Unveiling the Unforeseen Health Perks of Gingerbread: Expert Nutritionist Reveals Surprising Benefits
Festive Gingerbread: Surprising Health Benefits of this Holiday Treat
Despite being made of cookies, your festive gingerbread house might have some surprising health benefits. Gingerbread, which has been made into little men and built into Christmassy shapes for hundreds of years, contains a number of ingredients that are actually great for you, according to nutritionist Hazel Flight, the head of the Nutrition and Health program at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England.
Ginger: More than Just a Flavoring Agent
Ginger has long been used in traditional medicine, aiding with digestion and helping to alleviate nausea in cases of illness and travel sickness. A 2020 paper in the journal Nutrients analyzed the health benefits of ginger and found it to be effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting, improving digestive function, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory functions. Other research has suggested that ginger may also help fight off cold and flu symptoms, ease arthritis, and alleviate menstrual pain.
Molasses: A Nutrient-Rich Sweetener
Gingerbread also contains molasses, a dark, thick syrup rich in vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. These nutrients are essential for bone and hair health, preventing anemia, and protecting the body’s cells against damaging free radicals, which can lead to genetic mutations.
Cinnamon: A Multi-Benefit Spice
Cinnamon, another major ingredient of gingerbread, has a wide variety of benefits to the human body. Besides being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial compound, cinnamon has been reported to have activities against neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. It can also help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and improve dental hygiene.
Nutmeg: A Powerful Spice for Health
Nutmeg, used in small amounts when baking gingerbread, has been found to be linked to reduced inflammation and heart health benefits. According to a 2023 paper in the journal Scientific African, nutmeg contains biomolecules of high medicinal properties that can be harnessed for the development of new therapeutics, especially against drug-resistant bacterial infections.
So, all in all, despite gingerbread’s high levels of sugar and butter, it might end up helping you in ways you didn’t realize this Christmas. The combination of ginger, molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings together not just the traditional festive flavors, but also a range of potential health benefits.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
