Ginger, a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia, is one of the healthiest (and most delicious) spices in the world.
Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. Ginger has a long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.
High levels of cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of health problems like heart disease and stroke, especially “bad” LDL cholesterol. Some studies suggest that adding ginger to your diet can help reduce not only LDL cholesterol but also total cholesterol and triglycerides. This could help you lower your risk of heart problems and other cholesterol-related health issues.
Drinking ginger tea can be a healthy addition to your day.