Benefits Of Eating Candied Ginger

Ginger is a root herb with a zesty, spicy flavor. Traditionally used in Chinese, Indian, and Arabic cultures as a medicinal plant, you can add it to a variety of food dishes ranging from meats to desserts. Due to its warm qualities, chewing the root raw may be difficult for you. Fortunately, some companies have made a crystallized form of ginger, which may be more palatable. Dried and then rolled in sugar, crystallized ginger retains ginger's health benefits and is more pleasant to chew.

Provides Nutrients

According to WHFoods.org, ginger contains a variety of minerals as well as a key vitamin. It contains small amounts of potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese. Potassium is crucial to the function of all cells, tissues and organs in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Magnesium is needed for healthy bones and teeth, copper is used in nerve cells and blood production and manganese helps form bones, connective tissue, sex hormones and brain and nerve cells. Ginger also contains a small amount of vitamin B6, which is also needed for healthy brain and nerve function.

Prevents Nausea

Keeping crystallized ginger on hand can be helpful in alleviating symptoms of nausea. Although not as effective as some medications, ginger does not have unwanted side effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger is effective in cases of nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy and chemotherapy. The center states that 1 g of ginger per day is safe for pregnant mothers and can help reduce morning sickness. In Chinese medicine, dried ginger is recommended for nausea and other disharmonies of the stomach and digestive system, states YinYangHouse.com.

Reduces Inflammation

Ginger has also been found to have potential benefits in cases of inflammation of the joints. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that many health care professionals use ginger to alleviate pain and inflammation like arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

A September 2010 study published in "Fitoterapia" aimed to discover the mechanism of action in ginger's ability to reduce inflammation. The study states that ginger's gingerol and shogaol oils were able to inhibit cyclooxygenase, COX 2, ligands; COX 2 ligands are often involved in inflammation and pain. Its effects are not guaranteed, so talk to your doctor before trying crystallized ginger for your inflammation.

Improves Immune Function

Chinese medicine practitioners will also recommend dried ginger for certain types of colds and illnesses involving the lungs. Since ginger is warming, it can be used for illnesses that are cold in nature. For instance, coughs with thin, white sputum or watery discharges from the eyes and nose are considered cold in nature. It can also help to warm the lungs, transform phlegm and potentially stop bleeding, particularly in the uterus.