The “Gingerbread Trick” to Better Health [7 Benefits In ONE!]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 10, 2022
The next time you munch on a gingerbread man consider this…
The spice you’re tasting has SUCH powerful health properties it was once literally known as the “Great Cure,” according to the experts at The Herb Society.
In fact, as delicious as ginger is it wasn’t even being used to flavor foods at first. Instead, it was made into a medicinal tonic to treat various ailments in China and India as far back as 5000 years ago!
Today we’re far more likely to use ginger to add some extra zing to our desserts and stir-fries or to cleanse our pallets between bites of sushi.
But this ancient spice STILL packs a potent healing punch. Keep reading to discover the surprising health benefits of ginger.
Ginger is delicious any time of the year.
But when those cold north winds howl and you want to cozy up next to a fire, THAT’S when the warming goodness of ginger REALLY shines.
But with each fiery bite ginger is ALSO delivering some BIG health benefits from calming inflammation to boosting immunities.
Following are the top 7 health benefits of ginger.
- Digestion: Ginger has long been prized for its digestive benefits. The spice helps to reduce gas and bloating while improving overall digestion.
- Nausea: It’s been used to calm nausea for thousands of years. And modern science confirms it works. The spice is especially effective for morning sickness and chemotherapy-triggered nausea.
- Inflammation: The spice is jam-packed with inflammation dousing molecules. It works in much the same was as COX-2 inhibiting drugs like NSAIDs. COX-2 pumps out inflammatory prostaglandins and ginger inhibits their production.
- Pain: Ginger reduces pain through its anti-inflammatory actions, of course. But studies show it also has a direct analgesic, or painkilling effect, similar to aspirin. It’s been found to be particularly effective at reducing muscular pain.
- Immune building: At the first sign of a cold or flu in my house we break out the ginger tea. It helps to relieve the chills and muscle aches that come with the flu. But studies have found ginger also gives the immune system a boost.
- Antioxidant: Ginger contains powerful antioxidant compounds. And regularly eating fresh ginger or drinking ginger tea can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions as a result.
- Cholesterol: Studies show ginger can lower total, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
During the holidays gingerbread, ginger snaps, and ginger candies are in good supply. And sure, they’re delicious. But don’t rely on sweets to get these ginger benefits. For that you’ll need fresh ginger.
You can grate fresh ginger into your favorite dishes. It’s delicious in veggies, salad dressings, soups, curries, and stir fries. Or use it to brew up a comforting mug of hot ginger tea (pro tip… try a few fresh slices in your favorite brew).
P.S. The main compound of ginger can powerfully counteract the mechanism that fuels certain autoimmune diseases. Talk about a BONUS benefit! Click here for the exciting story.
Source:
Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int J Prev Med. 2013 Apr;4(Suppl 1):S36-42. PMID: 23717767; PMCID: PMC3665023.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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