13 Health Benefits of Ginger

Traditional homeopathy has long utilized ginger to treat constipation, diarrhea, and other ailments of the digestive tract. In 2017, researchers at the University of Bologna found that a concentration of ginger root demonstrated significant beneficial effects on intestinal smooth muscle. They believe that these effects are due to the phytomarkers 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 6-shogaol.

For many women, cramps and nausea accompany each monthly period. They often seek relief from over-the-counter medications, but ginger tea has the potential to reduce dysmenorrhea just as effectively. Growing bodies of research observe that phenols in the root possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

These compounds inhibit the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and painful uterine contractions as effectively several conventional drugs.

Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium largely responsible for the development of tooth decay. Zerumbone, a biomolecule in ginger, appears to exert a potent antimicrobial influence on the infectious organisms.

A recent study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine tested various concentrations of zerumbone, and all eradicated the bacteria. The study's authors believe this phenol holds immense potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for oral health.

Diabetes is an escalating global health concern affecting roughly 400 million adults worldwide. Hyperglycemia, the major symptom of diabetes, is a dangerous condition that can lead to nerve damage and, in severe cases, even diabetic coma. The results of a 2013 study by the Zanjan Metabolic Disease Research Center suggest ginger helps reduce insulin resistance and inflammation considerably. Investigators report that gingerol, flavonoids, and tannins have hypoglycemic properties.

More recent research shows the potential health benefits of ginger on glycemic status, beta-cell function, and lipid profile. Consumption of powdered ginger can lower fasting insulin blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance in participants. The results suggest ginger as a supplementary therapy for people with type 2 diabetes.

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular natural remedy for joint pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have found that ginger extract can reduce inflammation and improve mobility in arthritic patients.

Ginger's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural remedy for respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. Though you should always speak with your doctor and never expect ginger to replace any existing medications for breathing issues, the herb might be able to help clear the airways, reduce inflammation, and ease symptoms.

Ginger has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Though there is not a lot of science backing up this benefit, ginger might also be able to improve circulation and prevent blood clots well enough to be of supplementary assistance in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke when used alongside healthy lifestyle practices and medical interventions.

Ginger has been used for centuries to help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Studies have found that ginger extract can be just as effective as prescription medication in relieving these symptoms, and taking it for these conditions is generally considered safe.

Ginger's immune-boosting properties make it a great natural remedy for fighting off colds and flu. It can also help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections and diseases. Animal studies support this benefit, showing increased immune response in subjects, and some human studies also show it can help prevent chronic diseases.

Obesity is an increasing global epidemic and a major risk factor for a plethora of illnesses including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and infertility. In 2017, Phytotherapy Research published a systematic review of dozens of studies that hint at ginger's anti-obesity effects.

The research suggests fresh ginger and ginger tea may enhance weight management by increasing lipolysis and thermogenesis, inhibiting intestinal fat absorption, and suppressing appetite.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation imposes considerable stress on the skin. UV rays are linked to oxidative stress, DNA damage, gene mutation, premature skin aging and wrinkles, and skin cancer. Ginger extracts and gingerol, shagaol, zerumbone, and zingerone consistently demonstrate the potential to reduce UV-induced toxicity. These phytochemicals amplify the herb's anti-photoaging and skin-protective properties.

Age-related neurological disorders (ANDs) generally develop from chronic oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Research indicates ginger has remarkable therapeutic potential for these maladies due to the structure and interactions of its phytonutrients.

Specifically, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, zingerone, dehydrozingerone, and 6-paradol could help alleviate symptoms of ANDs by targeting certain cellular molecules.

Shogaols in ginger demonstrate potent anti-cancer potential in several clinical trials. A 2015 study pinpointed strong anti-cancer stem cell activity in the subjects. Shogaols show promise in mitigating cancer cell growth and development for pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

The study noted that the concentrations at which the cancer-fighting effects occurred were safe for non-cancerous cells.

Multiple sclerosis is an incurable disease in which the immune system breaks down the protective covering of the nerves. Extensive research highlights the immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, leading scientists to consider its therapeutic promise.

A review article published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology states that this potential lies in regulating immune responses, suppressing inflammasomes, reducing oxidative stress, and other functions.