9 Amazing Benefits Of Ginger Candy And Recipe

Ginger is a root that has been used for centuries in many cultures for its medicinal and culinary properties. Ginger candy is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of ginger, especially if you suffer from nausea, motion sickness, or digestive issues. Ginger candy is typically made by cooking ginger slices in sugar syrup and then coating them with sugar or chocolate. You can also make your own ginger candy at home with simple ingredients and customize the flavor and sweetness to your liking.

In this article, we will explore 9 benefits of ginger candy and share some easy recipes that you can try at home.

Benefit #1. Ginger candy can help relieve nausea and vomiting

One of the most well-known benefits of ginger is its ability to soothe nausea and vomiting, whether it is caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy, or other conditions. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols that act on the brain and the stomach to inhibit the nausea reflex . Chewing on a piece of ginger candy can provide immediate relief from nausea and prevent vomiting. You can also suck on a ginger candy before traveling or undergoing medical treatments to prevent nausea from occurring.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that has a high percentage of ginger and a low amount of sugar, as sugar can worsen nausea in some cases.
Keep some ginger candies handy in your purse, car, or office for whenever you feel nauseous.
Try combining ginger candy with other anti-nausea foods or drinks, such as lemon, mint, or chamomile tea.

Benefit #2. Ginger candy can help lower blood sugar levels

Ginger may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, which are important for preventing and managing diabetes. Several studies have shown that ginger can lower fasting blood sugar levels, improve glucose tolerance, and reduce hemoglobin A1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control) in people with type 2 diabetes . Ginger may also enhance the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs by increasing their uptake into muscle cells . Ginger candy can be a convenient way to incorporate ginger into your diet and help regulate your blood sugar levels.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that is sugar-free or low in sugar, as excess sugar can raise your blood sugar levels and negate the benefits of ginger.
Consume ginger candy in moderation and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you are taking medication for diabetes.
Combine ginger candy with other foods or drinks that can lower blood sugar levels, such as cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, or green tea.

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Benefit #3. Ginger candy can help reduce inflammation and pain

Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain in various conditions, such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, muscle soreness, headaches, and more. Ginger works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that mediate inflammation and pain in the body . Ginger candy can be a tasty way to consume ginger and ease inflammation and pain naturally.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that has a high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, the active compounds that are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger.
Consume ginger candy regularly or before engaging in activities that may cause inflammation or pain, such as exercise, menstruation, or stress.
Combine ginger candy with other anti-inflammatory foods or supplements, such as turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, or bromelain.

Benefit #4. Ginger candy can help boost immunity and fight infections

Ginger has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against various bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that cause infections in the body . Ginger can also stimulate the immune system by activating the white blood cells that defend against pathogens . Ginger candy can be a great way to boost your immunity and prevent or treat infections naturally.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that is made with fresh or dried ginger, as these forms have more antimicrobial activity than processed or cooked ginger .
Consume ginger candy daily or whenever you feel sick or exposed to germs.
Combine ginger candy with other immune-boosting foods or herbs, such as garlic, honey, echinacea, or elderberry.

Benefit #5. Ginger candy can help improve digestion and prevent bloating

Ginger can improve digestion and prevent bloating by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, and relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestines . Ginger can also help relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as dyspepsia, flatulence, and abdominal pain . Ginger candy can be a delicious way to improve your digestion and prevent bloating after a meal.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that is made with natural ingredients and does not contain artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors, as these can irritate your digestive system and cause bloating.
Consume ginger candy before or after a meal to enhance digestion and prevent bloating.
Combine ginger candy with other digestive-friendly foods or drinks, such as yogurt, fennel, or peppermint tea.

Benefit #6. Ginger candy can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Ginger may have beneficial effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are important for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have shown that ginger can lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol or diabetes . Ginger may also prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) . Ginger candy can be an easy way to consume ginger and improve your lipid profile.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that is sugar-free or low in sugar, as excess sugar can raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and negate the benefits of ginger.
Consume ginger candy in moderation and monitor your lipid levels regularly, especially if you are taking medication for high cholesterol or diabetes.
Combine ginger candy with other foods or supplements that can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, such as oatmeal, nuts, fish oil, or red yeast rice.

Benefit #7. Ginger candy can help reduce menstrual symptoms

Ginger can help reduce menstrual symptoms, such as pain, cramps, mood swings, and fatigue. Ginger has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that can relieve menstrual pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions and inflammation . Ginger can also modulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that affect mood and energy . Ginger candy can be a comforting way to consume ginger and ease menstrual symptoms naturally.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that has a high amount of gingerols and shogaols, the active compounds that are responsible for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger.
Consume ginger candy before or during your menstrual period to reduce menstrual symptoms.
Combine ginger candy with other foods or herbs that can reduce menstrual symptoms, such as chamomile, lavender, or raspberry leaf.

Benefit #8. Ginger candy can help prevent cancer

Ginger may have anticancer properties that can help prevent cancer by inducing apoptosis (cell death), inhibiting angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), modulating cell cycle (cell division), and suppressing inflammation in various types of cancer cells . Ginger may also enhance the effects of chemotherapy drugs by increasing their uptake into cancer cells and reducing their toxicity to normal cells . Ginger candy can be a simple way to consume ginger and protect yourself from cancer.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that is made with organic ginger, as conventional ginger may contain pesticides or other chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer.
Consume ginger candy regularly or before undergoing chemotherapy treatments to prevent cancer or enhance the effects of chemotherapy drugs.
Combine ginger candy with other foods or supplements that have anticancer properties, such as green tea, garlic, curcumin, or resveratrol.

Benefit #9. Ginger candy can help improve brain function

Ginger may have neuroprotective properties that can help improve brain function by enhancing memory, learning, attention, and cognition. Ginger may also protect the brain from oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration caused by aging, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or trauma . Ginger candy can be a smart way to consume ginger and improve your brain function.

It is important to note that Ginger candy not only offers an array of health benefits but also contains essential nutrients. Here is the nutritional breakdown of ginger candy per serving (approximately 40 grams):

Calories: 145
Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 36 grams

It’s important to note that ginger candy is meant to be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar content. However, the small size and intense flavor of ginger candy make it a satisfying treat that can be savored without overindulging.

How to enjoy and optimize this benefit:

Choose a ginger candy that has a high concentration of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, the active compounds that are responsible for the neuroprotective effects of ginger.
Consume ginger candy daily or before engaging in activities that require mental performance, such as studying, working, or playing games.
Combine ginger candy with other foods or supplements that can improve brain function, such as blueberries, walnuts, ginkgo biloba, or bacopa monnieri.

Recipes for making ginger candy at home and reap it’s benefits

Here are two recipes for making ginger candy at home and enjoying it’s benefits:

Homemade Candied Ginger
Ingredients:

1 pound peeled and sliced ginger, preferably young/smaller roots, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
Pinch of salt
2 cups white granulated sugar
Extra sugar for coating

Instructions:

Place the sliced ginger in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the ginger water and then drain the ginger slices.
Place the sliced ginger back in the pot with the reserved ginger water, sugar, and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the temperature on a candy thermometer reads 225 degrees F.
Drain the ginger in a colander over a bowl to catch the syrup.
Lay out the ginger slices on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet, separating the slices the best you can. Let cool for 2 hours.
Toss the ginger slices in a bowl of sugar so they are coated all over. Place the ginger slices back on the cooling rack to sit overnight.
Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. The candied ginger will keep for several months.

2. Easy Ginger Candy

Ingredients:

Fresh ginger root
Water
Granulated sugar
Salt
Optional: vanilla extract or orange extract

Instructions:

Peel the ginger root completely and slice it into thin rounds.
Place the ginger slices in a large saucepot and add the specified amount of water. Bring to a simmer and let the ginger simmer for about 30 minutes, until just softened.
Remove the lid and check the liquid levels. There should be approximately 1/4 – 1/3 cup of water in the bottom of the pot.
Add the sugar and salt to the pot and stir until dissolved. Simmer the mixture for another 30 minutes, until the ginger becomes translucent and the syrup thickens.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the ginger cool in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ginger slices to a wire rack to cool and dry. Let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
Optional: If desired, toss the cooled ginger slices in additional sugar to coat them.
Store the ginger candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects and Precautions

While ginger candy is considered safe for most individuals, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as heartburn or stomach upset, when consuming ginger candy in large quantities. Additionally, ginger may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes medications. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating ginger candy into your diet.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can ginger candy help with menstrual cramps?

A1: Yes, ginger candy may help alleviate menstrual cramps. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help reduce pain and discomfort during menstruation. Enjoying ginger candy or sipping ginger tea can provide natural relief.

Q2: Is ginger candy suitable for pregnant women?

A2: Ginger candy is often recommended for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming ginger candy or any other form of ginger during pregnancy.

Q3: Can ginger candy help with motion sickness?

A3: Yes, ginger candy is a popular remedy for motion sickness. The compounds present in ginger can help alleviate nausea and calm the stomach, making it an effective natural solution for those prone to motion sickness.

Q4: Can ginger candy be consumed by individuals with diabetes?

A4: Ginger candy can be enjoyed by individuals with diabetes in moderation. However, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount of ginger candy to consume.

Q5: Are there any alternatives to ginger candy for those who don’t enjoy its taste?

A5: If you don’t enjoy the taste of ginger candy, there are various alternatives to still reap the benefits of ginger. Consider incorporating fresh ginger into your recipes, drinking ginger tea, or taking ginger supplements in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.