Ginger, with its distinct flavor and aroma, not only adds a delightful zing to your favorite dishes but also offers a myriad of health benefits. One of the most effective ways to harness the power of ginger is by consuming it in the form of juice.
In this article, we will explore the 11 amazing health benefits of ginger juice, tips on how to optimize each benefit for your well-being, It’s nutritional content, Potential side effects and how to make ginger juice at home.
Ginger Juice Nutrition
Before we explore the health benefits of ginger juice, lets talk about it nutritional content. Ginger juice is low in calories and fat, but high in potassium. One ounce (30 ml) of ginger juice provides about 20 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 417 mg of potassium, which is 9% of the daily value (DV) (1). Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function.
Ginger juice also contains small amounts of other nutrients, such as vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6, niacin, and folate. However, these amounts are not significant enough to meet your daily needs. To get more vitamins and minerals from ginger juice, you can add other ingredients such as lemon juice, carrot juice, or coconut water.
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Now lets explore ginger juice health benefits.
Ginger Juice Health Benefits
Ginger juice contains gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-nausea effects. Ginger juice also contains other phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can benefit your health in various ways. Here are 11 amazing benefits of ginger juice that you should know.
Benefit #1. Improves digestion
Ginger juice can stimulate the production of saliva, bile, and gastric juices, which can help break down food and enhance nutrient absorption. Ginger juice can also relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent spasms, bloating, gas, and constipation. Ginger juice can also protect the stomach lining from ulcers and reduce the severity of acid reflux.
To improve your digestion, you can drink a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of ginger juice and some lemon juice before or after meals.
Benefit #2. Reduces nausea
Ginger juice can help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by various factors, such as motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Ginger juice works by blocking the serotonin receptors in the brain that trigger nausea and by increasing the levels of digestive enzymes that can neutralize stomach acid.
To reduce nausea, you can drink a cup of ginger tea with some honey or suck on a piece of candied ginger. You can also inhale the aroma of ginger oil or apply it to your wrists or temples.
Benefit #3. Lowers inflammation
Ginger juice has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling in various conditions, such as arthritis, muscle soreness, headaches, menstrual cramps, or respiratory infections. Ginger juice can also modulate the immune system and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can trigger chronic inflammation.
To lower inflammation, you can drink a glass of ginger juice with some turmeric and black pepper or apply it topically to the affected area.
Benefit #4. Boosts immunity
Ginger juice can boost your immunity by stimulating the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages that can fight off pathogens and foreign invaders. Ginger juice can also enhance the production of antibodies that can neutralize toxins and prevent infections. Ginger juice can also act as an expectorant and clear the mucus from your lungs and throat.
To boost your immunity, you can drink a glass of ginger juice with some honey and lemon or add it to your smoothies or soups.
Benefit #5. Promotes cognitive Function
Ginger juice can promote cognition by improving blood flow to the brain and enhancing oxygen delivery to the neurons. Ginger juice can also protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation that can damage the nerve cells and impair memory and learning. Ginger juice can also modulate the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that can affect mood and behavior.
To promote cognition, you can drink a glass of ginger juice with some green tea or add it to your oatmeal or yogurt.
Benefit #6. Enhances digestion
Ginger juice can enhance digestion by stimulating the production of saliva, bile, and gastric juices, which can help break down food and enhance nutrient absorption. Ginger juice can also relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent spasms, bloating, gas, and constipation. Ginger juice can also protect the stomach lining from ulcers and reduce the severity of acid reflux.
To enhance digestion, you can drink a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of ginger juice and some lemon juice before or after meals.
Benefit #7. Reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Ginger juice can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels by inhibiting the enzymes that are involved in their synthesis and metabolism. Ginger juice can also increase the uptake of glucose by the cells and improve insulin sensitivity. Ginger juice can also prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol that can cause plaque formation and increase the risk of heart disease.
To reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, you can drink a glass of ginger juice with some apple cider vinegar or add it to your salads or dressings.
Benefit #8. Helps lose weight
Ginger juice can help lose weight by increasing thermogenesis (heat production) and lipolysis (fat breakdown) in the body. Ginger juice can also suppress appetite and reduce hunger pangs by affecting the hormones that regulate satiety and fullness. Ginger juice can also enhance metabolism and energy expenditure by stimulating the thyroid gland.
To help lose weight, you can drink a glass of ginger juice with some cinnamon and honey or add it to your detox drinks or water.
Benefit #9. Heals menstrual pain
Ginger juice can heal menstrual pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory substances that can cause uterine contractions and cramps. Ginger juice can also relax the muscles of the uterus and ease the blood flow. Ginger juice can also balance the hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.
To heal menstrual pain, you can drink a cup of ginger tea with some mint and fennel seeds or apply a warm compress with ginger juice to your lower abdomen.
Benefit #10. Protects from infections and heart disease
Ginger juice can protect from infections and heart disease by enhancing the immune system and preventing the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Ginger juice can also prevent the formation of blood clots and lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and improving blood circulation. Ginger juice can also prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries.
To protect from infections and heart disease, you can drink a glass of ginger juice with some garlic and onion or add it to your curries or stews.
Benefit #11. Benefits oral and dental health
Ginger juice can benefit oral and dental health by inhibiting the growth of plaque-causing bacteria and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Ginger juice can also reduce inflammation and bleeding in the gums and heal mouth ulcers. Ginger juice can also freshen your breath and prevent bad odor.
To benefit oral and dental health, you can rinse your mouth with some ginger juice diluted with water or chew on a piece of fresh ginger.
Side effects
Ginger juice is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, some people may experience some side effects from ginger juice, such as:
- Stomach discomfort. Ginger may cause stomach irritation, bloating, gas, or diarrhea in some people, especially when consumed in large amounts or on an empty stomach (7). To avoid this, start with small doses of ginger juice and drink it with food or water.
- Heartburn. Ginger may cause heartburn or acid reflux in some people due to its spicy nature or its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus) (8). To prevent this, avoid drinking ginger juice before bedtime or if you have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Bleeding risk. Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding by interfering with blood clotting or interacting with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin (9). To reduce this risk, consult your doctor before drinking ginger juice if you have a bleeding disorder or take any medications that affect blood clotting.
- Low blood pressure. Ginger may lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels or interacting with blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers (10). To avoid this, monitor your blood pressure regularly and talk to your doctor before drinking ginger juice if you have low blood pressure or take any medications that lower blood pressure.
- Low blood sugar. Ginger may lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production or enhancing glucose uptake (11). To prevent this, check your blood sugar levels frequently and adjust your medication dosage accordingly if you have diabetes or take any medications that lower blood sugar.
How to make Ginger Juice at home and Enjoy it Benefits
Ginger juice is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients and tools. Here is a basic recipe for making ginger juice:
- Peel and chop about 4 ounces (113 grams) of fresh ginger root.
- Add the ginger pieces to a blender or food processor along with 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
- Blend until smooth and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag to separate the juice from the pulp.
- Discard the pulp or save it for other uses, such as making ginger tea or adding it to soups or stir-fries.
- Enjoy the ginger juice as it is or add other ingredients to enhance its flavor and nutrition, such as lemon juice, honey, turmeric, cayenne pepper, or apple cider vinegar.
- Store the ginger juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Ginger juice is a simple and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of ginger. Ginger juice may help with nausea, pain, cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and weight loss. However, ginger juice may also cause some side effects, such as stomach discomfort, heartburn, bleeding risk, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. To make ginger juice at home, you only need fresh ginger and water, and you can add other ingredients to suit your taste and preferences. Ginger juice can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
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Sources:
- 11 Health Benefits of Ginger: Effect on Nausea, the Brain & More
- 7 Miraculous Benefits of Ginger Juice: From Better Digestion to Beautiful Hair
- 15 Health Benefits of Ginger Juice
- Boost Your Health Naturally with Ginger Juice: Unveiling its Amazing Benefits
- Ginger Information | Mount Sinai – New York
- GINGER: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
- Ginger: Health Benefits & Side-Effects
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