6 Incredible Health Benefits of Ginger, Backed by Science
Ginger is considered one of the healthiest spices in the world, used as a natural remedy for ailments for thousands of years. It’s also one of the most delicious and most common ingredients in recipes all across the globe.
From its anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to treat indigestion and nausea, here are six health benefits of ginger backed by science.
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Ginger prevents cell damage
According to Chika Anekwe, MD, MPH, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, ginger root is in a league of its own when it comes to antioxidants level, surpassed only by a certain type of berries and pomegranate. Antioxidants are quite effective in preventing oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants which might increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, and stroke.
A 2017 study on the effects of ginger consumption in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy revealed that the group which was given a daily dose of ginger extract had much higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of oxidative stress than the placebo-controlled patients.
You might also like 10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods to Stay Healthy This Fall.
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Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties
Due to its high levels of antioxidants, ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation plays an important part in helping our bodies fight against infections, but too much of it can lead to various diseases such as heart attacks or chronic pain like arthritis.
Based on an extensive research carried out in 2001, 63 percent of patients with osteoarthritis who received ginger extract twice a day for one and a half months reportedly felt less pain in their knees compared to 50 percent of patients who didn’t receive any treatment.
If you are also struggling with inflammation, here are 7 Easy-to-Follow Diet Tips to Reduce Inflammation.
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Ginger alleviates nausea and vomiting
Ginger is one of the most efficient natural remedies to reduce and alleviate symptoms of nausea and upset stomach. Its effectiveness is due to a phenolic compound called gingerol, believed to improve gastric motility – the movement of food through the digestive tract – relax muscles, reduce bloating and intestinal cramps.
Ginger is also known to reduce morning sickness in pregnant women. A 2009 study on the effects of ginger for future mothers experiencing nausea and vomiting, revealed that 250mg ginger capsules every day for four days helped pregnant women feel less nauseated compared to the control group.
Speaking of pregnancy, check out COVID During Pregnancy: Does It Harm Your Baby?
