Exploring The Potential Health Benefits Of Dried Ginger!

Dry ginger contains all the nutrients in a concentrated form and provides various health benefits. Dried ginger is obtained from the rhizomes of zingiber officinale and rhizome is cultivated from the beginning of spring and harvested when the leaves start drying and turn yellow. Along with providing flavor to food, ginger offers various health benefits.

Eating ginger can help improve digestion and provide relief from nausea, bloating, and gas. It also helps reduce inflammation, ease morning sickness, manage wear and tear on cells, and prevent damage to the body.

Ginger is one of the most popular spices in the world and is frequently used in medicines, food, and cosmetics. While dried ginger has a more concentrated flavor and aroma, fresh ginger has stronger health benefits. However, dried ginger has more antioxidants because when the water is removed from the ginger during the drying process, its antioxidant properties increase. Ginger is safe to consume for almost everyone in normal amounts and does not cause adverse effects. 

An Overview Of Dried Ginger

The ginger plant is a thick underground stem with a brown outer layer and a yellow center that has a spicy and citrusy aroma. Dried ginger is the dehydrated form of ginger, which turns pale white when dried. Dried ginger is easily available in whole, flakes, bits, or powdered form. They are irregular in shape and their color varies from dark yellow and light brown to pale buff.

Drying ginger is common and this method is done for post-harvest preservation. It helps preserve their medical qualities. There are 4 different drying methods, and they are shade drying, oven drying, microwave drying, and solar drying. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, ginger has Protein, crude fiber, fat, and ash contents ranging from 5.02 to 5.82, 4.97 to 5.61, 0.76 to 0.90, and 3.38 to 3.66 %, respectively. In dried ginger, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid content was found the maximum that is 0.81 mg/100 g and 3.83 mg/100 g, respectively. Also, calcium was higher in dried ginger, 69.21 mg/100 g. 

Uses Of Dry Ginger

Dried ginger in powdered form is mostly used in making spices and masalas to give flavor and aroma to the food. It is also commonly used to brew teas and ginger teas are quite popular. It is used to make baked goods, such as breads, cookies, and cakes. Some also prefer adding dry ginge powder to honey to make a tasty spread for toast. Even though it is used as a seasoning and ingredient, it provides various health benefits.

Apart from its culinary uses, ginger is packed with benefits. Dried ginger is a common home remedy in India, as it helps treat common colds and digestive problems. It helps prevent or treat nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, motion sickness, and cancer chemotherapy. 

Health Benefits Of Dried Ginger

There are various benefits to using dried ginger, such as;

➡ Treats Morning Sickness And Nausea

Ginger is highly known for its ability to treat morning sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy and motion sickness. It helps ease vomiting for people who undergo certain types of surgeries. 

➡ Improves Digestion

Ginger helps improve digestion while treating indigestion and other digestive problems. It eases bloating, gas, feeling too full, belching, and abdominal pain and supports better digestion. 

➡ Eases Menstrual Pain

This ingredient can help ease menstrual pain naturally. Many studies prove that ginger is very effective in relieving menstrual pain. 

➡ Lowers Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels can result in an increased risk of heart disease. Ginger helps lower cholesterol levels (LDL-bad cholesterol) and reduces the risk of heart problems. 

➡ Aids In Weight Loss

Another main advantage of ginger is that it enhances the body’s natural ability to lose weight. It helps with weight loss by reducing body weight, waist-hip ratio, and hip ratio. 

➡ Prevents Cancer

Ginger reduces the risk of cancer. It has a compound called gingerol, which has protective effects against cancer. 

➡ Promotes Brain Function

Many people noticed an improvement in their brain function after taking ginger. It helps prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Also, ginger protects against age-related brain damage or decline and improves brain health.

➡ Protects The Body

Ginger is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the body against free radicals and reduce inflammation. It reduces oxidative stress and protects the body from damage. 

➡ Treats Osteoarthritis

Ginger helps treat osteoarthritis, which is the degeneration of the joints, joint pain, and stiffness. It helps reduce joint pain and disability. 

➡ Regulates Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Many studies show that ginger has anti-diabetic properties. It helps lower blood sugar levels and treats diabetes. It also prevents various heart diseases associated with type 2 diabetes. 

➡ Fights Off Infections

Ginger has antimicrobial properties, which help fight off infections. It helps eliminate bacterial and fungal infections and reduces the chances of getting infections in the future. 

Also, ginger offers other benefits like supporting skin health, easing pain, enhancing immunity, reducing hunger, preventing wear and tear on cells, and more. 

Dry Ginger Vs. Fresh Ginger

Both fresh ginger and dried ginger offer various health benefits. According to Ayurveda, dried ginger is considered to be superior to fresh ginger. However, many studies also show that fresh ginger has stronger health benefits than dried. Dried ginger is said to be better for gas, bloating, and other stomach discomforts and lower blood sugar levels.

Even though most consider dried ginger a favorable option, it is not necessary to avoid fresh ginger from the diet completely. Also, dried ginger is more convenient to use. Fresh ginger will have a strong taste and aroma, making dried ginger easier to consume. 

Side Effects Of Dried Ginger

Even though ginger offers various health benefits, some people might be allergic to it. It is rare to get side effects from consuming ginger. However, consuming ginger in high doses can result in diarrhea, heartburn, and irritation of the mouth.

Note that, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with gallstones, heart conditions, bleeding disorders, and diabetes should talk to their doctor first before using ginger. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking ginger before the surgery or being placed under anesthesia. 

Conclusion

Dried ginger is the dehydrated form of ginger, and it contains all the nutrients in a concentrated form, which provides various health benefits. Most studies show that dried ginger is better than fresh ginger, as it offers more nutrients.

Ginger is one of the most popular spices in the world and is frequently used in medicines, food, and cosmetics. It can help improve digestion and relieve nausea, bloating, and gas. It also helps reduce inflammation, ease morning sickness, manage wear and tear on cells, and prevent damage to the body.

Dried ginger has more antioxidants because when the water is removed from the ginger during the drying process, its antioxidant properties increase. Also, it is easily available in whole, flakes, bits, or powdered form.

There are 4 different drying methods, and they are shade drying, oven drying, microwave drying, and solar drying. Dried ginger in powdered form is mostly used in making spices and masalas to give flavor and aroma to the food. It is also commonly used to brew teas and ginger teas are quite popular.  Even though it is used as a seasoning and ingredient, it provides various health benefits.

Side effects of ginger are very rare but consuming ginger in high doses can result in diarrhea, heartburn, and mouth irritation. If you have a serious health condition like diabetes, heart complications, gallstones, or bleeding disorders, speak with your doctor first before taking ginger.

Also, breastfeeding and nursing women should be careful while consuming ginger as it might cause health complications. 3 to 4 grams of ginger every day is considered safe. Only take 1 gram daily if you are pregnant.

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