Dysmenorrhea refers to pain felt during the menstrual cycle. Both ginger and turmeric contain a range of nutrients and compounds that can help treat a host of illnesses and keep you in good health. A high ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and high MDA levels are both major risk factors for heart disease (19). There’s also some evidence that ginger can help enhance brain function directly. In a 2018 study of 60 people with hyperlipidemia, the 30 people who received 5 grams of ginger-pasted powder each day saw their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels drop by 17.4% over a 3-month period (28). Ginger has been studied as an alternative remedy for several forms of cancer. Ginger tea is great to drink when you feel a cold coming on. Their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels dropped by 10% over 45 days (29). Many cited a bad taste in the mouth as their reason for dropping out of an OA study where they received doses of 500 mg–1 gram of ginger (17). In a 2008 study by some members of the same research team, 24 healthy individuals were given ginger capsules or a placebo. A 2019 literature review of functional foods also concluded that ginger had a very positive effect on obesity and weight loss. However, it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness. It also dramatically improved hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker for long-term blood sugar levels. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Some animal studies suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain (39). It reduces cancer risk Ginger is a rich source of zinc that plays a big role in the secretion of insulin. 7 It is also listed as an herbal medicine with carminative effects, as it may help promote the release of intestinal gas. There's strong evidence that ginger may ease osteoarthritis pain. It’s sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. Ginger is a rhizome (similar to a root) that is considered a spice that is used to flavor many foods and help treat many ailments. But pregnant women should be careful with ginger. Fresh ginger may also be effective against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of respiratory infections (47). Ginger on the skin may cause a rash. Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period. The root of the ginger plant is well-known as a spice and flavoring. In somewhat encouraging news, a 2019 literature review also concluded that ginger significantly reduced HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. Animal studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain. The underground stem of the ginger plant is known commonly ginger root and it’s also used medicinal properties. Lemon contains antioxidants that help reduce the effects of diabetes such as heart problems, blood pressure, etc. Maintains Normal Blood Circulation. It quickly became a favored spice for recipes and a medicinal herb. It can also help improve brain function in middle-aged women. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties. Ginger may fight harmful bacteria and viruses, which could reduce your risk for infections. Ginger is often recommended for its stomach-settling effects. May drastically lower blood sugars and improve heart disease risk factors, 7. The rhizome, more commonly known as the root, is what you are likely familiar with. All rights reserved. Here’s a look at eight of ginger’s benefits and five ways for you to increase your intake. Substitute grated or minced galangal for fresh ginger in equal parts and adjust to taste if you want it stronger. However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk for colorectal cancer didn’t produce the same results (34). Ginger is also the best remedy when it comes to stuffiness and bronchial congestion. ", Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Ginger.". We don't know if this works or not. 8 It has spasmolytic properties as well, making it potentially useful for helping relax and soothe the intestinal tract. Thanks to the spice trade, the tradition caught on in Europe. Studies found that taking ginger could ease nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. It may be effective against breast cancer and ovarian cancer as well. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces swelling. If you ask a naturopathic physician about the healthiest plants on Earth, most will quickly list the flowering plant of ginger as one of the leaders. Ginger contains the substance gingerol, which appears to have protective effects against cancer. There's evidence that it helps. Two teaspoons of ginger has 4 calories. 9 An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away — Fact or Fiction? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health problem. The anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large amounts in raw ginger. It may help relieve nausea and vomiting for people undergoing certain types of surgery. A form known as [6]-gingerol is viewed as especially powerful (31, 32). It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It took 13.1 minutes for people who received ginger and 26.7 minutes for people who received the placebo (23). Last medically reviewed on October 6, 2020, Ginger shots are made from concentrated amounts of ginger and are popular in the health community. This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. The doses taken during the hyperlipidemia study are 5–10 times higher. More recent studies have also concluded that ginger is more effective than a placebo and equally as effective as drugs such as mefenamic acid and acetaminophen/caffeine/ibuprofen (Novafen) (25, 26, 27). Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. Ginger contains a compound known as 6-gingerol, and early tests indicate that it could hold the key to treatments. However, the taste of ginger, along with stomach upset, still prompted nearly 22% of the study participants to drop out. Consuming ginger as opposed to a placebo significantly accelerated emptying of the stomach. Many people drink ginger teas or soft drinks. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process. Ginger extract lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (30). Lemon ginger tea is an easy home remedy for several health issues. Before deciding to begin a daily regimen of ginger, it's prudent to discuss the risks and drug interactions with your physician. Due to the thousand years its a natural remedy and medicinal properties. Contains gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties, 2. Ginger root has a range of health benefits, including improving digestion, blood sugar levels, and harmful cholesterol levels. Ginger for Arthritis: Should I Give It a Try? 2. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, third edition, 2009. It Gives You Glowing Skin and Hair According to a 2008 study, it’s very effective against the oral bacteria linked to gingivitis and periodontitis. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Ginger is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in your lungs. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. This article reviews ginger shots, including their…. Ginger Benefit #2: Eases Nausea. Study subjects from all 3 studies also experienced drops in total cholesterol. Always tell your doctor about herbal medicines you take, including ginger. Ginger Green tea can instantly heal a chaotic mind and offer a calming effect. That’s not all! Green tea, on the other hand, is called “liquid gold” for its numerous health benefits. It also helps boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite. Participants in the 2008 study, as well as the lab rats, also saw reductions in their blood triglycerides (28, 29, 30). Here are 8 tasty fish…, Pu-erh tea offers a number of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory-based benefits to help improve overall health and well-being. According to studies in animals and humans, ginger may help improve weight-related measurements. Together, Green tea and Ginger can boost metabolism, aid in weight loss, improve digestion and even prevent cancer. Ginger Benefit #1: Slows Cancer If abnormal or damaged cells are able to start growing out of control, then a cancer may occur. As the consequence, ginger belongs to Zingiberaceae botanical family. One hour later, they were all given soup. Ginger Health Benefits Ginger is a common folk treatment for upset stomach and nausea. The three groups received four daily doses of either ginger powder (250 mg), mefenamic acid (250 mg), or ibuprofen (400 mg). While the drop in LDL is impressive, it’s important to consider that study participants received very high doses of ginger. Just 1–1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea, including chemotherapy-related nausea, nausea after surgery, and morning sickness. In Western cooking, ground ginger often lends a note of spice to cookies, preserves, and quick breads, along with beverages such as ginger ale and tea. 2. As we continue to search for cures and treatments, a property in ginger has shown some potential. Ask your doctor for advice. Ginger seems to aid digestion and saliva flow. The top health benefits of ginger include its ability to help with arthritis and osteoarthritis, relieve nausea and pain, prevent cancer, improve respiratory conditions, and reduce flatulence. The amazing spice has gained world recognition and becomes The results are incredibly impressive, but they need to be confirmed in larger studies before any recommendations can be made. All rights reserved. Some people apply ginger compresses to the skin for pain. In small doses, ginger has few side effects. There's mixed evidence about whether it helps with nausea caused by motion sickness, surgery, or chemotherapy. 1. 1. There’s some evidence, albeit limited, that ginger may be effective against other gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic cancer and liver cancer (35, 36). The root doesn’t provide many vitamins or minerals, but it’s full of antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and prevent disease. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Video: Why You Need Zinc and Where to Find It. They’re believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ginger supplements. A majority of them had been diagnosed with OA of the knee (17). In general, more research is needed (37, 38). The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Ginger adds flavor to foods and can relieve nausea and gastrointestinal irritation and reduce exercise-induced muscle pain and inflammation. Ginger has also been used for weight loss and to prevent motion sickness and seasickness. Its official name is Zingiber officinale. The exact reason is unknown, but in a study of naval cadets, those given ginger powder suffered less. Ginger seems to aid digestion and saliva flow. They could interact with blood thinners and medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. In Caribbean, Indian, and Asian cuisines, fresh ginger root is featured in many meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes. The FDA does regulate dietary supplements, but it treats them like foods rather than medications. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) Ginger root is a native of South East Asia and is a mainstay of Asian cuisine. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Ginger is more pungent, so you can use a bit more galangal when substituting (for instance, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon ginger, substitute 1 to 1¼ tablespoon galangal). In an older study from 2008, people who received 3 grams of ginger powder (in capsule form) each day also saw significant reductions in most cholesterol markers. Rats and mice who consumed ginger water or ginger extract consistently saw decreases in their body weight, even in instances where they’d also been fed high-fat diets (14, 15, 16). It is known that ginger has been used for the culinary and medicinal purpose since ancient times in India and China to Grece and Rome. Improves absorption. Here’s our process. In addition, numerous studies in animals show that ginger can help protect against age-related decline in brain function (41, 42, 43). The main compound, the gingerol, is a natural cough suppressant. The Best Supplements for Healthy Digestion, How to Get the Protective Power of Vitamin K. Some people even think it is as effective as any prescription medicine on … Ginger is a common folk treatment for upset stomach and nausea. Ginger may also help chemotherapy-related nausea, but larger human studies are needed (4, 5, 6, 7). Is Ginger a Safe and Effective Treatment for Nausea? There's evidence that it helps. Ginger originated in Southeast Asia right alongside kratom. Here are 11 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research. In a 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12% (19). It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea (3). "Keep both dried and fresh ginger ginger on-hand for flavoring smoothies and veggie-based stir-frys and soups," suggests London at Good Housekeeping. So if you have a cough or you feel stuffy, then this spice can help you. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. Ginger’s most popular and official name is Zingiber. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body (1, 2). These findings are supported by a study in rats with hypothyroidism or diabetes. That may be especially helpful for treating symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This article reviews the effectiveness and safety of ginger for nausea, as well as the…, Ginger is a popular home remedy that’s used to treat sore throats. There are plenty of ginger benefits and side effects are generally minimal. Ginger is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. This spicy root is also good for enhancing sexual activity, mitigating obesity, and relieving th… Lab and animal studies have found that ginger may, theoretically: Clinical evidence shows evidence that ginger may help lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Cuisines around the world use ginger as an aromatic ingredient, and the spice also has a long history as a treatment for … Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the two NSAIDs (24). Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Ginger is an ancient spice with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger. 4. Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort. In a 28-day study of individuals at normal risk for colorectal cancer, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon (33). Can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness, 5. Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat. May significantly reduce menstrual pain, 9. It’s recommended that pregnant women who are close to labor or who’ve had miscarriages avoid ginger (9). A 2019 literature review concluded that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity (10). Float some ginger essential oil in your bath to help aching muscles and joints. It may also help with: But more research is needed to know for sure. Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. 3. Some experts worry that it could raise the risk of miscarriage, especially in high doses. The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels. Find out few lemon ginger tea benefits for health. The evidence in favor of ginger’s role in helping prevent obesity is stronger in animal studies. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties,can bring relief. Most commonly, it’s added to … It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. U.S. Department of Agriculture: “Ginger.”, Johns Hopkins: “5 Spices with Healthy Benefits.”. It’s believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion. It took 16.1 minutes in those who received the placebo (22). Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. Alleviates mild nausea and morning sickness. You can also find ginger lollipops, candies, and capsules. Study participants received relatively high daily doses — 2 grams — of ginger powder for 12 weeks (11, 12). Only mild side effects, such as a dissatisfaction with the taste of ginger, were observed. Ginger may play a role in weight loss, according to studies conducted in humans and animals. Can relieve nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women who are close to labor or had! Ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes ( 8 ) may have difficulty taking a 5-gram dose long. Quickly became a favored spice for recipes and a good source of C. Were observed of intestinal gas as especially powerful ( 31, 32 ) studies before any can. Osteoarthritis of the stomach been shown to be used fresh, dried, powdered form of Zingiber officinale, common! And becomes ginger Benefit # 2: Eases nausea it suitable to be in! Many cultures for thousands of years ( 44, 45 ) Encyclopedia of alternative medicine: and... 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