Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

Health Benefits Of Jamaican Ginger
11 Reasons To Use More Ginger

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large
Health Benefits Of Jamaican Ginger | Image Source: www.fao.orgHealth Benefits Of Jamaican Ginger | Image Source: www.fao.org

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

If Jamaica had a national cure for everything it would be tea, specifically herbal tea with ginger tea being one of our go-to for almost every ailment. Why? While we couldn’t tell you the scientific terms or phrases for the benefits of ginger, we could surely tell you about the many ways we use it on a day-to-day basis for a variety of reasons.

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories!  Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

Which is what the video at the end of this article is all about. But before you get to the video let’s talk about Ginger some more.

What is Ginger?

Ginger is popular across the globe and we use it for many reasons but most popularly for medicinal home remedies and for culinary purposes. It is derived from the Zingiber officinale plant and is known for its distinct flavour and aroma. Whether you choose to consume ginger fresh, dried, powdered, or in the form of an oil or juice, you are sure to reap the benefits once you have added it to your diet.

But let me tell you something, did you know that our Jamaican ginger is among the best in the world? Jamaica grows ginger as one of its horticultural spice crops for both local and foreign markets. Jamaican dried ginger that has been peeled is regarded as having some of the greatest quality in the world and has historically brought in more money on the international market.

It’s the quality that makes it different. If you have ever been to the local market here in Jamaica and gotten our local ginger, then compare it to the imported ones, you would see an obvious difference. Imported Ginger tends to be big and pale in colour, both inside and out. While our local Jamaican ginger is tiny and very dark. It produces a more robust flavour and spiciness when used as well. A small amount of Jamaican ginger goes a long way compared to the imported ones.

Health Benefits of Ginger

As I mentioned before ginger has many health benefits. Here are some of the popular benefits.

1. Aids Digestion: Ginger is well-known for its ability to promote gastrointestinal motility, helping food move through the digestive system more efficiently. This makes it an excellent remedy for issues such as:

  • Nausea Relief: Ginger can help alleviate nausea caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy (morning sickness), and other conditions without the side effects of traditional medications.
  • Bloating and Gas: By enhancing digestion, ginger can reduce fermentation, constipation, and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ginger contains over 400 natural compounds, many of which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which is linked to a variety of chronic diseases.

3. Antioxidant Effects: Ginger's antioxidants help manage free radicals in the body, which can otherwise lead to cell damage and contribute to diseases like cancer and heart disease.

4. May Help with Osteoarthritis: Some studies suggest ginger can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly knee pain and stiffness. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

5. May Lower Blood Sugar and Improve Heart Health: Ginger has shown potential in lowering blood sugar levels and improving heart disease risk factors, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. Regular ginger consumption may lead to:

  • Lower fasting blood sugar
  • Improved cholesterol levels
  • Reduced markers of oxidative stress

6. Supports Weight Loss: If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, adding ginger to your diet may bring some noticeable changes. Research indicates that ginger may aid in weight loss by enhancing fat burning, inhibiting fat absorption, and reducing appetite. This makes it a helpful addition to a balanced diet and exercise routine.

7. Reduces Menstrual Pain: Ginger has been found to be as effective as some medications in relieving menstrual pain, making it a natural alternative for managing dysmenorrhea.

8. May Reduce Cancer Risk: Gingerol and other compounds in ginger have demonstrated anticancer properties, potentially lowering the risk of gastrointestinal cancers like colorectal and liver cancer. However, more human studies are needed to fully understand these effects.

9. Improves Brain Function: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger may help protect against age-related cognitive decline and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

10. Fights Infections: Ginger's antimicrobial properties make it effective against various bacterial and fungal infections, reducing the risk of illnesses caused by pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

11. Contains Essential Nutrients: Ginger is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Ginger Tea

One of the best to take ginger for its health benefits is by making some ginger tea… the Jamaican way. Here’s how we do it.

Jamaican Ginger Tea Recipe

Ingredients

  • Fresh ginger root
  • Boiling water
  • Sugar or honey for sweetening- optional

Instructions

  1. Get a piece of fresh ginger and trim off any tough knots or dry ends.
  2. Carefully peel the ginger and cut it into thin slices.
  3. Set the ginger to boil in a cup and a half of water.
  4. Once it is at a roaring boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to continue simmerings for atleast another 10 mins.
  5. Strain the tea and sweeten with honey or sugar if you want, but it is best to drink it without any additional sweeteners.

Potential Side Effects of Ginger

Like everything, chemical or natural, moderation is key. So while ginger is quite safe to consume on a daily basis, consider the amount that you are using and watch out for any signs of discomfort when you consume it. If you are taking a supplement higher doses may cause:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Mouth and throat irritation

People taking blood thinners or with specific health conditions should consult their doctor before consuming large amounts of ginger.

If you haven’t added ginger to your diet as yet, this is your sign that you should. Whether you're looking to enhance your meals or support your health, ginger offers a natural and effective solution. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties, ginger can be a delightful way to boost your well-being while enjoying its unique and vibrant taste.

Check out this fun and interesting video below, about the health benefits of Jamaican ginger.

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Remedies from Health Benefits Of Jamaican Ginger  
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Health Benefits Of Jamaican Ginger

References & Sources For Health Benefits Of Jamaican Ginger

  1. Ginger Benefits. (2023, October 4). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits#:~:text=Eating%20ginger%20can%20cut%20down,their%20numbers%20grow%20too%20high
  2. Ms, J. L. (2023, May 16). 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#bottom-line
  3. Rd, J. K. (2023, April 10). Health Benefits of Ginger. Health. https://www.health.com/ginger-benefits-7372485
  4. Ginger Production Manual – Agro-Invest. (n.d.). https://www.agroinvest.gov.jm/ginger-production-manual/

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy