Originated in South-East Asia ginger is one of the healthiest and delicious spices in the world. Rhizome or ginger root is commonly used as the spice which is known as ginger. You can use ginger in many forms, dried, raw, and powdered, or as an oil or juice. Not only in fresh food, it is also used in processed food and even in cosmetics. The sole reason behind these wide varieties of use of ginger is its health benefits. In this blog, we will discuss 10 such health benefits of ginger.
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Health benefits of ginger
- Gingerol contains the powerful medicinal property
Ginger has very common use in ayurvedic medicine and is treated like a home medicine for many flu-like and pain symptoms. It also aids digestion and reduces nausea. These are some of the few to name as their uses in daily life. The main bio-active compound behind it is gingerol which is also responsible for ginger’s medicinal properties. Also, the unique fragrance of ginger and its flavor comes from gingerol. Also, it has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce oxidative stress.
- Help to lose weight
Studies show ginger has close relation with weight loss. Ginger supplements significantly help to reduce hip waist ratio, controls BMI in obese and overweight people, and also reduce blood insulin levels. This way ginger help to prevent obesity. Not only humans but also animals get benefits from ginger. An experiment over rats and mice proves that if they take ginger water, it helps to reduce their weight even if they are fed high-fat foods. The fact is ginger help to burn calorie and reduce inflammation.
- A relief for osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a growing problem all over the world. It is the degeneration of bones that greatly affects joints and causes stiffness making your movement troublesome. Ginger when used as a treatment of osteoarthritis provides a significant reduction in pain and disability.
- Good for reducing blood sugar level and improving heart disease
New researches show that ginger works as an anti-diabetic element. For type 2 diabetic patients, 2 gms of ginger powder per day reduces fasting blood sugar by 12%. Also, it improves HbA1C level which is a marker for long-term blood sugar level. Besides, ginger reduces oxidative stress which is a significant trigger factor for heart disease.
- Help to treat chronic indigestion
Timely emptying of the stomach is necessary to avoid stomach pain or discomfort. This usually happens on the upper part of the stomach. People with such dyspepsia are often treated with ginger capsules. This helps to induce an emptying stomach. Anyone can try this method.
- Can treat nausea and specially morning sickness
Ginger is very effective against nausea and morning sickness. It is proven to be very effective in a certain type of surgery-related nausea even in chemotherapy treatment. However, related to nausea it is most effective in case of morning sickness. Although ginger is effective in treating nausea but ask your doctor before taking it in a large amount. It is advised that pregnant woman who is close to labor or had experienced miscarriage should avoid ginger.
- Help to reduce menstrual pain
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory property is used for pain relief and dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is one of the cases where ginger is used to give relief. Ginger powder is as effective as ibuprofen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in reducing menstrual pain. More recent studies have also concluded that ginger is equally as effective as drugs such as mefenamic acid and acetaminophen/caffeine/ibuprofen (Novafen) and more effective than a placebo.
- May help to reduce cholesterol levels
High levels of LDL in your blood can increase the potential risk of heart disease. Not to mention, the food you take has a great impact on your blood LDL level. Studies show 5 gm of ginger intake daily can reduce LDL 17.4% in 3 months of time.
- Can prevent cancer
In many scenarios, ginger has been treated as an alternative remedy for cancer treatment. Gingerol has anti-cancer properties which are found in large amounts in raw ginger. A study shows in the case of colon cancer 2 gms of ginger extract per day significantly reduce inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon. Ginger may be effective against other gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
- Improve brain functionality
Aging accelerates from oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This triggers age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. On the contrary, antioxidants in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses in the brain. Also, daily intake of ginger improves working memory.