What are the health benefits of ginger?

What are the health benefits of ginger?

The ginger plant originated from Southeast Asia, it’s a flowering plant from the Zingiberaceae family. It is closely related to cardamom, galangal, and turmeric, and it's recognized among the healthiest plants in the world.

The Rhizome also called ginger-root is the common part used as a spice.

It can be served dried, fresh, powdered, in juice form, or as oil. It's a common ingredient added in recipes, it's added in some processed foods and cosmetic products.

Here are the scientifically proven health benefits.

Gingerol has powerful medicinal properties

Ginger has a history in traditional medicine. Its unique flavor and smell come from its natural oil, and gingerol is responsible.

Gingerol is the primary bioactive compound in the plant and responsible for its medicinal properties.

It helps in the following areas

Treating severe indigestion.
Fight flu and common cold.
Treat nausea such as morning sickness.
Improves brain function and protect against mental disorders.
Fight infections and boost immunity.
Reduce menstrual pain.
Lowers blood sugars.
Lower heart disease risk factors.

According to research, it has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help minimize oxidative stress (1)

Help in weight loss

Ginger has a role in weight loss, scientific studies conducted in animals and humans provide evidence.

A 2016 study on 80 women with obesity showed that it helps reduce body mass index (BMI) and lowers blood insulin level. The study participants received high doses of 2grams of ginger powder for 12 weeks. (2)

The animal’s studies show stronger evidence on its role to prevent obesity.

Rat and mice consumed ginger water and its extract showed a decrease in body weight, even when they`d be fed with high diets. (3,4)

Help in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious health problem that degenerates body joints leading to joint pain and inflexibility.

Literature review studies showed that patients who used ginger to treat OA reported a significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness. (5)

The participants diagnosed with OA of the knee took between 500mg and 1 gram of ginger per day from 3 to 12 weeks and reported a reduction in joint pain. (5)

A 2011 study showed that a combination of ginger, cinnamon, sesame oil, and mastic to patients with OA of the knee help reduce joint pain and stiffness. (6)

Lower cholesterol level

The food people eat has a strong impact on cholesterol level. A high level of bad cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease.

In a 2018 study of 60 people, 30 people with hyperlipidemia took 5 grams (high dose) of ginger powder every day for 3 months, the result showed a drop of bad cholesterol by 17.4% by the end of three months. (7)

Many who dropped out of the study reported a ginger bad taste in their mouth.

Another 2008 study showed participants who received 3 grams of ginger powder every day for 45 days showed a reduction in bad cholesterol by a 10% drop. (8)

References