Although ginger is popular as a spice in Asian cuisine, it has taken over modern medication thanks to its medicinal properties. So, let’s discuss some of the best health benefits of ginger.
The scientifically proven health benefits of ginger are as follows:
- Soothes the digestive system
- Relieves pain related to inflammation in the body
- Alleviates nausea
- Treats dry cough and relieves the symptoms of flu, common cold, and sore throat
- Controls high blood sugar and helps to treat diabetes
- Boosts memory and brain function
- Boosts male fertility
- It May have potential benefits in weight loss and obesity
- Relieves osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
So, let’s dive in deeper to learn how incorporating ginger into your regular diet could be beneficial to your health.
09 Amazing Health Benefits Of Ginger
From basic curries, soups, or stews to gingerbread, gingersnaps, or ginger ale, this pungent spice has a very special place in our cuisine. But, in fact, ginger is something more than a food flavoring that gives a tremendous amount of benefits to our health.
Ginger contains active compounds such as gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. Gingerols are major polyphenols in ginger and are rich in antioxidants. Thus, consuming this miraculous spice will bestow many plus points to your body, along with its unique taste and aroma.
01- Soothes The Digestive System
There are over 400 bioactive components in ginger which has been the reason for its being beneficial in Ayurveda and as folk medicine since the 13th century. Research shows that this spice acts as a natural carminative to soothe many digestive issues.
Indians and Sri Lankans use freshly extracted ginger juice with garlic, lime juice, honey, and black pepper to treat upset stomachs. This has been a home remedy they’ve been trying with promising results for ages. Research data shows that ginger is an excellent treatment for chronic indigestion.
Furthermore, studies also show ginger functions as an appetite stimulant and choleretic. They also show that integrating this spice with your regular diet could improve gastric motility and exert antispasmodic effects.
02- Relieves Pain Related To Inflammation In The Body
The active polyphenol, gingerol in raw ginger, is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. This effect helps reduce pain in the body caused due to inflammation.
A clinical trial conducted in 2009 shows that daily raw and heat-treated ginger consumption resulted in moderate-to-large decreases in muscle pain following exercise-induced muscle injury.
Studies also reveal that potent ginger has been shown to reduce the levels of inflammation that pro-inflammatory cytokines can create. Thus, since inflammation can run so rampant in our bodies, ginger functions as a natural remedy to manage this condition.
03- Alleviates Nausea
Ginger has proven benefits in reducing nausea caused by morning sickness and chemotherapy. It may also potentially treat vomiting in people who are undergoing certain surgeries.
However, a study published in 2014 shows that ginger’s potential benefits reduce nausea symptoms in pregnancy (morning sickness). But, the same research concludes that it did not significantly affect vomiting episodes during pregnancy.
04- Treats Dry Cough And Relieves The Symptoms Of Flu, Common Cold, And Sore Throat
Ginger is a staple in almost every house in India and Sri Lanka since they use this spice often to treat conditions like dry cough, common cold, and sore throat. They usually infuse fresh ginger with black tea and enjoy it as a warm beverage to soothe flu or cold symptoms.
In addition, a concoction made by steeping freshly crushed ginger in warm salt water is used as a gargle to treat sore throat. Dry ginger is also a primary ingredient in Ayurveda which is used with honey to treat dry cough.
05- Controls High Blood Sugar And Helps To Treat Diabetes
Ginger has been found as an effective ingredient that could drastically reduce high blood sugar levels and control diabetes. Accordingly, a study conducted in 2015 using 41 participants shows that 2g of ginger powder per day decreased fasting blood sugar by 12%.
That comprehensive research further concluded that ginger could productively improve the hemoglobin level of patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering the Apolipoprotein, a byproduct of oxidative stress.
06- Boosts Memory And Brain Function
Ginger has been traditionally used in Arabian folklore as a memory-improving and cognitive-enhancing ingredient. A systematic study published in 2011 shows ginger rhizome extract could improve memory and defend against brain damage.
In addition, it was also apprised to have antioxidant effects. Based on the antioxidant and cognitive enhancing properties of ginger rhizome extract, neuropsychological and electrophysiological studies also claim ginger rhizomes extract affects the cognitive function of middle-aged women.
Moreover, a study on rats shows that ginger rhizome extract reduces oxidative stress. And its active compounds and anti-neuroinflammation benefits could help protect dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
07- Boosts Male Fertility
A systematic clinical review conducted in 2021 shows that ginger has the capacity to improve male fertility. This study reveals that ginger enhances semen quality and increases the fertility of sperm.
This happens by impeding the production of free radicals, dissolving oxidative chain reactions, reducing oxidative stress, and adjusting the levels of gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH) and sex hormones (such as testosterone).
08- It May Have Potential Benefits In Weight Loss And Obesity
Several studies show that ginger has potential benefits for weight loss and obesity. Research done in 2019 concludes that ginger supplementation notably reduced body weight, waist-hip ratio, and hip ratio in people who are overweight or obese.
09- Relieves Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common in people who suffer from chronic inflammation. It has been scientifically proven that ginger can reduce the activity of several chemical substances that encourage joint inflammation.
Studies that were done in 2001 and 2002 show that highly concentrated doses of the ginger extract were helpful in treating people with knee osteoarthritis and can help alleviate joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginger Is More Than A Food Flavoring!
As you see, this spice is loaded with antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and analgesic properties.
You can incorporate ginger with your daily dishes or prepare tea from it to enjoy the bunch of health benefits it offers. In fact, this spice acts as a natural medicine to alleviate many conditions, protecting you and your family from any possible health risks.
