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What are the benefits and drawbacks of eating ginger?

Nov 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, consuming ginger can provide the body with nutrients, stimulate appetite, offer antioxidant effects, alleviate vomiting, and help relieve phlegm and cough. However, it may also cause adverse effects such as excessive internal heat (so-called "fire"), frequent and urgent urination, gastrointestinal discomfort, mouth and tongue ulcers, and impaired liver function. In daily life, it is recommended to consume ginger in moderation to supply the necessary nutrients to the body. If any adverse symptoms occur during consumption, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Generally speaking, consuming ginger can provide various benefits such as supplementing nutrients, promoting appetite, antioxidant effects, relieving vomiting, and alleviating phlegm and cough. However, it may also have adverse effects such as heatiness, frequent and urgent urination, gastrointestinal discomfort, oral and tongue ulcers, and impaired liver function. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Benefits

1. Supplementing Nutrients

Ginger contains nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, and crude fiber. Consuming it in moderation can supply essential nutrients to the body and promote overall health.

2. Promoting Appetite

Eating ginger can stimulate the secretion of saliva, gastric juice, and digestive juices, thereby enhancing gastrointestinal motility and improving appetite. If you experience poor appetite, placing a few slices of ginger in your mouth may help improve it.

3. Antioxidant Effects

Ginger contains compounds with a diphenylheptane structure, which have strong antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties. Therefore, regularly consuming ginger can help delay aging.

4. Relieving Vomiting

Ginger contains components such as ginger酮 and ginger烯酮, which have an effect in alleviating peripheral vomiting. If experiencing motion sickness or vomiting, placing a few slices of ginger in your mouth may help relieve nausea and vomiting.

5. Alleviating Phlegm and Cough

Ginger can help clear respiratory secretions and has certain calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it can be used to treat symptoms caused by cold-induced cough, helping to relieve phlegm and cough and aiding recovery.

II. Adverse Effects

1. Heatiness (Excess Internal Heat)

Long-term consumption of ginger may lead to heatiness, manifested as dry stools, red and swollen eyes, and irritability. It is recommended to reduce ginger intake, drink more water, and increase consumption of vegetables and fruits.

2. Frequent and Urgent Urination

Ginger can promote the excretion of body fluids, thereby increasing urine production, which may lead to frequent and urgent urination. This symptom usually subsides after reducing ginger intake. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out possible urinary system diseases.

3. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Due to its certain irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa, excessive ginger consumption may cause adverse gastrointestinal reactions such as heartburn, bloating, and diarrhea. Therefore, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders should avoid consuming ginger, as it may worsen existing symptoms.

4. Oral and Tongue Ulcers

Excessive ginger consumption may irritate the mouth and easily cause local mucosal ulcers, accompanied by symptoms such as oral pain and difficulty swallowing. Drinking more water may help alleviate these symptoms. If necessary, medications such as honeysuckle granules, yinqiao jiedu granules, or double-yellow oral liquid may be taken under a doctor's guidance.

5. Impaired Liver Function

Ginger contains substances such as safrole and zingiberene, which must be excreted through the liver. Long-term ginger consumption may stimulate the liver to some extent and potentially impair liver function.

Consuming ginger offers various benefits but also carries some risks. In daily life, it is recommended to consume ginger in moderation to supply necessary nutrients to the body. If discomfort occurs during consumption, prompt medical attention is advised to avoid the aforementioned conditions and protect overall health.

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