Ginger is a commonly used flavoring agent or a spice in cooking. It is native to Australia, Africa, China, India, and Jamaica. It is also a popular remedy that can treat various health issues from indigestion, to nausea, and pain.
You can purchase it in raw, dried, powdered, or liquid form. Plus, it adds a distinctive aroma to every meal and drink. Therefore, if you want to give your dish a spicy flavor, make sure to add some ginger.
Aside from cooking, ginger can be exceptionally beneficial for overall health. Here are the things that ginger is good for.
Ginger and Diabetes
For many years, researchers have proven that ginger can help reduce blood sugar levels and regulate insulin response. This makes ginger crucial for people with diabetes. According to an animal study from 2014, obese rats which had diabetes, consumed ginger to see its effects.
In addition, the researchers gave the rats a remedy mixed with ginger and cinnamon to see how it will affect the body. In the end, they saw some amazing results. The rats had:
- reduced body fat mass
- increased insulin levels
- stabilized blood sugar levels
- improved overall health
According to a different study from 2015, supplements that contain ginger powder may prove effective for improving fasting blood sugar.
The volunteers in the study received 2g of ginger daily for 12 weeks. In the end, the researchers concluded that their levels of apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, hemoglobin A1c, and malondialdehyde decreased.
Furthermore, a study from 2016 also confirmed the same results.
Researchers found out that ginger may be able to boost cardiovascular health in people with diabetes. Also, the anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger make it very effective for preventing some diabetes complications.
Ginger Reduces Inflammation
Experts claim that ginger can reduce inflammation. According to a study issued in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, ginger root supplement seemed effective for reducing the inflammation in the colon within a month.
As the co-researcher, Suzanna M. Zick, of the study claims, the best way to avoid developing colon cancer is by removing the inflammation in the colon. Therefore, using ginger might be immensely beneficial for preventing colon cancer.
Plus, such a nontoxic remedy can greatly improve the quality of life at a cheap cost.
Ginger Soothes Nausea and Vomiting
Research states that 1g of ginger per day can slightly reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. A different study also supported the claim and stated that using ginger can decrease the chance of vomiting by 38%.
Furthermore, ginger can reduce dizziness, so it can prove effective while traveling. There are also some ginger capsules that contain ginger without any unnecessary additives. Therefore, you can try consuming all the vitamins ginger can provide by taking ginger capsules.
However, it is always important to consult with your doctor before implementing any dietary change.
Ginger Boosts Digestion
If you want to lose weight, your digestive system has to work properly. Therefore, some cleaning is necessary from time to time. That is where ginger comes in. As studies claim, ginger can soothe muscle and stomach pain.
But, it can also improve digestion. That is why you should definitely consume more ginger if you want to boost your digestive system.
Ginger Soothes Pain
According to research, ginger may be effective for soothing osteoarthritis pain. One particular research stated that consuming 500 mg of ginger extract 2 times per day might be as effective as taking 400 mg of ibuprofen taken 3 times per day.
Moreover, studies suggest that orange together with ginger oil are the best combination of massage therapy that can soothe migraine and knee pain.
Other Health Benefits
People from China, India, and Arabia have been using ginger as a remedy for many years.
They use it to get rid of the common cold, boost digestion and soothe the pain. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can greatly reduce the pain and inflammation that many people have to deal with.
In fact, it might be as effective as some anti-inflammatory (nonsteroidal) drugs. But, it doesn’t cause any side effects. Here is what else ginger can treat:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Bronchitis
- Menstrual pain
- Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)
Risks and Warnings
Even though many studies claim that ginger is extremely useful for diabetes, people should still pay attention to the amount they consume. In fact, you shouldn’t eat more than 4g of ginger per day. The side effects are very rare, but they can appear.
Here are some of the most common side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
Also, pregnant women should always consult with a doctor if they want to consume ginger. People with blood-thinning effects shouldn’t use ginger. Finally, if you want to consume ginger, make sure to consult with your doctor first.
