Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest and most delicious spices on the planet. The underground stem which is the rhizome is commonly used as a spice. It could be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It is commonly used as an ingredient in recipes. These are possible health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.
It can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness.
According to research, Ginger is highly effective against nausea. It relieves nausea and vomiting for people. It is also effective for pregnancy-related nausea such as morning sickness. However, it is highly recommended for pregnant women who are close to labor or once had miscarriages to avoid ginger, so as not to cause vaginal bleeding and clotting disorder.
It contains gingerol
It has a long history of various use in traditional and alternative medicine. Its main bioactive compound known as gingerol is responsible for its medicinal properties. According to research and reviews of 15 studies that included a total of 2521 patients with inflammatory diseases, taking ginger juice is essential for their health. It is also an antioxidant, thereby reducing the excess amount of free radicals in the body
It reduces weight
Ginger has played a role in reducing weight, according to a study conducted on humans and animals. Obesity as a condition can be reduced with the intake of ginger both in powdery form and in liquid form. High blood Insulin can also be reduced due to being associated with obesity. Rats and mice who consumed ginger water or extracts were reduced in weight consistently even when fed with high-fat diets. Its ability to reduce weight is related to its potential to help increase the number of calories burned or reduce inflammation.
It can help with Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the human body joint leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. People, found to be treated, using ginger water or extracts, saw significant reductions in pain and disability. Research has shown that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil can reduce pain in people with OA.
It lowers blood sugars and improves heart disease risk factors
This is relatively new but ginger has anti-diabetic properties. In a 2015 study of 20 people in Nigeria, with type 2 diabetes, 2 -3 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12%. There was a 23% reduction in malondialdehyde(MDA), which is a byproduct of oxidative stress. As earlier mentioned, ginger is an anti-oxidant, thereby reducing high-risk factors of heart disease. This research is new and incredibly impressive but the results need to be confirmed in larger studies before recommendations.
It can treat indigestion
Indigestion is characterized by constant pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach. Delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion. Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up the emptying of the stomach In addition research shows that ginger helps increase movement through the digestive tract thereby relieving or preventing constipation.
Supporting the immune system and lowering cancer risk
The effects of dried and fresh ginger are long-lasting on the respiratory system. This may protect against chronic disease and support recovery from another disease. It boosts the immune system according to recent research. Due to its antioxidant properties, It reduces various types of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a result of too many free radicals which are produced by metabolism and other factors. Accumulated free radicals can cause cellular damage which can lead to certain cancer such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer. Ginger inhibits the growth of cancer cells or contributes to the death of cancer cells.
Risks
Ginger is considered to be safe by health and food agencies, but it does not guarantee or regulate its use as a medicine or supplement. It is advisable before adding ginger to the diet or having a ginger supplement, to consult a healthcare professional, to avoid abuse.
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