Health benefits of ginger

People typically use fresh or dried ginger in cooking, and some take ginger supplements for their possible health benefits.

Antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation and various types of infection. Researchers have also studied its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes,  cancer and other health problems.

In this article, learn more about the possible health benefits of ginger and the research behind them.

BENEFITS

Ginger may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and other healthful properties. Below are some of the possible medicinal uses of ginger.

People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since ancient times. It is a popular home remedy for nausea, stomach pain, and other health issues.

Several studies have investigated ginger’s effect on the gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion.

Some research indicates that enzymes in ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort.

Ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion.

In addition, ginger may help increase movement through the digestive tract, suggesting that it may relieve or prevent constipation

Relieving nausea

Some research indicates that ginger can help alleviate morning sickness and relieve nausea following cancer treatment. In 2010 an examination on the effects of ginger root powder supplements on nausea in 60 children and young adults who underwent a chemotherapy. The analysis showed that the supplement led to reduced nausea in most of the people who took it.

In 2011 studies arrived at similar conclusions. They reported that taking a divided daily dosage of 1,500 milligrams (mg) of ginger extract helped alleviate symptoms of nausea.