Is it okay to eat ginger at night?
Disease description:
My mother really enjoys eating ginger. She recently plans to have ginger along with her evening herbal tea. I wonder, is it okay to eat ginger in the evening?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Ginger can usually be consumed at night, but it is not advisable to eat it in large quantities.
Ginger is rich in various health-benefiting components, such as gingerol and zingerone. These components have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestion-promoting properties. Consuming ginger in moderation at night, especially as a cooking seasoning, can enhance the flavor of food and help alleviate indigestion and similar issues, thus providing some relief for mild stomach discomfort at night. Therefore, eating ginger at night is acceptable.
However, due to its pungent nature, excessive ginger consumption at night may burden the gastrointestinal system, potentially causing discomforts such as acid reflux and belching. Therefore, it is recommended to consume ginger in moderation at night and avoid excessive intake. Moreover, individuals with a naturally "hot" constitution or those prone to insomnia should also control their ginger intake in the evening to avoid potential adverse effects on sleep and overall health. Additionally, those allergic to ginger should avoid consuming it to prevent allergic reactions such as skin itching and swelling.
It is also recommended to maintain a balanced intake of various foods in daily diet and avoid excessive consumption of any single food item to maintain overall health.
