Ginger is a safe and healthy addition to any diet, but it is important to be aware of the recommended daily intake. According to experts, it is best to limit yourself to 3-4 grams of ginger per day, and pregnant women should consume no more than 1 gram per day. Eating more than 6 grams of ginger a day can cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea. Additionally, ginger may lower blood sugar levels, so it is important to be aware of this if you are taking diabetes medications.
Ginger can be consumed in many forms, including fresh root, dried root powder, oil, marinade, tea, and juice. The most common forms are powder and fresh ginger root. Eating powdered ginger root directly from a spoon can be unpleasant due to its strong flavor. The U.
S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies ginger as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), but large doses can cause adverse reactions. The British Herbal Compendium includes ginger as a remedy for vomiting during pregnancy, along with other indications. Studies have also shown that ginger can be effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after an outpatient gynecological laparoscopy.
Additionally, ginger has been found to attenuate acetylcholine-induced contraction and Ca2+ signaling in murine airway smooth muscle cells. Native to tropical Asia, ginger is grown in the tropical climates of Australia, Brazil, China, India, Jamaica, West Africa and parts of the United States. Effects of inhaled ginger aromatherapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and health-related quality of life in women with breast cancer have also been studied. Ginger is used in numerous forms: fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, and powdered or ground. If you are looking for relief from nausea or vomiting during pregnancy or chemotherapy treatments, 500-1000 mg of ginger root extract every 4-6 hours may help. Alternatively, you can eat 1 teaspoon or 5 g of crystallized ginger every 2-3 hours as needed.
It is important to note that taking ginger along with medications that also slow blood clotting may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. In conclusion, ginger is a safe and healthy addition to any diet when consumed in moderation. However, it is important to be aware of the recommended daily intake and potential interactions with other medications. If you are pregnant or taking diabetes medications it is especially important to be aware of the potential effects of consuming too much ginger.