Ginger Benefits: Why You Should Consume This Root Right After You Start Your Day

As one of the most used dietary condiments in the world today, it’s no wonder that the benefits of ginger are pretty impressive. Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.

The health benefits of ginger are largely due to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and content of therapeutic compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The health-promoting perspective of ginger is attributed to its rich phytochemistry.

In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract).

This study aimed to review the current evidence on ginger effects as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative.

USAGE, PREPARATION, AND PROCESSING

Ginger is used in numerous forms, including fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, and powdered or ground. The flavor is somewhat peppery and slightly sweet, with a strong and spicy aroma.

Most of the benefits derived from ginger are because of the presence of an active constituent called gingerol in it.

Some people pour fresh juice on their skin to treat burns

The oil made from ginger is sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain. Ginger extract is also applied to the skin to prevent insect bites.

Scientific analysis shows that ginger contains hundreds of compounds and metabolites, some of which may contribute to health and healing. Of these, the gingerols and shogaols have been most extensively researched.

Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain

In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises.

Ginger is fast becoming noted for its ability to reduce joint inflammation, and the pain associated with arthritis.

It does this by lowering levels of certain tissue hormones called prostaglandins that can induce pain and inflammation.

A nutritious diet is essential to maintaining the health of your body and mind. Different foods offer different benefits and affect the body in different ways.

Ginger Can Help Quell Nausea

If you’re feeling queasy, reaching for ginger water could be a smart move. The Mayo Clinic lists ginger as a helpful way to combat both morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

A number of studies have supported ginger’s stomach-soothing effects. In addition to easing post-surgery nausea and vomiting, the herb appears to reduce motion sickness and morning sickness symptoms.

Ginger also suppresses leukotrienes (inflammatory molecules) and switch off certain inflammatory genes, potentially making it more effective than conventional pain relievers.

Healthy individuals produce significant amounts of intestinal gas (flatus) daily; without rectal release, gases trapped within the digestive system produce bloating and abdominal distention.

Drinking ginger tea can:

  • Help the body absorb nutrients
  • Help alleviate an upset stomach
  • Help with irritable bowel syndrome
  • Help with weight loss
  • Help fight cancer
  • Help manage glucose levels
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Improve the food digestion
  • Increases the production of gastric juice
  • Protect against Alzheimer’s Disease

Many people are drawn to ginger not only for its pungent flavor but also for its health benefits. Historically, ginger has been used for various ailments, especially gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and morning sickness.

Fights Common Respiratory Problems

If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus.

When using ginger for pain, it works especially well for people with signs of coldness.

These people may have a pale face or tongue. They typically feel colder than others.

One study, published in the journal Pain Medicine in 2015, reviewed seven randomized controlled trials to find evidence suggesting that consuming ginger powder in the first few days of a menstrual cycle might help relieve period pain.

Ginger is a relatively well-tolerated herbal remedy with minor side-effects.

The most commonly reported side-effects are stomach upset and mouth irritation. You should take ginger with care if you use anticoagulants because ginger might increase the risk of bleeding.

There is also evidence that ginger can relieve joint pain and help movement in people who have rheumatoid arthritis.

But ginger doesn’t seem to be helpful for people with another kind of arthritis called osteoarthritis.

There are conflicting reports about whether ginger increases the speed of stomach emptying. A large study showed it had no effect. But it increases the movement of the rest of the gastrointestinal system.