10 Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a very popular spice that is used widely in cooking and can be processed in a variety of ways. It has quite a unique flavour and is an ingredient used in many savoury foods. It is also used as a seasoning in many dishes, but it has not only found uses in food.
Ginger has long been used as a remedy for various ailments, whether alone or in conjunction with other herbs and spices. Some studies have indicated that ginger does have positive medicinal properties, and research is continuing to determine just how effective it really can be. Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits of ginger.
Ginger Benefit #1: Slows Cancer
If abnormal or damaged cells are able to start growing out of control, then a cancer may occur. As we continue to search for cures and treatments, a property in ginger has shown some potential. Ginger contains a compound known as 6-gingerol, and early tests indicate that it could hold the key to treatments.
Studies on the compound have so far shown that it might be able to slow or even stop cancer cell growth in prostate, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. There are a lot more tests to be done, and there’s no cure yet, but early results are very promising.
Ginger Benefit #2: Eases Nausea
Nausea can be a very unpleasant symptom and can have a variety of causes. The good news for nausea sufferers is that ginger has been shown to be quite effective at relieving the symptoms. Some people even think it is as effective as any prescription medicine on the market.
Ginger has long been used by sailors as a remedy for seasickness and can also help patients recover through nausea symptoms after operations. One of the most notable effects is its ability to reduce morning sickness in pregnant women. It should be noted that ginger should be consumed in moderate amounts, especially in women that are pregnant.
Ginger Benefit #3: Decreases Blood Sugar Levels
Many people have difficulty in controlling their blood sugar levels. If there is too much sugar in the blood, very serious complications can occur. Thankfully, some research has shown that ginger might contain properties that will help to reduce blood sugar to a safer level.
Recent studies have shown that consuming just 2 grams of ginger powder every day can reduce blood sugar levels when fasting by around 12%. It can also make improvements of around 10% in the long term. It also has a positive effect on oxidized lipoprotein levels, which can have a significant effect on heart disease.
Ginger Benefit #4: Helps with Menstruation
Menstruation can be quite an unpleasant experience for many women, with some suffering from painful cramps and headaches every cycle. Pain during menstruation is known as dysmenorrhea and is a fairly common problem. While many people will turn to pharmaceutical products for relief from these symptoms, others find that ginger can be just as effective at relieving their discomfort.
Studies have shown that just a single gram of ginger a day can be enough to reduce both the duration of pain and the intensity. The studies show that it worked just as well as other well-known remedies such as ibuprofen.
Ginger Benefit #5: Helps with Osteoarthritis
Every day we are using our joints and this results in wear and tear. In time, this can result in a condition known as osteoarthritis, which is a fairly common ailment among older people. It can be very painful and can lead to people being unable to use their joints effectively.
Studies have shown, though, that symptoms from osteoarthritis can be reduced with help from ginger. A study using ginger extract indicated that the pain was reduced in those that took it. Another study showed that a topical remedy, which included ginger, was also able to help reduce symptoms of pain.
Ginger Benefit #6: Combating Infections
Infections can really be quite unpleasant, and they can also be very easy to pick up. While there are usually treatments available, it would clearly be best to not get an infection in the first place, and ginger could help. Ginger contains a substance known as gingerol, and studies have shown it to be effective in combating infections.
Tests have shown that ginger can be useful in combating a selection of infections. This includes some bacterial infections, some viral infections and also some fungal infections. One study involving 27 plants showed that ginger was the most effective at preventing fungal infections.
Ginger Benefit #7: Fewer Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful lesions that are found on the stomach’s internal lining. They are caused by a lack of the protective mucus that protects the stomach’s internal lining, allowing for the lining to be harmed by the stomach’s digestive enzymes. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable indeed and could result in the need for surgery.
Studies, however, have shown that stomach ulcers are less likely to occur among people that consume ginger powder. One study showed that ginger can be effective at helping to prevent aspirin-induced stomach ulcers in particular by blocking the activity of the enzymes responsible.
Ginger Benefit #8: Indigestion
Many people regularly suffer from indigestion, and the symptoms can be really quite unpleasant. One of the main causes of indigestion is a delayed emptying of the stomach, while an inability to digest as effectively as usual is also a common cause.
Tests have shown, however, that ginger is able to speed up the emptying of food from the stomach, which helps to prevent indigestion. One study found that among 24 individuals, just over 1 gram of ginger increased the emptying of the stomach by 50%, Similar studies also showed that ginger can help prevent the delayed emptying of the stomach.
Ginger Benefit #9: Lowers Cholesterol
Heart disease and high cholesterol levels are very closely linked. High cholesterol levels can lead to the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, potentially blocking them. This can be, and often is, fatal. The cholesterol that is responsible for heart disease is known as LDL cholesterol.
A study was undertaken on people with high levels of cholesterol which showed that in 45 days, 3 grams of ginger powder a day caused a considerable reduction in cholesterol levels. Another study in rats shows that ginger was able to reduce cholesterol levels as effectively as atorvastatin, which is a drug used for this purpose.
Ginger Benefit #10: Improves Brain Function
Oxidation causes stress on the body and helps to cause it to age over time. All parts of the body are affected, including the brain, and this leads to complications in later life. Many older people will suffer from conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s as a result. Tests on animals, however, show that ginger can slow the decline in brain function.
Ginger has anti-oxidant properties that help to protect the brain from oxidative stress, helping to prevent complications such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. In addition, there is evidence that suggests that ginger can have a more direct in brain function, improving memory and reaction times.
