Why ginger ale is not a cure for an upset stomach
People often turn to ginger ale to calm their stomach, but experts believe that ginger ale can actually make symptoms worse.
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A staple in any spice cabinet, ginger reliably adds flavor to soups, stir-fries, or marinated chicken. It is known as a remedy for upset stomachs. The spice also has health-promoting properties that have been known for centuries.
In some regions, ginger has been used for more than 4,000 years. In China, for example, ginger has been used medicinally for around 2,000 years. Today, the benefits of the plant are recognized worldwide.
“Ginger is native to Southeast Asia but is now grown all over the world with a tropical climate,” says Dr. Vivian Chen, nutritionist and founder of Plateful Health.
Here’s how you can reap the nutritional and medicinal benefits of ginger.
What is ginger?
Ginger has a thick, knotty stem called a rhizome. Its light brown root is often used in cooking or taken as a dietary supplement. Its leaves are also edible and can be used as a garnish.
The raw root is often sliced, grated, steamed or juiced and “used in cooking and to make tea,” says Lisa Young, associate professor of nutrition at New York University and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim.”
Ginger in dried and powdered form is also a popular dietary supplement, usually taken as gummy bears or capsules. Ginger oil is another variation of the plant – it can be taken orally or applied topically.
“Ginger is a versatile spice that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways,” says Jen Messer, nutritionist and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition.
What is ginger good for?
Ginger has many proven health benefits.
“Ginger is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” says Chen.
It‘Sis perhaps best known for treating nausea. Ginger has also been shown to help with menstrual cramps, relieve stiffness, and improve function in arthritis. “It even improves metabolic health by improving blood sugar balance,” explains Chen.
Young says ginger can also support digestion and immune function. “Eating ginger helps improve digestion and reduce bloating. It also helps our body protect itself from infection and disease,” she explains.
The plant can also improve heart health, support cognitive function and memory, and relieve discomfort due to its “analgesic properties that may help relieve muscle pain and soreness,” Messer said. It may even act as a natural aphrodisiac, although research into this is still ongoing.
“Several scientific studies have been conducted to examine the effects of ginger on a variety of diseases and conditions,” says Dr. Jamie Bering, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. “While some of these studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the health benefits of ginger, its use may help relieve several conditions.”
What is turmeric good for? The spice has powerful antioxidants and other benefits.
Is it okay to take ginger daily?
Although there is “currently no standard recommended amount of ginger,” according to Bering, the general recommendation is to consume no more than 4 grams of ginger daily. Pregnant women are advised not to consume more than 1 gram of ginger daily, and ginger is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Adults who consume more than four grams of ginger per day may experience gastrointestinal problems, “including reflux, heartburn and diarrhea,” says Young.
Messer points out that excessive consumption can also lead to a blood-thinning effect. Smaller amounts of ginger could even cause negative interactions with certain medications.
“It’s important to talk to your doctor to determine the appropriate amount for your specific needs,” she says, “and to consider any potential drug interactions or existing health conditions.”
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