Ginger, the popular ingredient in traditional medicine and an indispensable part of culinary preparations has been around for centuries and continues to be an integral part of our modern lifestyle. A kitchen staple, ginger can silently work on many aspects of your health. From a digestive remedy to being a companion in weight loss journey, the humble ginger has many lesser-known benefits that its regular consumption can unlock.
While fresh ginger is often the go-to for many, it can also be turned into ginger powder for longer shelf life. Dry ginger powder is also known as Shunthi (saunth) in Ayurveda and the ancient traditional practice recommends drying ginger for long-term use as fresh ginger is dry and hot in nature.
How much ginger powder you can have in a day?
Dry ginger is more potent than fresh ginger and has a concentrated amount of nutrients. It is made by drying and grinding the ginger root. One can have a teaspoon of powdered ginger every day for boosting immunity and reaping its many benefits.
Gingerol, a compound that's found naturally in the spice, can provide a range of benefits including nausea relief and pain relief. It also helps balance blood sugar levels and nourish your brain
Here are some benefits of ginger powder:
DigestionMuch like fresh ginger, its dried and powdered form also aids in digestion and helps the body process food more efficiently. People who face issues like indigestion, bloating, or nausea, can consume ginger powder for quick relief. A daily dose can help keep digestive issues at bay. It is especially recommended after heavy meals. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, ginger can take the edge off post-treatment nausea, and without some of the side effects of anti-nausea medications.
Boosts immunity
A teaspoon of ginger powder in your tea or other foods can provide a generous dose of antioxidants which can help boost your immune system. The compound gingerol, which gives ginger its characteristic taste and smell, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that strengthen the body’s defenses. This can especially be useful in the ongoing flu season. Lysozyme, secreted by macrophages, plays a key role in immunity and infection defense. Increased LZM activity suggests that ginger extract boosts the body's non-specific immune function.
Pain relief
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Having ginger powder can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and chronic pain. Consuming it regularly can help alleviate pain and stiffness. A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009 found that ginger powder could help reduce muscle pain and soreness.
Weight loss
Ginger powder is a convenient way to lose weight and can be your valuable ally in your fitness journey. Studies suggest that ginger can help increase metabolism and reduce appetite, aiding in fat loss. By boosting the thermogenic effects in your body, it promotes the burning of fat and helps curb hunger. A teaspoon of ginger powder in the morning added in water or tea can help set the stage for a more active and energized day.
These benefits are confirmed by a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2015 which showed that ginger powder helped increase fat-burning activity and improved metabolism.
Fresh ginger is juicy and has more fibre. It usually has a milder taste than dry ginger which removes its water content and increase its shelf life. Fresh ginger is used in cooking, smoothies, or teas, while ginger powder is more concentrated and has a spicier, more pungent taste.
How to add ginger powder to your dietHere's how you can incorporate ginger powder into your daily routine:
Ginger tea: A sip of hot ginger tea can refresh you for the day ahead and warm up on a winter morning. Add a teaspoon of ginger powder into hot water with honey and lemon for a soothing, anti-inflammatory tea.
Smoothies: Ginger powder can also be added to your fruit or green smoothies for boosting nutrition and a unique flavour.
Soups and stir-fries: A pinch of ginger powder can transform your curries, soups, and stir-fries and lend it a warming and aromatic flavour.
Baking: Ginger powder is also used in baking gingerbread, cookies, cakes, and other treats for a distinct flavour.
Supplements: Ginger powder can be found in many health supplements, including capsules, which make it easy to enjoy the benefits in a concentrated form.
