11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has become widespread due to its benefits for human health, including in evidence-based medicine. It is often used to eliminate dyspeptic disorders, sleep disorders, as well as against respiratory infections.
According to research, ginger is able to reduce mortality from common cardiovascular diseases, improve the functioning of the digestive, nervous and endocrine systems. Against the background of regular use, the risk of developing infectious pathologies also decreases, and libido in men increases.
11 useful properties
Below are the 11 main advantages of ginger, which determine its beneficial properties in relation to the body.
1. Rich composition
Ginger stands out among other plants due to the presence of a large number of vitamins and minerals in its composition.
100 grams of fresh ginger root contain only 79 calories, as well as the following components:
| Name of the substance | Content in 100 grams | Percentage of recommended daily requirement |
| Carbohydrates | 17.8 g | 17,8 % |
| Proteins | 1.82 g | 3 % |
| Fats | 0.75 g | 3 % |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 5 % |
| Folic Acid | 11 mcg | 3 % |
| Niacin | 0.75 mg | 4,5 % |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.2 mg | 4 % |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.16 mg | 12 % |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg | 8 % |
| Vitamin E | 0.26 mg | 1,5 % |
| Sodium | 13 mg | 1 % |
| Potassium | 415 mg | 9 % |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1,6 % |
| Copper | 0.226 mg | 25 % |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 7,5 % |
| Magnesium | 43 mg | 11 % |
| Manganese | 0.229 mg | 10 % |
| Phosphorus | 34 mg | 5 % |
| Zinc | 0.34 mg | 3 % |
Ginger has a unique taste and aroma, and is often used as a seasoning for many dishes.
Gingerol gives it a smell – a substance that determines the main set of medicinal properties of the plant.
Scientists from China proved that gingerol has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, contributes to the suppression of chronic inflammation in the intestinal wall and prevents the development of malignant neoplasms in all organs (mainly in the colon).
2. Elimination of nausea
Nausea is an extremely unpleasant subjective symptom that occurs in many pathologies.
British specialists identified that ginger can be used to eliminate nausea caused by seasickness, chemotherapy (in the treatment of malignant neoplasms).
According to the data Thai scientists, the plant eliminates nausea in the postoperative period, which is caused by the action of painkillers.
Also is celebrated relief of nausea, which is a manifestation of toxicosis in pregnant women. Only 1-1.5 grams of the plant significantly reduce the severity of this unpleasant symptom.
3. Reduction of muscle and joint pain
Ginger effectively eliminates muscle pain after intense physical activity. Foreign research show
that just 2 grams of plant root per day, consumed for 11 days, significantly reduces muscle pain.
It should be noted that the action is not implemented immediately. To achieve a positive effect, it is necessary to take ginger for a long time (at least 5 days).
Also proven that the plant, due to its analgesic effect, reduces the severity of joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis, in which destruction of articular surfaces takes place.
4. Lowering blood sugar levels
Iranian studies demonstrated
that taking 2 grams of ginger powder per day on a regular basis causes a decrease in blood glucose concentration by 12%.
It was also found that the plant reduces the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the blood, a marker reflecting the blood sugar content over the past 3 months. The value of this indicator, on average, drops by 10% in 12 weeks.
Consuming ginger on a regular basis can be an effective means of preventing the development of type II diabetes, which, in recent years, has been affecting more and more people.
5. Normalization of the stomach
Gastric dyspepsia is an extremely frequent companion of a large number of diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The deviation is manifested by a feeling of fullness of the stomach, pain and discomfort in the epigastric region.
The pathogenesis of pathology is based on a decrease in the motor evacuation function of the stomach, in which the movement of food through the upper parts of the digestive apparatus slows down.
Proven that ginger increases the speed of food promotion. When the plant is added to the diet, the rate of gastric emptying increases by 25%. Other studies have recorded increase the speed of food promotion by 50%.
6. Reducing the severity of pain during menstruation
At least 25% of women experience pain during menstruation.
Employees of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Iran) celebrate that 1 gram of ginger powder per day (taking 1 capsule 250 mg 4 times a day) significantly reduces the severity of pain syndrome during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of the herbal remedy is comparable to drugs such as ibuprofen or mephenamic acid.
7. Correction of dyslipidemia
High levels of total cholesterol, as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL, VLDL, TAG), are the leading risk factor for the development of deadly cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, stroke).
Foreign studies show It is shown that the consumption of 3 grams of ginger powder on a regular basis significantly reduces the concentration of total cholesterol, TAG, LDL, VLDL in the blood.
The plant also raises the level of "healthy" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood, which is extremely important for curbing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
8. Brain protection
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the leading causes of aging of the entire body. Unfortunately, the brain is one of the first to encounter an "age-related" stroke.
The works of Libyan scientists indicate that a number of antioxidants and biologically active substances contained in ginger can inhibit many pathological processes occurring in the central parts of the nervous system. Special effectiveness is noted in relation to Alzheimer's disease.
In the opinion of experts from Thailand, ginger improves memory and cognitive performance.
A large role is assigned to the plant for its neuroprotective activity. Ginger protects the brain from any ischemic damage that may occur in stroke, chronic cerebral ischemia, anemia, acute heart failure, etc.
9. Prevention of infectious diseases
Gingerol has pronounced antibacterial activity.
Pakistani scientists have established activity against E. coli, staphylococci, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella, pneumococcus.
Korean specialists underline high efficacy of ginger extract in the treatment of inflammatory gum diseases.
10. Ginger is effective for weight loss
Gingerol, which is part of ginger, also helps to lose weight.
The action is provided by accelerating metabolism, which requires a huge amount of energy. It is generated as a result of the breakdown of adipose tissue cells. Similar information lead scientists from Korea.
Ginger also contributes to the rapid filling of the stomach, which causes the suppression of hunger centers in the brain and reduces the activity of food consumption for several hours.
11. The impact on men's health
Ginger is extremely useful for men.
Proven that it contributes to the prevention of prostate cancer, an extremely dangerous disease, the prevalence of which is growing at a record pace.
The root of the plant has been used since ancient times as a means to increase libido. According to information Iranian specialists, the plant increases blood flow to the genitals and has a beneficial effect on their work.
The plant can also be used to increase potency temporarily or on a long-term basis.
Harm and contraindications
Despite its tremendous medicinal properties, in some situations, ginger can cause harm to the body.
The main contraindications include:
- Urolithiasis. A number of substances present in ginger increase the risk of kidney stones in the presence of an initially impaired metabolism.
- Decreased blood clotting. It is not recommended to eat the plant in the presence of diseases in which the blood coagulation system suffers (hemophilia, Willebrand's disease), as well as in the treatment of drugs that "dilute" blood (disaggregants, anticoagulants, thrombolytics).
The most common side effects are:
- Dyspeptic disorders. Manifest as heartburn, soreness or discomfort in the epigastric region, diarrhea. They are associated with excessive intake.
- Allergic reactions. Are quite rare.
Special care should be taken when using the plant during pregnancy. On the one hand, ginger eliminates a number of extremely unpleasant manifestations of toxicosis, on the other hand, it increases the risk of miscarriage and disruption of normal fetal development (especially in late pregnancy).
Short answers to questions
The most common questions regarding the consumption and use of ginger are discussed below.
- Application of pickled root. Pickled and canned ginger is just as useful as fresh and is used to reduce body weight, Increase overall stamina and eliminate nausea.
- Application of dry root. There are many ways to use dried ginger: making tea, baths (eliminate fatigue in the legs and muscle pain, effective in inflammatory diseases of the legs), applications (improving metabolism at the skin level, preventing the formation of wrinkles).
- Can I drink ginger tea? Yes! It is extremely useful and is usually used to improve the health of the cardiovascular system (reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels). Tea can be made from both the root and the leaves of the plant.
- Which ginger is better: red or black? Red ginger is considered the most valuable. It has a higher content of vitamins and minerals.
- Is it worth drinking tinctures and decoctions? Yes! Tinctures and decoctions of ginger have a general tonic effect, which is especially important during periods of active physical or mental stress, as well as Boost immunity .
- Properties of essential oil. Ginger essential oil is widely used in cosmetology: elimination of wrinkles, acceleration of healing of defects in herpes infection, elimination of oily skin shine. The aroma of essential oil improves mood , effectively fights depression.
Conclusion
- Thus, ginger contains many vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances.
- It normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus, malignant neoplasms, infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Ginger is quite often used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. It also reduces body weight and increases potency in men.
- However, the use of the plant should be treated correctly (especially during pregnancy). There are a number of contraindications and side effects.
