 minutes before shampooing it off.
7. Boosts the immune system
As an anti-oxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory, ginger juice can help activate the T-cells that make your immune system strong enough to fight off infections.
If you have a cold or the flu, drinking equal parts of warm ginger juice and honey a couple of times a day will get rid of some of your symptoms, including sore throat and congestion.
8. Lowers blood sugar
A study involving individuals with type 2 diabetes yielded results that confirmed ginger can lower blood sugar levels. Participants saw a 12% decline in their fasting blood sugar levels after consuming ginger.
9. Fights against cancer
A number of studies have found that the a compound in ginger called 6-gingerol can fight off a number of different cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and ovarian.
It is found that drinking a combination of ginger juice and capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, gives the best results.
10. Helps with weight loss
When it comes to weight management, ginger juice can help in two ways: as an appetite suppressant and stimulant.
Ginger juice helps with the production of more stomach acid, which means digestion is quicker and you'll be hungrier. However, if you're trying to lose weight, drinking ginger juice will help your body burn more fat and curbs your appetite by making you feel full longer.
11. Prevents Alzheimer's disease
Since Alzheimer's disease has no cure, the key to protecting yourself from it is by prevention. According to one study, drinking ginger juice daily can slow down the death of brain cells, which will delay the onset of the Alzheimer's.
12. Manages Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
As the name indicates, IBS is an annoying condition that will make you run for the toilet without much of a warning.
Ginger is apparently helpful in relieving many of the symptoms of IBS, including pain, nausea, cramps, and inflammation of the gut.
