12 Benefits of Ginger

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12 Benefits of Ginger

Compiled by: Vida Afriyie

GINGER, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant that is closely related to turmeric and cardamom. The underground stem, or rhizome, of the ginger plant is commonly known as the ginger root and is well-known for its medicinal properties.
The health benefits of ginger are well-documented and ginger has been used across the globe as a natural remedy for thousands of years due to its medicinal properties. In fact, ancient Chinese, Roman, Greek, Arabic and Sanskrit texts have all documented the use of ginger root to help improve health and well-being.
Ginger contains a diverse array of many important vitamins and minerals. It also contains gingerol, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that has been linked to many unique health benefits.
1. Helps Treat Nausea
Used historically as a natural remedy for sea sickness and morning sickness, ginger is perhaps most well-known for its ability to treat nausea.
One review looked at the results of 12 studies comprised of 1,278 pregnant women and found that ginger was effective at decreasing symptoms of nausea with minimal risk of side effects. (4) Plus, another study from the University of Rochester Medical Center showed that ginger helped reduce nausea severity in patients receiving chemotherapy. (5)
2. Fights Fungal Infections
Fungal infections cause a wide variety of conditions, from yeast infections to jock itch and athleteâ€™s foot. Fortunately, ginger has powerful anti-fungal properties that can safely and successfully help kill off disease-causing fungi.
In one 2016 test-tube study out of Iran, ginger extract was found to be effective against two types of yeast that commonly cause fungal infections in the mouth. (6) Another test-tube study in Mycoses measured the antifungal effects of 29 plant species and found that ginger was the most effective at killing off fungus. (7)
3. Protects Against Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach and cause symptoms like indigestion, fatigue, heartburn and abdominal discomfort.
Several studies have found that ginger could help prevent the formation of stomach ulcers. In fact, one 2011 animal study showed that ginger powder protected against aspirin-induced stomach ulcers by decreasing levels of inflammatory proteins and blocking the activity of enzymes related to ulcer development. (8)
4. Eases Menstrual Pains
Unfortunately, adverse side effects like pain, period cramps and headaches are commonly associated with menstruation for many women. While some turn to over-the-counter medications to provide symptom relief, natural remedies like ginger can be just as useful at easing menstrual pain.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that ginger was as effective at reducing menstrual pain as medications like ibuprofen and mefanamic acid. (9) Another study in 2009 had similar findings, reporting that ginger was able to reduce both the intensity and duration of pain. (10)
5. May Inhibit Cancer Growth
One of the most impressive benefits of ginger is its anti-cancer properties, thanks to the presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol.
Test-tube studies show that ginger and its components may be effective in blocking cancer cell growth and development for ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. (11, 12, 13) However, more research is needed to determine how the anti-cancer properties of ginger may translate to humans.

6. Regulates Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can cause many negative symptoms, from frequent urination to headaches and increased thirst. If left unchecked, it can even cause more serious problems like nerve damage and impaired wound healing.
Research shows that ginger may be able to help promote normal blood sugar to prevent these serious side effects. In one 2015 study, ginger supplementation actually reduced fasting blood sugar by 12 percent and improved long-term blood sugar control by 10 percent. (14)
7. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain
Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, adding ginger into your diet could help treat both muscle pain and arthritis-related joint pain. One study showed that daily consumption of ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury. (15) Another study found that ginger extract helped decrease knee pain and the need for pain medication in individuals with osteoarthritis. (16)
8. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
From producing bile to manufacturing hormones, cholesterol is essential to overall health. However, high levels of cholesterol can build up in the blood, causing blockages and increasing your risk of heart disease.
One of the biggest benefits of ginger is its ability to naturally lower cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart problems. A study conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences actually found that ginger was able to significantly reduce bad LDL cholesterol and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol compared to a placebo. (17) An animal study also showed that ginger was nearly as effective in lowering cholesterol as atorvastatin, a medication commonly prescribed for high blood cholesterol. (18)
9. Improves Brain Function
Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimerâ€™s disease and Parkinsonâ€™s have been linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the brain. With its wealth of antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is believed to play an important role in the health of your brain.
Several animal studies have found that ginger extract could protect against brain aging and cognitive decline. (19, 20) Not only that, but a 2012 study also found that ginger extract helped improve cognitive function and attention in middle-aged women. (21)
10. Blocks Bacterial Infections
In addition to its antifungal properties, ginger boasts the ability to fight off bacterial infections as well. Pathogenic bacteria are common culprits behind conditions like urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis.
According to one test-tube study, the compounds found in ginger could help inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria that cause gum disease. (22) Another test-tube study showed that ginger extract was effective against several strains of drug-resistant bacteria as well. (23)
11. Eases Inflammation
Although inflammation can be a normal, healthy immune response to injury and infection, chronic inflammation is believed to be a major contributor to conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer. (24)
One review in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine noted that ginger extract may help inhibit the synthesis of certain markers of inflammation. Besides gingerol, it also contains other anti-inflammatory compounds like shogaol, paradol and zingerone. (25)
12. Promotes Proper Digestion

One of the most powerful ginger benefits is its ability to support digestive health and prevent problems like dyspepsia, a common condition of impaired digestion characterized by symptoms like pain, heartburn, fullness and discomfort.
According to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, ginger was able to speed up the emptying of the stomach by 25 percent compared to a placebo in people with indigestion. (26) Another study even found that taking ginger capsules with a meal actually doubled the speed of stomach emptying (27).

Source: www.watchghana.com/Vida Afriyie