9 Ways Ginger Benefits Your Health

Apr 04, 2016

Ginger is a fantastic herb with a strong flavor that can spice up any dish. It has been used around the world for ages in a variety of cuisines. But it's not just the taste that makes it amazing; ginger, like many foods we eat, also has dozens of amazing health benefits that make it worthwhile adding to your diet.

Ginger comes in a raw form, pickled, or even powdered and can be added to many dishes with ease that comes from this versatility. Simply boiling it with hot water makes a tea with kick. Learn how ginger can benefit your health, and start incorporating it into recipes today!

Ginger, a rhizome in the Zingiberaceae family, is related to cardamom, galangal, and turmeric. Rhizomes grow underground, but they're actually stems - not roots! Ginger is an ancient method for relieving all kinds of ailments, including aches and pains.

1. Relieve Nausea 

Ginger is notorious for nausea relief, including sea sickness or sickness from medications or post-surgery.

It also assists with morning sickness.

Of course, it's always important to check with a doctor before medicating yourself - even with natural ginger.

2. Assists with Digestion 

Chronic indigestion, or dyspepsia, is common and results in pain in the upper stomach.

A slower digestive process generally results in this condition.

Ginger is capable of speeding the stomach's digestive process up, making it go more smoothly.

Just a gram of powdered ginger before a meal is known to increase this process by 50%.

3. Soothe Muscle Pain 

Ginger has been demonstrated to effectively soothe sore muscles, especially after exercise.

A daily regimen of ginger is capable of reducing overall soreness.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are credited with this ability.

4. Soothe Osteoarthritis 

Ginger is also capable of reducing inflammation in joints, including that caused by osteoarthritis.

Experiments with participants have demonstrated less pain for those who took ginger versus those who did not.

Another study that combined ginger with sesame oil and cinnamon also found reduced inflammation from the delicious smelling concoction.

5. Lower Blood Sugar 

A 2015 study demonstrates how daily doses of ginger reduce blood sugar levels in those with Type II diabetes.

A major factor in heart disease, known as oxidized lipoprotein, was also reduced by 23%.

In time, more studies will demonstrate the validity of those findings.

6. Lower Cholesterol Levels 

"Bad" cholesterol, or LDL lipoproteins, are greatly influenced by diets and increase the risk of heart disease.

Taking 3 grams of powdered ginger daily has been shown to reduce these LDL lipoprotein levels.

7. Ease Menstrual Pain 

Ginger has been shown to reduce cramping pains in menstruating women if it is taken at the beginning of the cycle.

It was even shown to be as effective as ibuprofen.

8. Assist Brain Function

Alzheimer's disease and other diseases affecting the brain are believed to be connected to chronic inflammation, a symptom ginger treats.

Research has also found that the antioxidants in ginger greatly reduce inflammation and prevent such diseases.

One study demonstrated the improvement of reaction time and memory ginger had on middle-aged women.

9. Ginger as a Cancer Fighter

Although more research is being conducted, it is possible that the compound 6-gingerol that is found in raw ginger may greatly reduce the activity of cancer cells in the body.

Other studies, however, have not been able to document this effect.

The information may be limited, but the potential for ginger to fight cancer is not something to be ignored!

Disclaimer: Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us.