Written by What is ginger?
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant, root or rhizome that is grown as a spice. It can be consumed in various forms, fresh, dried, powdered, in oil and juice. Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian cuisine where it is used to flavour curries, salad dressings and soups. Additionally, ginger is used in sweets and alcohol such as ginger beer, ginger cookies, and wine. Without much ado, let’s check out 16 proven health benefits of ginger.
Nutritional Analysis of Ginger
| Weight / volume | Fresh ginger root 100 g | Dried,powdered ginger, 100 g |
| Calories | 32,9 | 335 |
| Protein | 1,1 g | 8,98 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3,4 g | 58,3 g |
| Lipids | 1,1 g | 4,24 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2,7 g | 14,1 g |
16 Proven Health benefits of ginger
- Prevents nausea and vomiting
Ginger root is a good natural remedy to reduce nausea or vomiting. To enjoy this powerful anti-nausea effect of ginger, simply grate fresh ginger, add to a cup of water, and let it steep for a few minutes before drinking. Add lemon juice to your preparation for better performance. Pregnant women are better off choosing ginger root and ginger tea instead of taking pills when they have morning sickness.
- Reduces inflammation that causes arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger ensure that ginger is effective in the treatment of diseases caused by inflammation. One of the most common diseases is arthritis, which affects millions of people around the world.
- Improves blood circulation
Ginger improves blood circulation, giving you more energy. This is especially useful if you are tired. Ginger is also extremely beneficial during the winter months as it warms you up from the inside out. It also opens up your pores, making your circulation more efficient.
- Reduces constipation
Fresh ginger works wonders against constipation, bloating and other digestive problems. Constipation can be painful at times. If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve pain and constipation, ginger is effective. Ginger speeds up digestion, leading to the rapid elimination of the bowels, thus eliminating the problem.
- Helps Irritable Bowel Syndrome
People with irritable bowel syndrome may experience relief from symptoms when they consume more ginger. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disturbance in the function of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon. It is a chronic stomach disease that often causes constipation, abdominal pain, gas, etc.
- Relieves pain
Regardless of the type of pain you are experiencing, ginger can work as a pain reliever. Ginger works on the hormonal level and its anti-inflammatory properties speed up the healing process. Drink a cup of ginger tea in the morning and see if you feel better during the day.
- Help with migraines
In a scientific study, researchers compared the benefits of ginger powder to sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is an analgesic drug prescribed for migraines or cluster headaches. This study showed that participants were as satisfied with ginger extract as with sumatriptan. The advantage of ginger extract is that we don’t have any side effects.
- Helps Asthma
Ginger is also effective in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma. In people with asthma, the airways become hyper-irritated or hyper-reactive due to chronic airway inflammation caused by over-activity of the calcium-sensitive receptor. Ginger reduces the sensitivity of these receptors thus relieving the asthma symptoms.
- Rich source of Vitamins and minerals
Ginger contains vitamins B1, B2 and B6. These vitamins play an important role in the maintenance and breakdown of sugar, fat, and protein for the body. Ginger also contains the minerals magnesium and potassium. Magnesium slows down muscle contractions and potassium regulate water balance and blood pressure.
- Fights cancer
Various studies have shown that ginger has a powerful effect on cancer due to the presence of the compound gingerol. In fact, research has shown that ginger can naturally destroy ovarian cancer cells and inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Even more promising is that cells end up attacking and killing each other. That’s good news for people with cancer, and a good reason to start adding ginger to your diet, whether you have cancer or not.
- Protects against Alzheimer’s Disease
If Alzheimer’s disease runs in your family, or if you are worried that one day you will suffer from a debilitating disease, consider eating a little ginger. Ginger has been found in studies to reduce brain cell death, which is a common cause of Alzheimer’s disease. By protecting and maintaining these cells, you will have the opportunity to have many years of health and vitality.
- Powerful Antioxidant
Ginger is one of the major antioxidant-rich foods along with broccoli, blueberries, black currants, pomegranate, turmeric, and green tea. By eliminating free radicals, antioxidants help fight cell aging and certain diseases such as cancer and heart damage. Its antioxidant effect will be increased tenfold by cooking it with garlic and onion.
- Protects against disease
In many studies, ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of various types of bacteria. Another study also showed that ginger works well against gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis. This anti-inflammatory effect is again due to its gingerol content. It will also have the virtue of strengthening the defence system. In another study, fresh ginger also appeared to inhibit the RSV virus.
- Helps to fight diabetes
Many studies have shown that regular consumption of ginger powder has positive effects on people with type 2 diabetes. It will reduce the level of glucose in the blood on the one hand, and reduce insulin resistance, on the other hand.
- Aids in weight loss
One of the most beneficial things you can do for your overall health is to lose weight, and ginger can help you do that. The reason for this is that it works as a fat burner, specifically, ginger makes your body use up its fat instead of storing it. Ginger also makes you feel fuller, which will make you eat less and ultimately result in lower calorie intake.
- Helps the body absorb nutrients
Getting the right nutrition is important if you wish to stay healthy. Ginger helps your body absorb nutrients better, which boosts immunity and improves your health. (read also:Complete Nutrition: Essential Nutrients Your Body Needs)
Bottom line
Ginger is an aromatic herb with anti-inflammatory properties. The main health benefits of ginger may include its ability to help relieve nausea and pain, improve respiratory conditions, and alleviate flatulence. Ginger also helps improve bone health, boost the immune system, and increase appetite. This pepper root is also helpful for reducing obesity and reducing pain related to menstrual problems.
Apart from the 16 proven health benefits of ginger listed above, ginger offers numerous health benefits. The list is almost endless. All forms of ginger offer these benefits, whether you use ginger root in your meals, drink ginger tea, or swallow capsules.
