When you consider the many health benefits of various herbs, fruits, vegetables, seeds and more, it is easy to overlook something as commonplace as ginger. After all, ginger is used in everything from teas and coffee beverages to cookies, candy, kimchi and more. Many people enjoy the unique flavor of this substance, and this may be one of the primary reasons why its popularity increased substantially when the spice trade from Asia to Europe and beyond thrived. While ginger is native to southern Asia, it is commonly used in dishes and drinks in such distant locations as France, Great Britain, Jamaica, the United States, Canada and others.
While many people love the taste of ginger in various dishes, snacks and drinks, it has also been used for its natural health benefits in various cultures for hundreds and even thousands of years. This plant is rich in carbohydrates as well as many vitamins and minerals. Specifically, it is a rich source of vitamin B6, magnesium and manganese, but it also has many other nutrients in lower levels. Keep in mind that some people also use it for aromatherapy.
In the United States, the FDA has stated that this substance is recognized as being safe to consume in reasonable quantities. However, it does have drug interactions with medications such as warfarin and nifedipine. If you intend to consume more than a moderate amount of it and are taking prescription medications, it is wise to consult with your doctor about possible interactions as a first step. These are a few of the many health benefits that may be available to you when you consume minor or moderate amounts of ginger.
1. Nausea
While ginger can be used effectively for many health benefits, nausea is perhaps the most well-known ailments that it is used to treat. In fact, many people who look for natural ways to combat significant nausea turn to this substance in part because of its historic use for this purpose. This may be nausea related to morning sickness, chemotherapy side effects and even general indigestion. Some people also use it combat air and sea sickness, nausea from prescription drug side effects and more. For example, munching on ginger snap cookies or drinking ginger-flavored soda may help to temporarily relieve some the pains associated with an upset stomach.
Be aware, however, that vomiting associated with severe nausea is not usually relieved by the intake of this substance in any form. You should always consult with your doctor before consuming large amounts of it. Many people who use ginger as a treatment for nausea are able to enjoy profound results by consuming a small amount. The form of the ginger does not seem to affect its impact on nausea. For example, you can consume it as an oil, a powdered spice, a fresh addition to a salad and more. Aromatic benefits, however, many not be linked to relief of nausea symptoms.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Fights Fungal Infection
If you are concerned about fungal infections or are currently experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of a fungal infection, such as from the Candida fungus strain. Studies have shown that consuming small amounts of ginger, such as in a powdered or fresh form, may help your immune system to internally fight against a fungal infection. In addition, there is scientific evidence that may indicate that directly placing the powder or a mixture of the powder and water formed into a paste onto an infected area may produce great results. For those who suffer from recurring infections, it is possible that consuming this substance regularly could help prevent future infections.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Protects Against Stomach Ulcer
Many stomach ulcers are caused by the bacteria known as H. pylori. An ulcer caused by this bacteria may be treated with a prescription medication, but many people prefer to avoid prescription medications when possible. Ginger has been used for centuries as a successful treatment against ulcers. This may indicate that consuming this substance in a wide range of forms can potentially kill this type of bacteria. Some people who have suffered from ulcers repeatedly may consume this substance regularly, such as by drinking a daily cup of tea. Because ulcers can lead to very serious conditions, it is important to discuss your own efforts to treat the condition with your doctor.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Eases Menstrual Pain
Many women suffer from the effects of menstrual pain, such as cramps in the lower abdomen, for at least a few days in each cycle. This pain can range from mild to severe. While some women are able to muddle through the pain, others prefer to treat the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers are one way to commonly treat menstrual pain, but one study has indicated that one gram of powdered ginger taken once per day for the first three days of a menstrual cycle is equally as effective. Keep in mind that the pain relief benefits of this substance can be felt in many areas of the body in both men and women.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. May Slow Cancer Growth
Various types of cancer afflict millions of people each year, and many people unfortunately die as a result. While ginger has been shown to ease the nausea associated with chemotherapy, it may also be effective at slowing the spread of cancerous cells. Cancerous cells are those that grow abnormally and in an unhealthy way. The element known as 6-gingerol, which is in the raw form of this plant, has anti-cancerous properties. While more studies are needed, it is believed that this substance may be beneficial when used against pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Relieves Joint Pain
Many people suffer from the effects of joint pain related to osteoarthritis. This pain may begin as a mild discomfort, but it can eventually become so severe that it is debilitating. Some sufferers take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to treat this condition, and others take expensive prescription medications that have unpleasant side effects. Studies have shown that consuming ginger extract in small doses regularly can ease joint pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as these medications can. It may also have pain-relieving benefits when it is applied topically in combination with sesame oil, mastic and cinnamon as a paste or ointment.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Regulates Blood Sugar
Type 2 diabetics generally have difficulty self-regulating their blood sugar level. This can lead to very serious issues, such as nerve damage and vision problems. It can even be fatal in many cases. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with prescription medication and adjustments to diet, and some people have found that consuming only two grams of ginger powder each day had a beneficial and noticeable impact on their blood sugar level. In addition to affecting immediate blood sugar levels, it also had a positive impact on managing blood sugar levels over a longer period of time.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Lowers Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are directly linked to heart disease. It can be moderated with significant dietary adjustments and prescription medication. For those who desire more profound results than what these efforts can provide or who want to manage their health using natural supplements, consuming two grams of ginger powder daily has been proven to reduce the markers in blood samples for oxidized lipoproteins. Because high cholesterol is a serious condition, consult with your physician before self-managing this condition or using this supplement in combination with the doctor’s recommended treatment plan.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]9. Improves Brain Function
Many people begin to suffer from mild memory loss, related confusion and slower reaction times as early as middle-age. Some studies have shown that this cognitive decline is related to oxidative stress and perhaps chronic inflammation that can increase with age. Some studies have indicated that consuming ginger extract regularly can improve brain function in the areas of reaction times and overall memory function. This may be related to the antioxidants and various bioactive compounds in this substance. A related condition that this substance may be used to treat is Alzheimer’s, and it could even delay or prevent the onset in some people.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]10. Blocks Bacterial Infections
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of various forms of ginger against many different types of bacteria. It may be effective at fighting against bacterial infections that have already taken hold and at preventing some infections from starting. Notably, it is very effective at preventing and fighting against oral bacterial infections, such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Because the substance can be consumed or applied topically with different results based on the location of the infection, it is best to research the best way to treat an infection with this substance based on your situation.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]11. Eases Inflammation
Inflammation can occur in many areas of the body, such as in the joints with arthritis and in infected areas of the body. Ginger has solid and proven anti-inflammatory properties that make it great at treating various types of painful and bothersome inflammation that you may be afflicted with. Adding two grams of powder to your diet each day can ease the current level of inflammatory pain that you may be feeling, and it can reduce the progression of related pain. Regardless of whether inflammation is relatively minor and short-lived or is severe and long-lasting, this may be an effective way to reduce the impact.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]12. Promotes Proper Digestion
Indigestion can unfortunately cause severe pain in the central and upper areas of the stomach, and this pain can occur in some people after each meal or snack regardless of the type of food that is consumed. One common cause of indigestion is related to abnormally slow digestion. In one study, consuming 1.2 grams of ginger powder shortly before eating a meal or a snack proved that this powder can boost digestion time and ease the problem of digestion. Remember that it also has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that may help those who have indigestion improve their level of comfort.
