5 Potential Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Ginger may help to relieve joint pain. According to The Top 100 Foods for a Younger You: 100 Remedies to Turn Back the Clock by Sarah Merson, "Because ginger is such an effective anti-inflammatory, it is among the most respected herbs for the treatment of joint problems such as arthritis." 

2. Ginger may help to relieve nausea. Ginger has been recommended as an especially great natural remedy for those experiencing motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy. In one study of women in the early stages of pregnancy, over half reported a reduction in pregnancy related nausea and vomiting after taking a ginger capsule. Ginger is an extremely safe remedy for pregnant women compared to many antivomiting drugs which can cause severe birth defects. 

3. Ginger may help to treat ovarian cancer. According to 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life by David Grotto, "Ginger induced apoptis (programmed cell death) and autophagy (cells digesting themselves) in ovarian cancer cells. Ginger was also effective at controlling inflammation, thus stopping the cancer cells from growing." Other studies suggest that ginger may help to treat other types of cancer as well. The cancer fighting properties of ginger are likely due to its powerful antioxidant properties. 

4. Ginger can help to improve the absorption of essential nutrients. Ginger has been long recommended for its ability to help promote healthy digestion. Ginger contains unique enzymes which may help to soothe the stomach lining and break down proteins. Ginger can also help to relieve bloating and stomach cramps. 

5. Ginger may improve circulation. Many people eat more ginger during the winter and holiday season and there may be a good reason to! The circulation stimulating properties of ginger can help to warm you up. The blood thinning qualities of ginger may also help to lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of blood clots.

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4 Foods That May Help Relieve Nausea!

Are you looking for a natural remedy for nausea? Here are four foods that can help!

1. Ginger

Ginger contains phytochemicals such as gingerol which help to prevent nausea and vomiting. These chemicals help relieve nausea by promoting the secretion of saliva in the mouth and also promoting the secretion of enzymes in the stomach that help to neutralize stomach acids. Try drinking a cup of ginger tea, sucking on a piece of ginger candy, or eating a few gingersnaps. Ginger can also be taken in supplement form. 

2. Peppermint

The menthol in peppermint provides a cooling sensation in the mouth and stomach that helps relieve nausea by relaxing the digestive muscles. Peppermint also has pain relieving properties. Try drinking some peppermint tea or having some peppermint candy or gum.

3. Saltine Crackers

Starchy foods like saltine crackers can help to relieve nausea by absorbing excess stomach acid. Other starchy foods to try include rice, potatoes, and pretzels.

4. Apples

Apples contain fiber which can help flush nausea causing substances from your stomach. If you are having trouble eating solid foods try some applesauce or apple juice instead.

Spice It Up! Here Are 3 Spices That Are Great For Your Health!

1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has the ability to moderate blood sugar. According to C. Leigh Broadhurst, Ph.D., author of Prevent Treat and Reverse Diabetes (Natural Health Guide), phytochemicals in cinnamon called chalcone polymers can increase glucose metabolism in cells twentyfold or more. This is great news, given the growing epidemic of diabetes. Cinnamon has other great health benefits as well. It is anti-inflammatory and may be helpful for those suffering from muscle pain, stiffness, or menstrual discomfort. Cinnamon is also great for the digestive system and may help to relieve abdominal discomfort and nausea.

2. Garlic
Garlic is one of the oldest medicinal foods in the world, and not without good reason. It's health benefits are many! It can help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can reduce plaque, lowering the risk for heart attacks and strokes. There is also evidence that garlic may help to prevent cancer. The antibacterial properties of garlic can help to prevent colds and other illnesses. Garlic has also been linked to lower blood pressure and the prevention of weight gain. It's worth noting that many of the benefits of garlic lie in a compound called allicin that is released when garlic cloves are crushed, so it's likely that the more finely garlic is chopped the better it is for you. If you're looking for some new ways to include more garlic in your diet, check out the book below for hundreds of great recipes!
                                                               
3. Ginger
Most people are already aware of ginger's ability to soothe an upset stomach, but the health benefits don't stop there! Ginger is also a rich source of antioxidants which help to destroy free radicals in the body which lead to disease and accelerated aging. It also has blood thinning qualities and may help to improve circulation. Ginger is also thought to be helpful in strengthening the immune system.


                                                                       

5 Foods To Ease An Upset Stomach

1. Papaya
This tropical fruit contains enzymes, including papain, which promote a healthy acidic environment in the stomach. Eating papaya can help with indigestion and constipation and has also been used for ulcers.

2. Applesauce
Apples contain powerful antioxidants that will help your body's immune system and promote healing. They also contain pectin as well as other enzymes that help detoxify and rid the body of harmful particles. It is a light food that will ease your stomach while providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Not to mention it is delicious! I prefer mine with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top which just so happens to be the next food on the list.

3. Cinnamon
This tasty spice has been used to treat gas, morning sickness, and diarrhea. Sprinkle some on baked apples, oatmeal, or a slice of toast, for a tasty treat.

4. Ginger
Various studies have shown ginger to be effective in helping to reduce nausea. Try some ginger snaps or a ginger tea.

5. Saltine Crackers
These, and other high starch foods such as toast, will help to absorb stomach acid. Reducing stomach acid will help to ease your stomach pains.

A List of Ten Natural Appetite Suppressants

1) Coffee-My personal favorite:)
2) Ginger-But ginger ale doesn't count!
3) Pickles-So good!
4) Cayenne Pepper-How much heat can you handle?
5) Apples-But probably not apple pie:(
6) Water-Does anyone else buy Fiji because they love the shape of the bottle?
7) Green Tea- Maybe someday I'll learn to like it! For now I'll stick with the coffee:)
8) Green Leafy Vegetables- But I'm still struggling to kick the Buffalo Ranch dressing habit!
9) Cinnamon-And it's a natural migraine remedy!
10) Hot Sauce-Bring on the Tabasco!

Why is Ginger so Good For You?

Ginger is a very powerful herb with lots of health benefits! Ginger is a rich source of antioxidants including gingerols, sogaols, and zingerones. Antioxidants help protect the body from damaging free radicals. It has also been used as a home remedy for various ailments including upset stomach, morning sickness, motion sickness, arthritis, migrain headaches, and coughs. It has also been used topically as an analgesic for burns. Studies have also shown that ginger may protect against the formation of colon cancer.