Why Should Seniors Eat Ginger Regularly
Ginger contains potassium, magnesium, Vitamin D, and antioxidants that help treat nausea, fatigue, cholesterol, and arthritis. Seniors can consume ginger in moderate amounts and reap its health benefits. Mesa home care experts discuss a few ways in which ginger can be beneficial for seniors.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Ginger can prevent blood clots and minimize a senior’s risk of stroke and heart attack, especially when it is consumed with other foods such as onion and garlic. Ginger has been found to reduce elevated levels of plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. It also lowers blood sugar levels and prevents heart disease development in seniors. Caregivers should add ginger regularly to their loved one’s diet to enhance his or her heart health.
Boosts Digestion
Seniors who experience constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal disorders should consume ginger for easy digestion. Ginger relaxes the smooth muscles in the gut that helps food move along the digestive system. It contains good quantities of serotonin antagonists that have been known to improve gastric motility. According to studies, ginger is effective against stomach ulcers because it contains a component known as 6-shogaol. This component inhibits the production of compounds that cause stomach ulcers.
Relieves Arthritis Pain
Osteoarthritis is a common health concern for seniors. Inflammation in the joints breaks down the cartilage protecting them, which can cause osteoarthritis. Aging adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis experience uncomfortable symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. However, according to studies, ginger can be very effective in reducing the symptoms of asteoarthritis. Ginger contains compounds called gingerol that have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Seniors who take ginger supplements can prevent osteoarthritis from worsening and ease current symptoms.
Eases Nausea
The gingerols in ginger not only reduce inflammation, but they also prevent nausea. It has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, which suggests why it is good against nausea. If your loved one has been diagnosed with conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, he or she may experience symptoms of nausea during or after eating. Taking ginger right before or during the meal can help ease the discomfort. Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgeries such as chemotherapy.
Caregivers should consider adding ginger to their loved one’s daily meal plan. If you or your loved one have an issue regarding meal preparation, consider hiring professional home care services. Mesa experts can help seniors in a variety of daily tasks such as meal preparation and bathing.