What Is Ginger Good For? 10 Health Benefits, Nutrition, And More

Ginger is a plant with yellow flowers that grows in warm regions of the world, such as Asia, China, India, and Japan. Many people cook primarily from the underground part of the stem, which is known as the rhizome or root of ginger.

Ginger is known for its distinctive taste and health benefits and is often added to recipes. You can get ginger in fresh, dried, powdered, or juiced form.

There are many ways to prepare ginger, including fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, and powdered or ground. The taste of ginger is slightly peppery, slightly sweet, and has a distinct spicy aroma.

Overall, ginger is used in food and health products because it has powerful antioxidants and natural compounds that provide incredible medicinal value. Since ancient times, ginger has been ground into juice and used as a tonic to help digestion, infections, and inflammation.

However, current research suggests that ginger and its extracts also have many other health benefits.

In this article, we look at the 10 health benefits of ginger.

10 Health benefits of ginger

1. Naturally relieves pain

One of the main causes of pain is inflammation (swelling). It is the body’s natural self-defense system that protects cells and tissues from all kinds of harmful bacteria and infections.

Numerous studies have shown that ginger has anti-inflammatory effects. For example, one of these studies showed that people who exercised regularly and consumed 2 grams of ginger daily had less muscle and joint pain than those who did not exercise.

In addition, this study also reported that people had a greater range of motion in their joints due to reduced inflammation.

2. Reduces inflammation

One of the main causes of inflammation and pain is oxidative stress, which leads to cell damage. This can later lead to osteoarthritis and rheumatism.

Numerous studies have shown that ginger contains powerful antioxidants, such as gingerols, which can reduce inflammation. Gingerol is the active compound in ginger that provides its medicinal properties.

Rheumatism is an autoimmune system in which the body attacks healthy cells and damages them, mistaking them for harmful bacteria.

Some studies have shown ginger can be a good treatment aid by reducing inflammation and pain symptoms.

The extract has also been demonstrated to be useful in lowering pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients.

3. Protects against infections

The most antioxidant-rich food is ginger root, which also has the power to fight various diseases and infections and lower the risk of oxidative stress.

Many studies have shown that the compounds in the root can remove harmful bacteria and toxins and eliminate them from the body, preventing them from damaging cells.

4. Protect against certain types of cancer

In the last few years, ginger has been studied for its anti-cancer effects and potential cancer treatment.

Current research suggests that ginger contains two antioxidant compounds responsible for these properties. They are known as gingerol and zeranol.

These two antioxidants have been shown to prevent certain cancers and inhibit their growth. Examples are lymphomas, liver, colorectal, breast, skin, liver, and bladder cancer.

Some studies have shown that natural antioxidants support the body in killing and recycling damaged cells and replacing them with new and healthy cells. As a result, the risk of cancer can be significantly reduced.

5. It Reduces migraine pain

Some early studies suggest ginger may reduce migraine pain intensity and help you recover faster. This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of this spice.

6. May help you manage your weight better

One study showed that consuming 2 grams of ginger daily for 12 weeks can significantly help weight loss.

Also, some studies have demonstrated that ginger extract might lower your appetite and assist you in consuming fewer calories overall. The same study noted that participants’ metabolisms increased, a crucial aspect of weight management.

7. It helps manage diabetes treatment

Initial studies have shown that ginger may also help to manage type 2 diabetes better. It contains natural compounds that can regulate blood sugar levels.

In addition, a study showed that ginger could also improve tissue sensitivity to insulin. This also allows the body to regulate blood sugar levels better.

8. May improve digestion

Early studies have shown that eating ginger can speed up gastric emptying and reduce inflammation in the intestines.

While the research is still controversial, and more studies need to be done, some studies have shown incredible results.

For example, the regular consumption of this spice speeds up gastric emptying. Doctors believe that one of the main causes of indigestion is delayed gastric emptying, so that ginger may help.

9. It improves menstrual cycles

Some early studies suggest ginger can be used as a remedy for heavy menstrual cycles.

A significant reduction in blood flow when people consumed 250 mg of ginger powder.

In addition, another study reports that consuming 750-2000 mg of ginger powder reduces pain associated with the menstrual cycle, especially during the first 3-4 days.

10. Reduces the risk of heart disease

Heart disease is strongly associated with blood pressure, blood sugar, and high cholesterol. These are the three main factors that contribute to heart disease.

Numerous studies have shown that ginger and its natural compounds can reduce and regulate these three factors. This, in turn, leads to a much lower risk of heart disease.

Summary

Ginger and its natural antioxidants and compounds contain a plethora of health benefits.

Taking ginger in various forms (whichever suits you better) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, infections, and more.