Ginger, a widely used household spice, is one of the healthiest and most aromatic spices on the planet. Ginger originated in China and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The root or underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form or as juice. Ginger has been used for ages for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, and motion sickness and pain. Power packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds, ginger has potent benefits for your body and brain.
Health Benefits
Gingerol Medicinal Compound
The bioactive compound gingerol in ginger has proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is used in varied traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, nausea and fight flu and common cold.
Ginger extract is effective against bacteria attack and reduces bacterial infection in the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Treats Digestive issues
Ginger is known to relieve gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, stimulate saliva, bile production and suppress gastric contractions and helps the movement of food and fluids through the GI tract.
Relieve nausea and morning sickness
Ginger has proven effective in relieving nausea and vomiting post-surgery, and for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It has shown to be effective in treating morning sickness in pregnancy related nausea, which studies have proved.
Reduces Muscle Pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are effective in reducing advancement of muscle pain and exercise induced muscle soreness. Osteoarthritis is a common bone disorder many older people suffer from. Ginger helps in reducing the pain and stiffness in the joints.
Lowers Blood Sugars
A study conducted by University of Medical Science (Iran) has proved ginger's effectiveness in reducing blood sugar values and HbA1C in diabetic and have potent hypolipidemic effect.
Reduces Dysmenorrhea
A very common traditional use of ginger is in reducing severe menstrual pain. It has proven to manage and reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.
Lowers cholesterol
Ginger has a potent effect in reducing bad cholesterol, triglycerides and increasing good cholesterol in both animal and human study published in Journal Food and Function.
Prevents Cancer
Ginger extract has been studied for beneficial effect as an alternate medicine in the treatment of cancer. The anti-cancer properties relate to 6 gingerol, which is effective against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Protect against Alzheimer disease & improves brain function
The antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory response that occur in brain. Evidence suggests that ginger protects against age related decline in brain function.