What is Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant native to Asia. It is known for its rhizome, commonly used in traditional medicine as a spice.
What are the health benefits of ginger?
Ginger is not delicious, but it contains the beneficial compound gingerol, promotes efficient digestion, supports gastrointestinal motility, and contributes to oral health. However, here are some of the benefits;
Fights Germs
Fresh ginger contains chemical compounds that help combat germs, particularly bacteria like E. coli and Shigella, and may also inhibit viruses such as RSV, making it a popular spice and folk medicine worldwide.
Calms Nausea
Ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting and aid digestion . The old wives’ tale may be true: Ginger helps if you’re trying to ease a queasy stomach, especially during pregnancy. It may work by breaking up and getting rid of built-up gas in your intestines. It might also help settle seasickness or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Ginger may not be suitableTrusted Source during pregnancy for people who are close to labor. Also those with a history of pregnancy loss or vaginal bleeding and those with clotting disorders.
Keeps Your Mouth Healthy
Ginger’s antimicrobial properties, particularly its antibacterial compounds called gingerols, may help combat bacterial and fungal infections and prevent the growth of oral bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection.
Can help with osteoarthritis
One review concluded that ginger may help reduce pain and disability; osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the joints, leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. The partaker took 0.5–1 gram of ginger per day for 3–12 weeks, depending on the study and most had a diagnosis of OA of the knee. However, other researchTrusted Source has not established evidence of the same effects and many discontinued treatment as they did not like the taste of ginger or because it upset their stomach.
Soothes Sore Muscles
In some studies, individuals with muscle aches from exercise who consumed ginger had less pain the next day than those who didn’t. However, it won’t whisk away muscle pain on the spot, but it may tame soreness over time.
May help reduce cancer risk
Ginger possess anticancer properties attributed to gingerol and other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which reduces the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. A study involving high-risk colorectal cancer patients indicated that everyday ginger intake led to fewer cancer-like changes in the intestinal lining, but most research on this topic has not been conducted on humans.
May help with weight loss
According to studies in humans and animals,Ginger may play a role in weight loss. One 2019 reviewTrusted Source draw to a close that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in individual with overweight or obesity. Ginger’s capacity to influence weight loss may be anticipated to certain mechanisms, such as its potential to reduce inflammation.
Eases menstrual Pains
Got menstrual cramps? Ginger powder may help relieve dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual pain. In studies, ladies who consume 1,500 milligrams of ginger powder once a day for 3 days during their cycle felt less pain than ladies who didn’t. Some research has recommend that it is as effective as caffeine/acetaminophen/ibuprofen (Novafen) in relieving menstrual pain.
Lowers Blood Sugar
Some research recommend ginger may have anti-diabetic properties. One recent small study recommended that it may help your body use insulin better. However, larger studies are required to see if ginger could help improve blood sugar levels.
What is the disadvantage of ginger?
Ginger is harmless for most indiduals to consume in moderation. However, while consumed in large doses it can causeTrusted Source symptoms in some individuals like;
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Abdominal discomfort
It is likely harmless during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is best to talk with a healthcare professional first.