Benefits of Ginger

Benefits of Ginger

by Rachael Link, MS, RD.

As one of the most used dietary condiments in the world today, it’s no wonder that the benefits of ginger are pretty impressive. With its zesty, peppery flavor and its extensive list of health benefits, ginger root is equal parts delicious and nutritious. It’s versatile, easy to use and has been associated with everything from beating motion sickness to better brain function.

The health benefits of ginger are largely due to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and content of therapeutic compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone.

So what is ginger good for and how can you incorporate it into your diet?Available in fresh, dried, ground, capsule and juice form, ginger root is easy to add to the diet and can have a lasting impact on just about every aspect of health.


What Is Ginger and Ginger Root?

Ginger Root

Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant that is closely related to turmeric and cardamom. The underground stem, or rhizome, of the ginger plant is commonly known as the ginger root and is well-known for its medicinal properties.

The health benefits of ginger are well-documented and ginger has been used across the globe as a natural remedy for thousands of years due to its medicinal properties. In fact, ancient Chinese, Roman, Greek, Arabic and Sanskrit texts have all documented the use of ginger root to help improve health and well-being.

Research is just beginning to scrape the surface when it comes to the multitude of benefits associated with ginger root. From fighting infections to decreasing cholesterol and enhancing weight loss, it’s clear that adding ginger root to your diet could have a powerful effect on health.

1. All Natural Fungal Fighter

Fungal infections cause a wide variety of conditions, from yeast infectionsto jock itch and athlete’s foot. Fortunately, ginger helps kill off disease-causing fungi due to its powerful anti-fungal properties.

2. Eases Menstrual Pains

Unfortunately, adverse side effects like pain, period cramps (dysmenorrhea) and headaches are commonly associated with menstruation for many women. While some turn to over-the-counter medications to provide symptom relief, natural remedies like ginger can be just as useful at easing menstrual pain.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicineshowed that ginger reduces menstrual pain as effectively as medications like ibuprofen and mefanamic acid.  Another study in 2009 had similar findings, reporting that ginger reduces both the intensity and duration of pain.

3. May Inhibit Cancer Growth

One of the most impressive benefits of ginger is its anti-cancer properties, thanks to the presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol.

Test-tube studies show that ginger and its components may be effective in blocking cancer cell growth and development for ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to determine how the properties of ginger inhibits cancer and how it may translate to humans.

Regulates Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can cause many negative symptoms, from frequent urination to headaches (including migraines) and increased thirst. If left unchecked, it can even cause more serious problems like nerve damage and impaired wound healing.

Research shows that ginger helps promote normal blood sugar to prevent these serious side effects. In one 2015 study, ginger supplementation actually reduced fasting blood sugar by 12 percent and improved long-term blood sugar control by 10 percent.

4. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain

Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, adding ginger into your diet could help treat both muscle pain and arthritis-related joint pain.

One study showed that daily consumption of ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury. Another study found that ginger extract helped decrease knee pain and the need for pain medication in individuals with osteoarthritis.

5. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

From producing bile to manufacturing hormones, cholesterol is essential to overall health. However, high levels of cholesterol can build up in the blood, causing blockages and increasing your risk of heart disease.

One of the biggest benefits of ginger is its ability to naturally lowercholesterol levels and triglycerides to reduce your risk of heart problems. A study conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences actually found that ginger was able to significantly reduce bad LDL cholesterol and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol compared to a placebo.  An animal study also showed that ginger was nearly as effective in lowering cholesterol (improving cholesterol markers) as atorvastatin, a medication commonly prescribed for high blood cholesterol.

6. Improves Brain Function

Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s have been linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the brain. With its wealth of antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is believed to play an important role in the health of your brain.

Several animal studies have found that ginger extract could protect against brain aging and cognitive decline.  Not only that, but a 2012 study also found that ginger extract helped improve cognitive function and attention in middle-aged women.

7. Blocks Bacterial Infections

In addition to its antifungal properties, ginger boasts the ability to fight off bacterial infections as well. Pathogenic bacteria are common culprits behind conditions like urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis.

According to one test-tube study, the compounds found in ginger could help inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria that cause gum disease. Another test-tube study showed that ginger extract was effective against several strains of drug-resistant bacteria as well.

8. Eases Inflammation

Although inflammation can be a normal, healthy immune response to injury and infection, chronic inflammation is believed to be a major contributor to conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

One review in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine noted that ginger extract may help inhibit the synthesis of certain markers of inflammation. Besides gingerol, it also contains other anti-inflammatory compounds like shogaol, paradol and zingerone.

There is also a possibility that ginger benefits include preventing blood clots (thus reducing risk of heart attack) due to its natural acids that thin the blood. But studies so far are inconclusive.

9. Promotes Proper Digestion

One of the most powerful ginger benefits is its ability to support digestive health and prevent problems like dyspepsia, a common condition of impaired digestion characterized by symptoms like pain, heartburn, fullness and discomfort.

According to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, ginger helps speed up the emptying of the stomach by 25 percent compared to a placebo in people with indigestion.  Another study even found that taking ginger capsules with a meal actually doubled the speed of stomach emptying.

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