Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from South Asian countries. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family which includes cardamom and turmeric. Ginger spice comes from the rhizome or ginger root of the ginger plant.
Ginger is native to warmer parts of Asia like China, Japan, and India however due to its medicinal values it has lately been grown in other parts of the world. Its cultivation can also be observed in Arabian Peninsula.
Ginger has been commonly used as a spice in the South Asian region however, its medicinal contributions can’t be ruled out. Traditionally it has been used as remedies against indigestion, inflammation, and cold. In addition to these, it may have other medicinal contributions that need recognition.
Ginger can also be used as flavouring agents in juices, mojitos, candy however it has also been known to be used for fragrance in candles and soaps, and cosmetics.
11 Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has been proven helpful against varieties of ailments however, some have strong medical research validation, and some may require more research.
Some of the benefits of Ginger consumption are illustrated below:
Nausea/Vomiting
Many research established that use of ginger in reducing nausea and vomiting caused due to antiviral therapy such as HIV drugs. Daily consumption of ginger 30 minutes before taking antiviral medicine will help reduce medical-induced nausea and vomiting.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is another form of nausea and vomiting found commonly in pregnant women. Taking ginger in the diet helps in reducing nausea and vomiting, however, it may have other side effects if consumed in parallel with existing medication.
Pregnant ladies often have varieties of complications that need medical attention. Though you may find some relief after consumption of ginger but needs to be thoroughly discussed with medical consultants before consumption.
Menstrual Cramps
It is also known as dysmenorrhea. The studies have concluded that consuming ginger in 0.5-2 grams for three days during the menstrual period will help in reducing abdominal pain. It can also be consumed at the beginning of pain and continued for three days for better results.
It is as effective as the painkillers like ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, or Novafen. It can also be consumed in parallel with medicine like mefenamic acid which may yield better results.
Osteoarthritis
Researches show that the oral intake of ginger may provide relief from the pain caused by osteoarthritis. It may be as effective as some painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac in reducing joint pains.
It has also been used as a massage oil for reducing joint pains in the knee and hip however, few studies validate this phenomenon. To understand the complete implication of ginger about osteoarthritis, further research and investigation need to be performed.
Anti-inflammatory
Traditional use of ginger against inflammation makes it an important anti-inflammatory agent. Several studies have concluded the oral intake of ginger may help in reducing inflammation at the joints caused by osteoarthritis.
It is observed that people suffering from osteoarthritis having ginger intake required fewer pain releasing medications than the other group.
Improved Digestion
People with dyspepsia may find some relief after the consumption of 1.5-2 grams of ginger powder. Traditionally, ginger has been known to be used as remedies against indigestion. South Asian region is known for its spicy food however, culinary use of ginger helps in the digestion of spicy foods.
Researchers have observed that the consumption of ginger powder before eating might help in enhanced metabolism and helps in proper bowel movement.
Diabetes
Some studies suggest that intake of ginger might help in the drastic lowering of blood sugar however more studies need to carry out to proper understanding of the ginger relationship with blood sugar.
One of the studies carried out in 2015 helps in reducing the blood sugar of 42 participants with type II diabetes. The daily consumption of 2gm ginger powder reduced blood sugar by 12%.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Though the study being small which shows very encouraging results. The daily consumption of 2 grams of ginger powder is successful in reducing the oxidised lipoproteins by 23% which is the major risk factor for CVD.
These are the preliminary studies that are very impressive however, further studies need to be carried out for a better understanding of the properties of ginger about the heart.
Cold Flu
Traditionally ginger has been used as remedies for cold flu and throat infection. The daily consumption of ginger may prevent cold flu and prevent any sort of throat infections such as sore throat and throat irritation. It is often observed to provide relief during similar ailments and provide some relief.
Though it has been established as very effective against cold flu and throat infections however very limited medical evidence supports these claims. It may be more effective consumed in association with cold flu medications.
LDL
It is observed that the consumption of ginger regularly may help in reducing the LDL, the bad cholesterols which affect the functioning of the heart.
In a study where 85 individuals were given 3 grams of ginger powder for 45 days. The results obtained were very impressive as they significantly reduced all the LDL markers. These initial studies have proven to be very successful however, more studies need to be carried out.
Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Cancer Therapy
The use of ginger against nausea and vomiting caused by antiviral therapy and other ailments is very impressive however, the standalone use of ginger against nausea caused after cancer therapy doesn’t provide any relief against nausea and vomiting.
Though the consumption of ginger along with nausea and vomiting reducing medications helps in reducing the effects caused by therapy. It suggests that ginger may be very effective when consumed along with medications rather than standalone use.
Side Effects of Ginger
Although it helps against many ailments it may have some side effects which we need to be aware of. It always better to have medical experts’ opinions before using ginger against such ailments.
- Hormonal imbalance in the foetus
- Miscarriages
- Bleeding disorders
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
Summary
The key takeaway here from this is ginger might help in some of the disorders however it may have some severe side effects. It is always advisable to take medical opinion before the inclusion of ginger in our daily diet. “Eat Healthy Stay Healthy”.
