Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical flowering plant initially grown in south Asia. The rhizome that you're likely familiar with is an underground stem rich in medicinal and aesthetic properties.
Ginger is an aromatic plant known worldwide for its rich culinary value. It's peppery flavour, and rich antioxidant properties make it a delight in Ayurvedic and African traditional medicine system. Ginger is used as an ingredient in most herbal therapy that is claimed to be effective in treating COVID-19.
Ginger rhizome (the underground part of the plant) is the most valuable part of ginger which is rich in phytochemicals that gives it a characteristic yellowish (or whitish colour in some varieties) colour and an aromatic flavour.
Ginger could be eaten fresh, dried, in tablets, capsules, liquid extract or as a spice (more on this in a future post).
WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF GINGER?
Ginger contains different vitamins and minerals;
A tablespoon of fresh ginger extract contains;
• 4.8 calories
• 1.07grams of carbohydrates
• 0.12grams of dietary fibre
• 0.11grams of protein
• 0.1gram of sugar
Some minerals and vitamins in its content are;
• Vitamin B3 & B6
• Iron
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Folate
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
BENEFITS OF GINGER
1. Ginger is effective in treating diabetes
Ginger helps to fight diabetes. Diabetes is a disease caused by excess sugar in the blood. It's the rifest disease of the endocrine system in which one of its cause is the clinical term "high blood sugar" due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete enough insulin to convert glucose (excess sugar in the blood) to glycogen for storage in the liver and muscle cells.
According to Healthline, consuming 4grams of ginger per day can lower blood sugar levels and also regulate insulin production in diabetes patient.
2. Ginger can relieve menstrual cramps
Ginger is the natural means of alleviating the dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent pain reliever.
Ginger was proven to relieve menstrual pains and reduce blood loss during the menstrual cycle when consumed fresh, slice and mince in teas or dried.
3. Ginger has antimicrobial properties
Ginger also serves as an effective antibacterial for many drug-resistance bacteria in health applications.
Research conducted by ResearchGate, conclusively proved that Ginger extract could be used as a food preservative due to its potent antimicrobial properties. Gingerol, which is the active ingredient in ginger is highly effective against Salmonella typhi, which is a common foodborne pathogen.
Ginger has been proven to retard the growth of pathogens (disease-causing organisms) that contributes to the inflammations of gums caused by gums bacteria.
4. Ginger can cure morning sickness in pregnant women
Ginger is used in treating morning sickness and feelings of nausea in pregnant women.
Consuming 1.5grams ginger daily can significantly reduce morning sickness and the feeling of nausea in pregnant women according to studies published in Nutritional journal.
5. Ginger eases digestion and bowel movement
Like roughages, ginger helps in emptying bowel to promote the speed at which food is digested. Ginger also helps in maintaining the cholesterol level in a person. This is possible because findings show that gingerol helps to burn fat in the body.
5. Ginger reduces the risk of heart diseases
Ginger is effective in preventing high blood pressure, by thinning the blood and reducing cholesterol level, therefore reducing the risk of heart diseases.
6. Gingerol has anti-inflammation properties
it's anti-inflammation properties makes it useful in treating muscle pains and soreness. It is also helpful in treating osteoarthritis and relieving joint pains.
Conclusion
Although ginger can be considered as an all-in-one treatment, you shouldn't consume excess ginger. Because it can thin-out the blood hence resulting in low blood pressure and excess loss of blood during injury.
As you stay safe, consuming a moderate amount of ginger in tea and as a spice in food can boost your immune level and keep you safe from the dreaded coronavirus ravaging the world.
https://www.floralgardner.com/2020/05/medicinal-properties-of-ginger.html
cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Good post