Ginger is a unique representative of flora. It is used both in cooking and in medicine. With us, he recently ceased to be considered exotic. But this plant is known to mankind for more than two thousand years. In the article we will talk about the composition, properties and effects of ginger on the body.
Ginger: the chemical composition of the plant
Ginger contains water, a large amount of useful minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, potassium, chromium, manganese, silicon), vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, K), fatty acids (oleic, caprylic, linoleic), proteins, including amino acids (leucine, valine, isoleucine, threonine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan), asparagine, glutamic acid, as well as fats, carbohydrates (sugar). The basis of the burning taste of ginger is a special resinous substance gingerol. All parts of the plant and even seeds contain fragrant essential oil, the main components of which are α- and β-zingiberen, giving it a special aroma. It is not surprising that having such a rich composition, ginger has a lot of useful properties.
Did you know? In the Middle Ages, merchants sold ginger as a strange plant, which guard the troglodytes at the ends of the earth. In those days, it was used as a spice, medicine, and even a preventive measure against the plague.
Useful properties of ginger
Almost everyone can find something useful for themselves in this plant. After all, ginger is useful for both men and women, and, of course, for children.
Useful properties of ginger for men
Due to the beneficial vitamins and trace elements contained in the ginger root, it reduces high cholesterol, as a result of which testosterone levels increase, it has the properties of a drug for potency, a prophylactic against prostatitis. Increases blood circulation and body tone in general. It is better to use it fresh. 
Did you know? The name ginger in Chinese sounds like "masculinity."
Useful properties of ginger for women
Often, ginger is recommended to use with menstrual pain, to normalize hormonal levels, to alleviate the symptoms of menopause (headache, irritability). He is advised to use in the treatment of infertility, as an adjunct in chronic inflammation, adhesions. Treat them and myoma. Also to the beneficial properties of ginger for women let's attribute its calming effect, it will perfectly cope with stress and depression.
Important! Since ginger is not compatible with all drugs, before using it, you should consult a specialist.During pregnancy, ginger will have a calming effect, help from nausea with toxicosis, dizziness. As an antispasmodic, he copes well with the swelling of the legs. Useful substances in ginger will have a beneficial effect on the future mother's body. But do not get involved in them - eat in small quantities.
How is ginger useful for children?
After agreeing on all issues with the pediatrician, you may consider using ginger root to treat colds in a child. Natural essential oils in its composition will help to overcome the flu and cold. Evaporation from boiling ginger is good to use for inhalation. If the child suffers from disorders of the digestive system, the tea from this plant will help from nausea, vomiting, spasms. Ginger also eliminates muscle pain, strengthens the child’s immune system.
Ginger application
As already mentioned, ginger is widely used not only in cooking, but also in medicine, as well as in cosmetology and nutrition.
How to use ginger in traditional medicine
Not only ginger root, but also the leaves have useful properties and are used by the people, although more often they use roots. For a long time, traditional medicine has accumulated a huge number of prescriptions for all occasions. Here are some of them.
From motion sickness in transport or from seasickness, add half a teaspoon to your drink. Ginger tea with the addition of honey and lemon is an excellent cough remedy. With an upset stomach, a quarter of a teaspoon of ginger is added to natural yogurt, diluted with boiled water. For headaches, dissolve the ginger with warm water to a pasty consistency and apply on the forehead. If you are worried about hemorrhoids, then take 2 times a day aloe juice with a pinch of ginger. In order to remove the boil, a teaspoon of ginger is mixed with turmeric, water is added to make a paste and applied to the boil. Back pain will help relieve ginger compress, and muscle fatigue and aches - ginger bath.
How to use ginger in cosmetology
Now let's see what is used ginger root in cosmetology. Due to its unique composition, it is used in the production of products for oily and problem skin (reduces pores, inflammation, improves skin tone), such as having anti-aging (has tightening properties), antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and tonic effect. It remarkably eliminates skin fatigue, refreshes the complexion, removes toxins. Ginger is a part of shampoos, masks, hair balms, massage oils.
Important! If you have sensitive skin or have deep sores, then refrain from using ginger products.
The use of ginger in nutrition
With daily consumption of ginger, it stabilizes the metabolism, reduces increased appetite, improves the digestive system, eliminates intestinal imbalance, reduces cholesterol. All this helps to eliminate extra pounds. For weight loss, ginger is commonly used in beverages (tea, kvass, compote, even coffee), in food (soups, salads, snacks, etc.). It is used for massage (ginger essential oil), wraps and baths.
The use of ginger in cooking
Ginger leaves can be added to a salad or tea, then its beneficial properties will be in a pleasant aroma. Ginger root has a wider application. It can be added to almost any dish (stew, roast meat, soups, broths, vegetable dishes, mushrooms, rice, cheese), it is part of the curry, jam is made from it. Fresh and ground ginger is added to desserts, pastries. Ginger fits well with fennel, cinnamon, dill, cloves, and pepper. In Japan, ginger is marinated, in English-speaking countries you can often meet ginger ale and bread, in Arab countries - candied fruit, in European countries - ginger pies.
Ginger: Is there any harm from eating the plant?
Like any other plant, ginger has not only useful properties, but also some contraindications. For example, It can cause an allergic reaction. It should not be used for bleeding, fever, gastric ulcer, esophagus, stones in the gallbladder or kidneys, liver cirrhosis. Use with hypertension. Women in the last stages of pregnancy and lactating mothers are also better to abstain from eating ginger.
Did you know? You can meet white and black ginger. This is not his views. Just before drying, the white was washed, and its taste became softer, but the black one did not.Today we told you about the properties of ginger, why it is used and in what cases it is better to refrain from using it. In general, this excellent tool will help get rid of a whole lot of trouble and significantly improve the taste of your dishes.
