Men face many of the same health threats as everyone else- heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries. But many of these risks can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and casual sex.
People have been using Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, for its medicinal properties and spicy flavor since ancient times. Here are some surprising health benefits of this versatile root:
1. Relieves Nausea and Vomiting
The old wives tale about ginger easing nausea and vomiting is actually true. The spicy root is well-documented to ease morning sickness during pregnancy, seasickness, chemotherapy and surgery. It’s also been shown to help with gastrointestinal issues like IBS. You can easily relieve nausea and vomiting by consuming a piece of fresh ginger, sipping a cup of tea made with ginger or taking a ginger capsule.
Aside from its digestive benefits, ginger is known to improve cold and flu symptoms by reducing nausea, fever and chills. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory. The bioactive component in ginger called gingerol is credited with reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This reduction of oxidative stress helps the immune system work better and is one of the key reasons that ginger has antioxidant properties.
Studies show that regular intake of ginger can increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the colon, improve gut health and help prevent inflammatory bowel disease. The medications Cenforce 100 mg and Cenforce 120 mg help treat erectile dysfunction. Ginger may also help lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart attacks and stroke. This is because it contains a good source of potassium, which reduces high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
In a study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, researchers found that regular consumption of ginger may lead to a decrease in blood pressure. The same research team also discovered that ginger can aid in the absorption of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), which is important for red blood cell production. This is essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm and improving circulation in the body.
Those who suffer from poor circulation may experience erectile dysfunction and low libido. A 2018 study found that a plant in the ginger family, Kaempferia parviflora, promoted circulation and improved erections when taken regularly.
Another benefit of ginger is its ability to keep gums healthy. The spiky roots contain compounds that kill germs and stop gum infections such as gingivitis from growing. These same compounds can also whiten teeth and reduce plaque.
2. Reduces Acid Reflux
Many people use ginger for stomach ailments, like acid reflux (also known as heartburn), bloating and diarrhea. This is because ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, soothes nausea and reduces the build-up of toxins in the digestive tract.
Scientists have found that a chemical compound in ginger called gingerol can help with acid reflux. This is because gingerol can help to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is responsible for keeping the stomach contents out of the esophagus. When the LES relaxes too much, stomach acid can flow into the esophagus and cause irritation.
However, more research is needed to see if ginger can also relieve symptoms of chronic acid reflux, such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). If you suffer from GERD or another stomach condition that causes acid reflux, it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying any alternative treatments. They can offer more guidance and ensure that ginger won’t interact with any medications you’re taking.
In addition to its gastrointestinal benefits, scientists have found that ginger can improve sexual health in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It is thought that this effect is due to the same chemicals that make it effective for nausea and vomiting. It is also likely that a combination of ginger with other herbs, such as guarana plant and muira puama, could be even more effective in improving sex life.
Talk to your doctor for more information about sex disorders and what to do if you have issues in the bedroom. They may recommend medication, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or sertraline (Zoloft), to treat erectile problems. They might also recommend other treatments, such as aphrodisiac herbs or dietary changes.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
In addition to helping indigestion and cold symptoms, ginger is known as a powerful immune booster. It contains a variety of antioxidants that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These include gingerols, paradols, sesquiterpenes, and zingerone. All of these are essential for keeping the body healthy. These compounds help the immune system function properly, as well as fight off free radicals that can cause chronic diseases.
Many people know that a healthy diet is the best way to boost your immune system. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated are all essential to keep your immune system strong. Another great option is to add ginger to your meals. This spice is rich in a number of beneficial nutrients, including zinc, vitamin C, selenium, and manganese.
While ginger is good for both women and men, it’s especially important for men because it can help improve circulation. This can lead to an increase in libido, as well as better penile erections. Additionally, ginger is a natural aphrodisiac and can boost testosterone levels in the bloodstream, which can help improve fertility.
The aphrodisiac effects of ginger are partially due to its ability to stimulate the pituitary gland and release LH, which increases testosterone production. It also helps improve semen quality by improving the concentration, motility, and viability of sperm cells.
Ginger is an excellent natural aphrodisiac, and it’s easy to incorporate into your diet. You can drink ginger tea or take a ginger shot, which is a liquid form of the spice that contains apple cider vinegar, turmeric, lemon, and cayenne pepper. These shots are a great choice for people who want a quick, convenient way to get the benefits of ginger.
4. Reduces Pain
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can relieve muscle pain from workouts, especially when taken over an extended period. It also has been shown to help reduce the stiffness that comes with aging. In one study, researchers found that taking 2 grams of ginger a day for 11 days can help ease muscle pain from exercise and improve the ability to perform other activities.
The active compounds in ginger are thought to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of the spice. A chemical called gingerols inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and helps to prevent damage from inflammatory agents, like oxidative stress. This is why some people recommend that athletes use ginger to help ease muscle pain and soreness after a big workout.
Studies show that ginger can help with a variety of gastrointestinal issues, from stomach ulcers to heartburn. One animal study found that consuming ginger helped to protect against aspirin-induced stomach ulcers, possibly because it suppressed the activity of proteins that lead to ulcer formation.
Aside from easing GI issues, ginger may also help fight infections and keep your skin looking healthy. Its antibacterial properties can keep bacteria like E.coli and Shigella from growing, as well as help prevent gum disease.