The Benefits of Ginger: Beliefs and Realities
Audio 04:54
What are the health benefits of ginger?
© iStock / pilipphoto
Text by: Caroline Paré Follow
10 mins
Find the nutrition column of Stéphane Besançon, nutritionist and director of the NGO Santé Diabète in Bamako, Mali.
This week, he explains the benefits of ginger.
Publicity
Read more
Can you describe to us what ginger is?
Ginger is a herbaceous plant of the "Zingiberaceae" family which is native to India.
It measures a little less than a meter and has tuberous roots.
These are the rhizomes of the plant, that is to say the roots, which have been consumed as a spice in the diet but also for these medicinal properties for centuries.
The name ginger comes from its strange form and from Sanskrit where it is called "shringavera" which means "shaped like a deer antler horn".
It is part of the cold spice family even though it has a paradoxical taste that is both cold, with a minty lemony sensation, and hot with a spicy sensation.
It has been widely consumed in India and China for more than 5,000 years then traveled and settled on different continents thanks to the spice route.
It was a queen of tables for a very long time before being gradually dethroned by pepper.
But it is back in fashion under these different modes of consumption: fresh, dried or even crushed.
What are the interesting properties of ginger for health?
Ginger root has been used for these medicinal properties in Asia and India for centuries.
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated its positive properties for health.
First of all, there is a large number of anti-oxidant substances which will protect our cells against the effect of free radicals and thus prevent many diseases such as certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular disorders or even certain infections.
It also contains substances like gingerols, shogaols and paradols which gives it an anti-inflammatory effect.
There are several studies which have also shown that it contains anticoagulant compounds but also allowing to prevent or slow down nausea and vomiting.
This combines with other elements that will provide digestive properties in particular by stimulating biliary function.
Finally, in many cultures, it is also credited with aphrodisiac virtues.
Does ginger really have aphrodisiac properties?
Ginger is one of the most cited aphrodisiacs in the world for its possible effect on desire or even sexual vigor.
We find this belief in literature but also in many traditional practices on different continents: in India, Malaysia, the Maghreb or in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Unfortunately, this reputation is totally false.
Many scientific studies have been carried out on the subject, but none have yet demonstrated the aphrodisiac effects of ginger.
Scientists believe that this is a placebo effect induced by our brain following different sensations experienced when we eat ginger such as heat or salivation.
If you are looking for a real aphrodisiac effect, it is better to consume products such as ginseng or Ginkgo Biloba, the effects of which against erectile dysfunction and the difficulties in reaching orgasm have been scientifically demonstrated.
Consumption of ginger seems to produce only positive effects ... Can we consume it without moderation?
Taking into account all the positive properties that we have presented, it is very interesting to consume ginger whether in the form of spices in the preparation of dishes or as a drink such as for example ginger juice or herbal teas. ginger base.
There are, however, a few health precautions to be aware of.
As ginger has anticoagulant properties, people who have bleeding problems or who need to have an operation should limit their intake.
For these same reasons, pregnant women should be careful not to consume too much at the end of pregnancy.
For the rest of the population, it is recommended not to exceed 1.5 grams per day because larger amounts can cause stomach pain.
For ginger drinks, there is another important point to consider.
Ginger juices are low calorie drinks and ginger herbal teas are calorie-free drinks, that is to say they do not provide calories.
In either case, this is true if these drinks are not fortified with sugar.
On the other hand, if sugar is added, especially if it is in large quantity, this will lead to excess sugar consumption and therefore excess caloric intake which can represent a risk.
It is therefore important to consume these drinks without added sugar!
To continue discussions on this column, go to:
Stéphane Besançon's Twitter account
The Facebook page of the NGO Santé Diabète
See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Priorité Santé - RFI (@prioritesante)
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
The Priorité Santé blog
Health and medicine
Food
On the same subject
Health priority
The interest of sheathing
Priority Health
The benefits of Kinkeliba herbal tea
Priority Health
Practical advice for cooking without risking food poisoning