The health benefits of ginger have been talked about for hundreds of years–if not thousands. Originally from India, ginger is a perennial plant with a tuberculous root. It is used in many dishes for its particular taste but also plays a major role in traditional medicine around the world.
It is cultivated today in many parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, Central America, and Brazil. Its root is harvested after flowering, then washed and dried.
The virtues of ginger are numerous. In addition to its reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac, it would also improve digestion. Research has shown that it may help maintain gut flora and promote better digestion of fat. It is also used as a tonic. Thanks to its antiemetic action, ginger would also reduce nausea and vomiting. If you have motion sickness or are pregnant, it may help.
Ginger would also have the ability to lower fever, in addition to an anti-bacterial action.
Health Benefits of Ginger
1. Full vitamins and nutrients
Ginger contains vitamins B1, B2, and B6. These vitamins play an important role in the storage and breakdown of sugar, fats, and proteins for the body.
Ginger also contains the minerals magnesium and potassium. Magnesium reduces muscle cramps and potassium regulates fluid balance and blood pressure.
2. Fights cancer
Different studies have shown that ginger has a particularly potent effect on cancer, most notably ovarian cancer. Indeed, research has shown that ginger can literally destroy ovarian cancer cells. Even more promising is that the cells eventually attack and kill themselves. This is good news for people who already have cancer, and reason enough to start adding a little more ginger to your diet, whether you’re suffering from cancer or not.
3. A potent aphrodisiac
Want to give your libido a little boost? Why not try ginger?
Ginger would indeed have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women. Gingerol, one of the substances present in the root, would be at the origin of a stimulating and revitalizing action for the organism. Ginger is also said to have a useful vasodilator effect in promoting erection. For the best result, it is recommended to consume it with ginseng, which will increase its effects tenfold.
However, the aphrodisiac effects of ginger have not been scientifically demonstrated.
4. Improves cognitive functions
In a small-scale study of healthy middle-aged women, ginger extract was found to improve responsiveness and memory.
5. Helps With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may find relief from the symptoms when they consume more ginger. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disruption of the function of the gastrointestinal tract, especially of the colon. It is a common chronic intestinal disorder, causing bloating, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, etc.
6. Protects against Alzheimer’s disease
If Alzheimer’s disease is in your family, or you’re worried that you may one day suffer debilitating disease, consider consuming a little more ginger. Ginger has been found in studies to reduce the death of brain cells, which is a common precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. By protecting and maintaining these cells, you have a chance of a higher number of years with good health and alertness.
7. A powerful antioxidant
Ginger is among the most antioxidant foods out there along with broccoli, blueberries, black currants, pomegranate, turmeric, and green tea.
By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants make it possible to fight against cellular aging and against certain diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular damage. Its antioxidant effects would be increased tenfold by cooking it with garlic and onion.
8. An energizing effect
Ginger would also be an excellent ally against fatigue. Containing many vitamins, minerals and trace elements, this plant naturally stimulates the body. It would also have the virtue of strengthening the immune defenses.
9. Prevents nausea and vomiting
Ginger root can also be a good natural medicine to relieve nausea or vomiting. Grated and infused in hot water, or by extracting its juice, ginger offers a potent anti-nausea effect. Add lemon juice to your preparation for more efficiency.
In addition, fresh ginger is also effective against bloating and other digestive problems.
10. Protects against infections
In multiple studies, ginger has been shown to prevent the growth of various types of bacteria. Another study has also shown that ginger is very effective against gum infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis. This anti-inflammatory effect is again due to the gingerol it contains.
In yet another study, fresh ginger also appeared to inhibit infections with the RSV virus.
11. An ally against diabetes
Several studies have shown that regular consumption of powdered ginger has positive effects for people with type 2 diabetes. It would reduce the level of glucose in the blood on the one hand, and reduce insulin resistance, on the other hand.
12. Helps with weight loss
One of the most beneficial things you can do for your general health is to lose weight, and ginger can help you achieve just that. The reason is that it acts as a fat burner, in particular, ginger pushes your body to appeal to its fat reserves rather than just lose moisture.
Ginger also makes you feel full, which will make you eat less, and which ultimately leads to lower calorie intake.
13. Helps the body absorb nutrients
It’s critical to receive the correct nutrients if you’re trying to reduce weight. However, if you’re overweight and aren’t used to getting the nutrition you need, your body may have forgotten how to absorb vitamins as efficiently as possible. Ginger helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively, which enhances your overall health.
14. Helps against morning sickness
Pregnant women are better off opting for ginger root and ginger tea instead of medication when suffering from bouts of morning sickness. Ginger acts as a sedative, and compared to a placebo, it has proven itself in several clinical trials. It is always nice when an entirely natural remedy is supported by scientific research.
15. Reduces arthritis-causing inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger ensure that ginger is ideal in the treatment of diseases caused by inflammation. One of these diseases is arthritis, which affects millions of people around the world.
16. Improves blood circulation
Ginger ensures better blood flow, giving you more energy. This is especially good if you often feel tired. Ginger is also great during the winter months, as it warms you up from the inside out. It also opens your pores, making your overall circulation more effective.
17. Relieves bloating
Bloating can sometimes be very painful. If you are looking for a natural way to relieve the pain and pressure, then ginger is ideal. For example, drink a glass of ginger tea before bed and after getting up. Ginger accelerates digestion, causing the causative agent to be flushed out faster, neutralizing the problem.
18. Provides pain relief
No matter what kind of pain you have, ginger can act as a natural painkiller. Ginger works on a hormonal level, and its anti-inflammatory properties accelerate the healing process. Drink a cup of ginger tea in the morning and then evaluate if you are in less pain during the day.
19. Helps with migraines
In a scientific study, researchers compared the effectiveness of ginger powder with sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is a painkiller that is prescribed for migraines or cluster headaches.
This study showed that the participants were just as satisfied with ginger extracts as they were with sumatriptan. The advantage of the ginger extracts was that one had no side effect.
20. Helps with asthma
Ginger has also been shown to be effective against respiratory diseases such as asthma. In people with asthma, the airways are overly irritable or hyper-reactive due to chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by the overactivity of the calcium-sensitive receptor CaSR.
Certain components in ginger make this receptor less sensitive according to scientific research, making ginger a valuable ally in the treatment of asthma and other allergic reactions.
Nutritional Value of Ginger
| Weight / volume | Raw ginger (root), 100 g | Ground dried 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 fiber | 2,7 g | 14,1 g |
Conclusion
Ginger is beneficial to almost every aspect of your health. No matter how you consume it, whether you simply use ginger root in your meals, prefer to drink a ginger tea, or swallow it as a capsule, all forms of ginger offer these benefits. Preferably make sure you consume organic ginger because regular ginger is full of pesticides and other toxins.
