There aren’t many spices quite like ginger. It’s used in cuisine from just about all parts of the world. Ginger’s health benefits are many.
Here are some of the best benefits you can get from eating ginger.
Ginger Treats Nausea & Morning Sickness
Cultures around the globe have used ginger to treat nausea dating back to ancient times. It’s an effective treatment for motion-sickness, making it a definite carry-on for boating and cruises.
The popular morning sickness product, Preggy Pops, contains ginger as well as plenty of other anti-nausea medications. Studies have shown ginger to be highly effective at relieving symptoms during pregnancy.
Cancer patients suffering from the effects of chemotherapy also can get a break from nausea with ginger.
Ginger Helps Prevent Ulcers
Ginger assists to neutralize harmful stomach acids which contribute to the development of ulcers. A 2009 study showed that ginger oil could protect against stomach ulcer formation.
Ginger tea is regularly recommended as a remedy for the symptoms of stomach ulcers.
Arthritis Relief
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in helping to relieve arthritis pain. Studies have shown its effectiveness in pain treatment.
When orally taken, ginger is effective osteoarthritis relief according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
Ginger Help to Relieve Muscle Pain
Consuming ginger regularly over time can have a positive impact on muscle pain. Like it’s usefulness for arthritis pain, this benefit is due to ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties.
This benefit isn’t the same as taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) but works over consistent use as a supplement. You can read more about the studies on this effect at WebMD.
Ginger Helps to Lower Blood Sugar
It’s amazing how many herbs and spices have a lowering effect on blood sugar. Ginger is no exception.
A study in 2015 indicated that ginger helped lower blood sugar significantly in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
There are tremendous benefits to having a lower blood sugar including weight loss and improved cardiovascular health.
Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are a scourge to an aging population. Fortunately, it’s ginger to the rescue!
While it’s not a cure, there’s compelling evidence that ginger can help slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and there’s even one study that showed some possible reversal in test rats.
Ginger Battles Cancer
Everyone is scared of the “C” word. Cancer is a terrifying disease. The good news that many natural foods seem to have anti-cancer properties.
Ginger roots contain an oil called as gingerol which has been shown to display antioxidant properties much like that of turmeric. It’s no surprise then, that they are also powerful anti-cancer compounds.
Research shows that cancers that could be treated are colon, ovarian, skin as well as breast cancer. Some studies have even shown it to be more effective than chemotherapy, though you should never stop treatment unless directed by a health professional.
Final Thoughts
Ginger’s health benefits are many. Only a few have been discussed in this post, but a quick Google search will give you a wealth of information on the healthful properties of this common spice.
Ginger makes a great additive to many recipes and lasts quite a while in storage. It could very well be one of nature’s more perfect foods.
I'm a freelance writer from Israel. I like to write about just about anything. English is my 2nd language so please forgive me if my writing isn't perfect.