Is pickled ginger good for you?

In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Is pickled ginger good for you?” and provide information on some benefits of consuming pickled ginger, whether it can aid in improving digestion, its side effects as well as how to prepare them.

Is pickled ginger good for you?

Yes, pickled ginger is good for you. Pickled ginger is prepared from a mixture of vinegar and salt. Usually, a tablespoon of pickled ginger can contain 65 to 215 milligrams of sodium. 

Other condiments like sushi or soy sauce can contain high levels of sodium compared to pickled ginger.

This makes pickled ginger a good alternative compared to other condiments. High sodium levels can increase the risk of developing blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

What are some other benefits of consuming pickled ginger?

• Pickled ginger can be low in calories. For instance, 2 tbsp of pickled ginger can contain 20 calories. Pickled ginger has an overpowering flavor. As a result, consuming pickled ginger would not increase your weight.

• Pickled ginger does not have much fat present in them either. There is no saturated fat present in them. Saturated fat can increase the levels of LDL cholesterol. As a result, pickled ginger can be eaten by people suffering from high cholesterol too.

• Women should not consume more than 24 grams of sugar and men should not consume more than 36 grams of sugar. However, pickled ginger does not have any sugar present in them.

However, some commercial brands of pickled ginger can add sugar. As a result, it is important to check the ingredient list before buying them.

• As pickled ginger is fermented it contains probiotics. Probiotics can promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. These microbes can enhance immunity and balance digestive health. 

The level of probiotics present in pickled ginger can vary. If the ginger has been fermented for a longer duration, there can be more probiotics present in them.

• Gingerols can be an important component present in ginger. These gingerols can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This can reduce inflammation observed in metabolic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.

• Pickled ginger can be used for the purpose of palate cleansing in some cases. This can especially occur if individuals have consumed raw fish or any other dishes with a strong flavor. 

Eating too much of the same foods can make your taste buds ineffective to taste newer foods. In such cases, pickled ginger can be eaten to refresh the taste buds after eating such strongly flavored foods.

• Pickled ginger can have anti-cancer properties. Cancer can occur when individuals are exposed to carcinogens. 

In a study, it was seen that when rats were fed ginger, there was a lesser expression of carcinogens. A reduction in mutations was also seen.

• Ginger can also be recommended for menstrual pain. In a study, women were asked to consume either NSAIDs or ginger to reduce menstrual pain. 

It was observed that when they consumed ginger, there was a reduction in pain and the effect was similar to that of NSAIDs.

• Gingerols present in pickled ginger can aid in fighting against infections. It can be particularly effective against oral inflammatory diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis.

Can pickled ginger improve digestion?

Yes, pickled ginger can improve digestion. It can be especially beneficial in cases wherein individuals suffer from nausea or vomiting. It has anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant properties which can aid in reducing digestive issues.

What are some side effects of consuming pickled ginger?

Pregnant women might experience nausea or vomiting after consuming pickled ginger. Ginger has an overpowering flavor and odor which can make it difficult to consume them for some people.

Excess consumption of ginger can result in nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It can also cause heartburn or reflux.

Ginger is known to have a blood-thinning effect. As a result, individuals on blood thinners are recommended to not have pickled or any other forms of ginger in excess.

How to make pickled ginger?

Take 10 ounces of ginger root and cut them into smaller pieces. Keep it in a bowl. Add 2 tsp of sea salt and mix them well. Close the bowl and allow them to stand for 30 minutes.

In a saucepan, add 1 cup of rice vinegar and ¼ cup of white sugar. Allow them to boil and pour the mixture over the ginger root.

Cool the ginger root before closing the jar. You can keep them inside the fridge for a week and then serve them with any dish.

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Is pickled ginger good for you?” and provided information on some benefits of consuming pickled ginger, whether it can aid in improving digestion, its side effects as well as how to prepare them.

Reference

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-pickled-ginger-10875.html