Ginger root actually has a lot of health benefits. Some of the benefits of ginger are improving digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and harmful cholesterol levels. In addition, antioxidants and other nutrients present in ginger may help prevent or treat inflammation and various health issues. Researchers have also studied its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other health benefits. Ginger is a multi-functional plant you can use dried, fresh, powdered, oil, or juice. It’s an ingredient many people use in recipes and sometimes in processed foods and cosmetics.
The sections below list the health benefits of ginger that are supported by researches;
It Improves Digestion
Ginger helps increase the body’s ability to empty food from the stomach more quickly- known as gastric emptying. Well, it’s believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major cause of indigestion. Interestingly, ginger has been shown to accelerate the emptying of the stomach. The increased motility in the digestive system makes it less likely that heartburn or indigestion will occur. Furthermore, several studies have investigated ginger’s effect on gases that form in the intestinal tract during digestion. Enzymes in ginger help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort. In addition, ginger also has beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion.
It helps with weight loss
Ginger may play a role in weight loss, according to studies conducted in humans and animals. The ability of ginger to influence weight loss may be related to specific mechanisms, such as its potential to increase the number of calories burned or reduce inflammation. In addition, according to studies in animals and humans, ginger may help improve weight-related measurement. This includes bodyweight and waist-hip ratio.
It can treat many forms of nausea
Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea. However, it may be most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness. Nausea is no fun, whether it’s from morning sickness, post-surgery effects, chemotherapy, or pregnancy, nausea is not an experience anyone wants. After surgery, it’s common for some people to experience nausea and vomiting. Studies and researches have found ginger to help reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting. Although ginger is considered safe, pregnant women are advised to talk to their doctors before taking large amounts.
It reduces inflammation
Inflammation occurs naturally, even in healthy individuals. Inflammation occurs when the white blood cells protect the body from infection and viruses. White blood cells chemicals enter the blood or tissues to protect it from it from harmful invaders. This will then cause increase in blood flow to the area in concern. As a result, it can cause redness and warmth. In addition, some of the chemicals cause fluid to leak into the tissues which leads to swelling.
However, when inflammation is excess or chronic, it can be very damaging. Furthermore, you should know that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many common diseases such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Fortunately, ginger has been shown to help inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, ginger contains antioxidants and constituents- gingerol, shogaol, and paradol- responsible for many of the natural anti-inflammatory effects ginger provides.
It serves as a blood-sugar regulator
Diabetes is the most common endocrine system disease. One of the causes of diabetes is chronic hyperglycemia- the clinical term for high blood sugar. Ginger has been proven to lower blood sugar levels, improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes, and prevent chronic hyperglycemia.
It helps lower cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels are linked to the increased risk of heart disease. Ginger is said to help reduce cholesterol linked to a high risk of heart diseases and stroke, explicitly reducing low-density lipoproteins (LDL). So, if you want to minimize cholesterol, you should consider adding 3 grams of ginger powder to your meal.
Reduces menstrual pains
Dysmenorrhoea refers to the pain felt during the menstrual cycle. The pain women experience during their menstrual cycle may be unbearable for some, but ginger can help with that pain. It is said that just 1 gram of ginger a day can ease menstrual cycle pain if you take it for 3 days continuously.
It can help prevent cancer
According to a study by the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that ginger was very effective in blocking cancerous prostate cells and their growth. The anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is present in large amounts in raw ginger. A form known as 6-gingerol is believed to be very powerful and effective.
