Is ginger effective as an appetite enhancer?

You may be familiar with ginger. The rhizome which is still related to turmeric is known to have many benefits. Temulawak is known to be able to overcome digestive problems, treat acne, maintain liver health, and is most famously known as an appetite enhancer for children.

So, is it true that ginger can increase appetite? What are the ingredients in ginger that have this function?

General benefits of ginger for the digestive system

Ginger root and rhizome have long been used as a natural remedy to treat various diseases. However, of the various properties it has, this plant is most often used to treat problems in the digestive system.

Temulawak is often used to treat symptoms of ulcers, stomach disorders, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to diseases of the liver and bile. Not only that, ginger is also considered to be an appetite enhancer.

All of these benefits are believed to come from the active ingredient contained in ginger, namely curcumin. Curcumin is an antioxidant compound from the polyphenol class which is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal.

Curcumin works by relieving inflammation and swelling of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, ginger also has the potential to overcome infection-related diseases such as colitis, gastric ulcers, and bacterial infections H. pylori in the digestive tract.

Is ginger effective as an appetite enhancer?

Not a few believe in the efficacy of ginger in increasing appetite. This claim is also supported by some experts, although many are against it because there is no promising evidence.

Various studies have indeed proven the efficacy of ginger for the health of the digestive system. Unfortunately, there is no research that clearly states that ginger can increase appetite.

Although it does not directly act as an appetite enhancer, it does not mean that ginger is not beneficial for your child. The reason is, ginger can overcome various digestive problems that cause decreased appetite.

For example, some children may refuse to eat because they have bloating, stomach pain, or ulcers. Well, curcumin in ginger can help overcome this problem so that children's appetite returns to normal.

The function of ginger is probably even more effective when combined with black pepper. The combination of the two can increase enzyme activity in the intestine. As a result, the process of digesting food takes place more easily and quickly so that appetite increases.

Another way to increase appetite

Temulawak may not have been proven effective as an appetite enhancer. However, consumption of curcumin in ginger still provides benefits for digestive health.

While consuming ginger, you can also increase your child's appetite in the following ways:

• Divide the time to eat a day into 5-6 times with smaller portions.
• Increase calories in the food consumed.
• Eat nutrient-dense foods, not sweet, high-calorie snacks without other nutrients.
• Use a bigger plate. This makes less food on the plate so the child will ask to eat more.
• Make an effort to eat at the same time every day.
• Don't skip breakfast.

The potential of ginger as an appetite enhancer has long been recognized. However, this still needs further investigation. Until the efficacy of ginger for appetite can be proven, you can still consume it to overcome various digestive problems.

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