Ginger for Immunity: How Does It Help?

Since time immemorial, ginger has been known for its therapeutic properties. Having ginger for immunity works wonders when it comes to fighting seasonal infections and minor ailments. Ginger has been an integral component of Ayurvedic medicines and several home remedies for centuries now. The healing properties of ginger come from an active compound called Gingerol, which is responsible for the innumerable ginger immunity booster benefits. Ginger helps to boost the immune system with its anti-inflammatory properties. Highly versatile, it can be easily added to vegetables, soups, noodles, pickles, biryanis, non veg dishes, pulses, and even juices. 

Benefits of Consuming Ginger

Ginger is a rhizome or root with numerous health benefits. You can consume ginger in powdered form, raw, cooked, or even derive its oil or juice to gain maximum benefits. Here are some of the ways that make ginger for immunity and overall health a great solution:

1. Fights Chronic Indigestion  

Ginger helps to empty the stomach on time and regulates the bowel movements. This reduces the symptoms of chronic indigestion such as bloating, gas, or acidity over prolonged use. One can either have ginger tea or opt for ginger capsules for maximum benefits. 

2. Reduces Obesity  

Ginger is known to help reduce obesity because it promotes metabolism, reduces blood sugar levels, and body mass index. It helps to burn calories and fats faster.

3. Fights Nausea  

Ginger helps relieve nausea and vomiting, especially if it is due to indigestion, and upset stomach. It also works for morning sickness although just a drop of ginger juice with honey or lemon juice is enough to curb the urge to vomit. Excessive intake of ginger juice is not advised for pregnant women as it is linked to miscarriages as well.  

4. Relief from Pain and Stiffness 

Ginger oil is known to help reduce the stiffness of joints and the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Ginger capsules have also been seen to be as effective as any of the pain relief drugs in reducing pain during menstruation.  

5. Anti-Diabetic Properties 

Recent research has shown that ginger may provide relief to people suffering from type-2 diabetes. Just 2 gm of ginger powder every day helps reduce blood sugar levels significantly. 

You can trust ginger for immunity, as its anti-inflammatory properties may also reduce the risk of several inflammations resulting from diabetes. Also, ginger is known to reduce the risk of heart disease arising due to diabetes. 

6. Fights Infections  

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger helps to fight common infections and inflammations in the body. Ginger juice is especially helpful in relieving throat pain, cough, and cold. Soups with ginger help to bring down high fever. 

Ginger immunity is the reason why it is often used in several home remedies against respiratory infections. It is also effective to fight against dental infections. 

Recipes Providing Ginger Benefits for Immunity

We are aware now that ginger and immunity go hand in hand. So, here are a number of ginger recipes you can reap the best benefits from:   

1. Ginger Shots

While ginger benefits for immunity have been known for ages now, ginger shots have become famous recently among the fitness and wellness enthusiasts. Ginger shots are made either from pure ginger juice or by mixing it with citrus juices like oranges, lemon, etc. To gain the most ginger, its juice may also be mixed with other immunity enhancers like turmeric, honey, cayenne pepper, etc.

Recipe:

1. Peel the ginger and blend ¼ cup of peeled ginger and ¼ cup of freshly extracted lemon juice.
2. Blend till you see a cloudy mixture.
3. Strain the mixture and season the juice with cayenne pepper, cinnamon, honey, etc. according to your taste.

2. Ginger Tea

This beverage is nothing new for Indians but ginger tea for immunity gained tremendous global popularity during the COVID outbreak. Whether you have it with milk or without it, ginger tea is a sure winner when it comes to building immunity. Add some tulsi leaves to the mix and you have your perfect cup of ginger tea. 

Recipe: 

1. Combine 2 cups of water, ½ a cup milk (if you want), ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger, ½ teaspoon fresh shredded turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper in a pan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Sieve it or strain it into a cup.
4. Your super healthy tea packed with ginger immunity booster is ready to drink.

3. Ginger Ale

Here is an extremely quick way to prepare a drink that consists of lemon juice, ginger juice, and mint juice. It is a speedy way to rejuvenate yourself. It contains immunity-boosting, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. This recipe will all the more make you trust ginger for immunity. 

Recipe:

1. For ginger juice – use grated and squeezed ginger, add water to it, and blend it well. 
2. For mint juice – blend mint leaves with ice in a blender or mixer. Sieve it.
3. Mix lemon juice, mint juice, and ginger juice. Add sugar syrup or honey to the mix.
4. Add soda.

4. Ginger Salad Dressing

Any salad is healthy and low in calories. If we add ginger to any salad, it will help boost the immunity. Ginger in the salad dressing adds a tanginess and deliciousness to the salad dressing.

Recipe: 

1. Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce,1 tbsp soy sauce,1 tbsp ginger juice, and 3 tbsps water in a bowl
2. Add this dressing to your pre-chopped salad and a delicious accompaniment to your meals is ready. 

5. Ginger and Turmeric Ladoos

Your food reflects your body health. A strong body has a strong immune system that ginger immunity booster recipes like this one can enhance. These delicious ladoos are great energy bites for immunity and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Recipe:

1. Mix ½ tbsp cinnamon powder, ½ tbsp turmeric powder, and ½ tbsp ginger powder in a bowl and mix it.
2. Heat 3 cups of ghee in a pan and add ¼ tbsp jaggery. Heat and stir well.
3. Pour the jaggery mix into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix.
4. Wet your hand sparingly and roll the mixture into circular ladoos.

Conclusion

Ginger’s antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great immunity booster that helps provide relief from several ailments. It is a versatile ingredient that is easily available. To gain the most out of ginger for immunity, make it a point to include it in your everyday diet.