What is in the article?
Ginger chews are made from the root of ginger plant. With a distinct aroma and flavor, ginger root is full of beneficial active compounds. Chewy candies from ginger provide a convenient way of consuming and harvesting its benefits. Ginger Chews have gained popularity in recent years for their ease of use and tasty flavors to reap the benefits of ginger. Ginger chews come with numerous health benefits and nutritional values.
While there is a large public outcry about ginger chews, I have tried to find and compile information about their side effects, safety, and more so that you have a clear understanding of “how safe are ginger chews?”.
Some information about their history: Ginger has been used for its medicinal benefits for over 3000 years and similarly, the history of Ginger chews dates back to India and Ancient China. In Southeast Asia, people created ginger candies to make the consumption of ginger enjoyable and easy to carry while traveling. That’s how the concept of ginger chews came into reality. Over time, the recipe of ginger chews observed variations from different cultures in different regions of the world. It evolved over time and now it is in the form, we see it today.
Side Effects
Ginger chews are made from raw ginger root, usually coated with sugars and artificial ingredients. In this article, we will mainly discuss the side effects that raw ginger can cause, artificial food ingredients and sugars are slow poisons. We will talk about them some other time in detail.
Although ginger is generally safe and has lots of potential health benefits, it can cause trouble for some people if used in very high amounts on a daily basis. Below are some of the side effects of consuming ginger chews on a daily basis.
Suggested Reading. Ginger Chews: Are They Worth Purchasing in 2024?
Side Effects of Ginger Chews
Ginger is very likely safe when taken by mouth. However, if taken in more than 5 grams daily may increase the risk of side effects. Some common and mild side effects of ginger are;
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- General stomach upset
- Burping
Precautions
There are certain conditions when ginger should be avoided or taken with caution.
Bleeding Disorders
Ginger extracts and ginger has been found effective as blood thinning and clot-dissolving agents. Ginger has excellent potential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases but at the same time, it can affect people with bleeding disorders. While ginger counteracts the effect of platelets, which help in blood clotting, it can increase the bleeding outcomes leading to blood loss and the severity of the condition.
Surgery
Ginger should be used with caution before and after surgery. As we discussed in the previous point, it can slow down the process of blood clotting. It can be dangerous during surgery and the post-healing period.
Breastfeeding mothers
Ginger is usually safe when consumed in food even during breastfeeding. However, there is not enough reliable data about its safety. And mothers should stay on the safe side by avoiding its use during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ginger chews are very valuable anti-nausea products to use during pregnancy. Ginger chews can help with morning sickness without any harm to the baby. Ginger is very safe during pregnancy when eaten in foods and taken by mouth. You can read more about it in my other article here.
However, some experts show concern about the use of ginger near the delivery dates as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, you should talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating ginger chews into your daily routine as an expecting mother.
Interactions between Ginger Chews and Medicine
Ginger chews contain ginger in raw form. Ginger in its natural raw form possesses all the medicinal and health properties. Many research studies have reported the interaction of ginger with many drugs and medications.
We will review here only a few major among them.
According to the Drugs.com database, ginger is known to interact with 73 drugs. With 1 major interaction, 66 are moderate, and 6 are minor. Common interactions are:
Morphine
Pain management pills or medications that contain morphine can interact with ginger. Ginger can increase their blood levels and may also increase the side effects of morphine, such as sedation and respiratory distress.
Anti-coagulants/anti-platelets drugs and ginger chews
Ginger in ginger chews can interact with anti-coagulants if you are using any. Anticoagulants are drugs that are used to slow down the process of blood clotting. As we already discussed, ginger can also affect blood clotting and increase the chance of bleeding, using it together with anti-coagulants can reinforce their effects leading to potential problems in blood clotting.
Some common anti-coagulants that can interact with ginger include warfarin, nifedipine, and Phenprocoumon.
Ginger also shows some minor interactions with anti-diabetic drugs, calcium channel blockers (medications for high blood pressure), Metronidazole, and medications that are metabolized and broken down in the liver.
Conclusion
The above-explained lists of side effects, precautions, and interactions are not exhaustive. This is some common safety and precautions-related information. Ginger is an aromatic spice with lots of potential health benefits with a long history of medicinal use, and it is present in raw form in ginger chews.
No doubt, ginger chews are delightful delicacies for enjoying and consuming ginger. You must consider its safety profile, precautions, and interactions if you suffer from any kind of health condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before incorporating any herbal supplement into your daily routine.
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Disclaimer: This piece of information is only for information purposes and must not be regarded as health advice. It is not a substitute for professional health advice in any way.
