Can You Eat Ginger Raw?

Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a food as well as a remedy. Its underground stem is used both as a spice and herb. Ginger is full of active ingredients that play a very important role in our bodies, so it is considered one of the healthiest and most delicious spices all over the world. Ginger can be used fresh or dried, as an oil or as a powder.

Also, people use ginger as an extract or in a form of capsules, but you can also eat ginger raw. Many people are wondering whether raw ginger is good for health or not. In this article you will find the answer. We will tell you more about ginger and its impact on our health.

More about Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant that comes from China but today it is used in cuisines all over the world. The rhizome is the part of a ginger plant that is usually used as a spice and it is also called a ginger or a ginger root.

Ginger is actually the underground stem of the Zingiber officinale plant. Ginger is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that have many health benefits for people. Ginger is used in culinary purposes, but also in medicine and cosmetics.

Can We Eat Raw Ginger?

Although you may not be sure if raw ginger is good for our health, the answer is yes. You can eat raw ginger and it is actually one of favorite fresh things of many people. But, you should be careful when you are buying ginger. Its roots should be full, plum and juicy, so you should avoid ginger that is dried out. There are many ways how you can eat raw ginger. You can eat it with fish or add it to a soup. Since ginger has strong and spicy flavor, it can be added in hot tea.

How Much Raw Ginger Can You Eat?

The amount of raw ginger that you can eat depends on the reason why you are eating this herb. For example, if you use ginger to treat nausea or gas, then you should chew only a one-quarter-ounce piece of fresh raw ginger.

If you want to treat bursitis, then you should eat about 1 ounce or 6 teaspoons or raw ginger during the day. But, the general rule is that the adults should not eat more than 4 grams of ginger daily.

Health Benefits of Raw Ginger

Ginger is loaded with healing compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Actually, ginger contains anti-inflammatory phenols that are called gingerols. They are generally safe, but you should consult your physician before using raw ginger to treat some disease. Raw ginger help in relieving conditions such as flu or cold, constipation, menstrual cramps or cough.

This herb has also laxative properties. It can improve digestion and eliminate constipation, bloating or other gastrointestinal problems. Some studies have shown that only one gram of raw ginger can reduce nausea and vomiting that are usually caused by morning sickness. Ginger can also cure a sore throat and it is good for menstrual cramps. Also, you should know that raw ginger has fewer calories than other types of ginger, such as a candied ginger, so it can help in weight loss.

Side Effects

Although raw ginger is very healthy, sometimes it can cause side effects, such as diarrhea, belching, stomach upset and irritation of the mouth.

Also, raw ginger can cause mild heartburn and drowsiness. But, these side effects are pretty rare. Raw ginger is generally safe to consume. But, if you are too sensitive to this herb, you should make a ginger tea or sprinkle a ginger powder into your food.

Also, you can take ginger supplements. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications or if you are consuming some other blood-thinning herbs.

Summary

We hope that you have found this article interesting and that you learned some things that you maybe didn’t know before.

As you have seen, you can eat ginger raw and it can be very beneficial to your health. We hope that you will make ginger a part of your diet soon.

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