Ginger is as synonymous with MOJU as it is with sunburn, 90s girl bands, and former members of the royal family.
In fact, we love it so much that we press it into nearly all of our flavors – providing the key functional ingredient for the fiery punch you know to expect from a MOJU shot. But why is it we dig nature’s fiercest root so much? Well, to put it simply, the benefits of fresh ginger could provide the hottest ticket to better health.
So… how does ginger work exactly?
Ginger is a rhizome – a type of fleshy stem that grows underground. Derived from the plant Zingiber officinale, its root is where all the magic happens. Essential oils and compounds found in the root, such as gingerol, are believed to be the source of its many health benefits. For example, gingerol has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key components of ginger:
- Gingerol: This bioactive compound is responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Shogoal: When gingerol is dried or cooked, it turns into shogaol. This compound also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Paradols: Found in ginger, paradols have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties.
These natural compounds, among others, contribute to ginger’s unique taste and aroma, but they also play a significant role in its potential health benefits.
How does ginger actually help my body?
Let’s get scientific. Ginger’s active components interact with the body in several ways and here are some of the reported health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The gingerols and shogaols in ginger can help reduce inflammation, which is essential for many chronic diseases.
- Antioxidant effects: Ginger is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
- Immune support: The immune-boosting properties of ginger can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Digestive aid: Ginger helps stimulate saliva and suppress gastric contractions as food and fluids move through the GI tract, aiding digestion.
- Reduce nausea: Whether it's motion sickness, morning sickness, or chemotherapy-induced nausea, ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting.
- Manage menstrual pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help alleviate menstrual pain.
- Post-workout recovery: Ginger's anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to post-exercise recovery by reducing muscle soreness and pain.
Ginger tips & tricks
Now that you're on board with ginger's potential benefits, here are some tips to incorporate it into your routine:
- MOJU shots: The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of ginger is through MOJU shots. Convenient, potent, and with various blends to suit your taste.
- Ginger tea: Brew your own ginger tea by adding fresh ginger slices to hot water. Add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor.
- Cooking with ginger: Include fresh or ground ginger in your cooking. It adds a zing to both sweet and savory dishes.
- Smoothies: Toss a small piece of ginger into your morning smoothie for a flavorful kick and health boost.
- DIY ginger shots: If you're feeling adventurous, make your own ginger shots by blending ginger with lemon juice and straining the mixture.
- Ginger supplements: If you can't incorporate ginger into your diet daily, consider ginger supplements for a convenient option.
And there you have it, a deep dive into the fiery world of ginger. Whether you're a MOJU enthusiast or just starting to explore the benefits of this incredible root, incorporating ginger into your routine can spice up your health in more ways than one.
So, go ahead, embrace the heat, and let ginger work its magic!
CITATIONS
1. Ginger—An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-Inflammatory Actions - https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.125*
2. Can nausea and vomiting be treated with ginger extract? - https://www.europeanreview.org/article/8750
3. The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4137/IMI.S36273?urlver=Z39.88-2003&rfrid=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfrdat=crpub++0pubmed&
4. Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea - https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2008.0311?urlver=Z39.88-2003&rfrid=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfrdat=crpub%20%200pubmed
5. Effects of preoperative administration of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6035306/
6. Evaluation of daily ginger consumption for the prevention of chronic diseases in adults: A cross-sectional study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28336112/