Benefits of Ginger and Turmeric

Benefits of Ginger and Turmeric

We often see and hear about a number of vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, and spices being made into different supplements, teas, and foods. Some of them have obvious benefits, like iron or calcium, but others may be a bit more unknown off the bat. Ginger and turmeric are very well known in the culinary world for the flavor they had to a variety of dishes. They are also quite commonly made into tea mixtures for a nice, refreshing hot cup of tea. But as a surprise to some, they also provide a range of purported health benefits.

  • Ginger

    • Gingerol

      • Ginger root, which resembles a small sweet potato, has an active component called gingerol. It is a bioactive compound believed to be behind most of ginger’s benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

    • Nausea Relief

      • Ginger is purported to aid in the relief of nausea from different causes. While it may not help in situations involving active vomiting, relief may come while just nauseous. It may be beneficial to those undergoing cancer treatment, experiencing morning sickness related nausea, and having nausea after surgery. It is recommended that you discuss with your doctor before consuming ginger as an herbal treatment.
    • Pain Relief

      • Due to the anti-inflammatory property of ginger provided by gingerol it is purported to be a pain reliever. It is said to help with the relief of pain from things such as menstrual cramps and arthritis. While more studies are needed, ginger in a more natural form seems to be beneficial for pain relief in a manner similar to Ibuprofen, whereas ginger that has been heated and changed may be less effective.
    • Indigestion Relief

      • While more research is needed, studies have shown ginger to be beneficial in aiding in relief from indigestion. Indigestion happens when the stomach is not emptying fast enough and causes pain and discomfort in the stomach. It is purported that ginger before meals can aid the stomach in emptying quicker to avoid indigestion.

  • Turmeric

    • Curcumin

      • Curcumin is the main active ingredient found in turmeric and is believed to provide most of its health benefits. Curcumin is what gives turmeric its well known color and can be extracted and heat treated, like Vidafy’s curcumin-based products, to increase its bioavailability and increase its benefits. Benefits are purported to include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can aid in things like pain relief.
    • Anti-inflammatory

      • Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory nature can help reduce inflammation from a number of things. It can purportedly aid in reducing inflammation from wounds, temporary inflammation within the body, and chronic inflammation. Sufferers of chronic inflammation such as arthritis may find some relief in turmeric as a food additive, tea additive, or as a supplement.
    • Pain Relief

      • Thanks to curcumin, turmeric is purported to aid in pain relief. A lot of pain is caused by inflammation, whether its of tissue or joints. With its anti-inflammatory nature, turmeric can reduce inflammation which in turn reduces pain caused by it.
    • Antioxidant

      • Turmeric is purported to have an antioxidant nature to it based in its compound, curcumin. An antioxidant works by reducing free radicals within the body. Free radicals are molecules with an uneven number of electrons which allows them to easily interact with other molecules within you body. When there is a proper balance of free radicals in the body, they work to fight of disease-causing pathogens. When there are too many, they can cause damage to your DNA, proteins within the body, and fatty tissue. Over time this can lead to things such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and other inflammatory based diseases.

Both spices are known for the delicious flavor they bring to the culinary world, and both have been used in traditional herbal remedies for a very long time. While more research is needed, both are showing signs of being beneficial in the everyday health of humans. Thankfully they both have options for consumption such as in food, teas, or as a supplement for you to add into your life. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before starting any supplement but ginger and turmeric may be an easy way to provide some great benefits for your health.

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