Some of the most outstanding benefits of ginger include offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; alleviating morning, motion sickness, nausea, and chemotherapy-related nausea; reducing muscle pain and soothing muscle soreness; relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis; lowering blood sugar levels and improving heart disease risk factors in diabetics; treating indigestion; reducing menstrual pain; regulating cholesterol levels; improving brain function, and many more.
Most of its health benefits are attributed to the potent bioactive compounds and nutrients it contains. It is most known for its ability to alleviate various digestive disorders. It possesses powerful enzymes that assist in digestion, breaking down food, and detoxification of the entire body.
However, regardless of its robust nutritional profile and a wide array of health benefits, ginger shouldn’t be consumed in certain instances. They are as follows:
1. Blood Disorders
Ginger is extremely useful in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, Raynaud`s disease, and peripheral artery disease, mostly due to its ability to stimulate blood circulation. However, this particular ability is unfavorable for people with hemophilia. Due to their condition their blood has diminished ability to clot, meaning that even the most insignificant injury could be fatal.
2. Pregnancy
Ginger is packed with stimulants that improve digestion and promote muscle health. However, consuming it during pregnancy is likely to cause premature contraction and labor. Doctors are strongly against ginger consumption during the last trimester of pregnancy. In addition to this, ginger interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and iron. While it may help you alleviate morning sickness, it is recommended to consult a doctor prior using it.
3. Certain Medications
Those who are taking medications for hypertension or diabetes should stay away from ginger at all costs as the combination of ginger and insulin, anticoagulants, or beta-blockers may change the effects of these drugs. Since ginger has the ability to lower blood pressure and thin the blood, it lowers the effects of these drugs.
4. Underweight
Underweight individuals should avoid ginger and its supplements as they contain high quantities of fiber and increase the production of digestive enzymes as well as the pH level of the stomach. Consequently, this leads to burning fat and reduced appetite. Needless to say, this leads to problems like hair loss, poor muscle mass, weight loss, and menstrual irregularities.
What Is a Good Substitute for Ginger?
If you have any of the issues above, you need to swap ginger for ingredients whch are safer for your particular case. Good choices include red paprika, cayenne pepper, and sweet peppers.
According to Milka Raicevic, an eminent nutritionist, peppers provide similar effects to those that ginger offers. Therefore, if you are fond of spicy foods, opt for red paprika. If you are not fan of spicy flavors, choose sweet peppers. Both of them are quite versatile and can be added to lemonade or other good-for-you beverages.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
