Ginger, a root vegetable in the same family as turmeric, is used as a spice in a variety of meals. Ginger is popular for inhibiting cancer, relieving osteoarthritis, boosting testosterone, reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, providing relief for period cramps, managing cholesterol, fighting bacteria, supporting blood health, combating sore muscles, and in the treatment of dizziness and nausea.
The health benefits of ginger include:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Just like turmeric, ginger has a potent effect on inflammatory processes–, especially for osteoarthritis. It reduces the effect of inflammatory processes and reduces pain, like soreness in the joints. It may not be as effective as conventional painkillers, but ginger bears a significant similarity to ibuprofen.
Cancer Prevention
The effects of ginger on cancer may be short-term but it can protect the body from colonic or colorectal cancers. This type of cancer is linked to a number of dietary issues, which means that those who are prone to cancers will benefit more from the consumption of ginger.
Alleviating Nausea
Traditionally, ginger is used to cure nausea and is incorporated into a variety of products such as conventional medicines, herbal remedies, and powdered supplements. In whatever form it comes, ginger is potent for alleviating nausea – particularly those related to pregnancy or travel sickness.
Curing Period Cramps
One of the many health benefits of ginger is its positive effect on ‘period cramp’ or dysmenorrhea. Period cramps are often treated with NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen but unfortunately, its compounds may have serious effects on gastrointestinal health. If these negative effects linger for too long, they can result in severe damage to some tissues.
Controlling Cholesterol
Some studies suggest that ginger can reduce blood cholesterol and improve blood health, lower the chances of severe heart complications that come with hypertension, alleviate heart attack, and prevent stroke. A consistent consumption of ginger supports anti-inflammatory processes and the control of blood cholesterol and ensures the longevity of the heart.
Maintaining Gut Health
Ginger has a powerful positive effect on the body’s ability to digest foods, maintain a healthy gut, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer. The consumption of ginger is closely connected to two major factors in metabolism and gastric motility. What this means is that ginger leads to the speedy digestion food more quickly while also staving off bad bacteria in the gut.
Reducing Lipids in the Bloodstream
Apart from reducing cholesterol levels, it has been proven that that ginger consumption can also lower the levels of other lipids in the bloodstream. The levels of triglyceride, LDL, and HDL often decrease when ginger was consumed. Additionally, this will lower blood pressure and support the heart’s health.
Improving Memory
Ginger is known to improve the risks related to Alzheimer’s disease and the memory of healthy people. The results may seem insignificant, but cognitive abilities and memory can be improved by consuming ginger, especially for middle-aged women.
Antibacterial Effects
An active ingredient in ginger known as gingerol has incredible anti-bacterial effects on the body. The consumption of ginger lowers the risks of contracting bacterial infections and resistance to diseases. This simply means that adding ginger to your diet means less infection and illness.
Micronutrients Content
The micronutrient and phytonutrient contents of ginger are very essential as the intake of these nutrients is an important part of a diet. The main active nutrients in ginger include Magnesium, Chromium, Potassium, and Zinc. These nutrients play vital roles in metabolism, proper growth, bone density, blood circulation, reproductive health, and tissue repair.
Relieving Sore Muscles
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may also be able to help athletes and fitness buffs recover from workouts and training. If you’ve ever experienced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), then you’d know how incredibly unpleasant it can be. The sore muscles, creaky joints, tightness, and overall difficulty in movement can all be relieved with some ginger consumption. The studies on the effect of ginger on sore muscles may be limited, but there are hypothetical reasons to believe it is effective. With anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in blood health, ginger, most likely, has a positive impact on muscles.
Ginger and Testosterone
For so long, there have been some myths surrounding the effects ginger may or may not have on Testosterone, reproductive capabilities, and many sport-related activities. However, the problem with this myth is that it is from a single study, which used an unidentified amount of ginger to study the hormonal and reproductive health of infertile men. Yet, there is no harm in consuming ginger to boost testosterone levels.
Bottom Line
Ginger is strongly recommended as a foodstuff or medicinal supplement. It may affect the taste of food, but its numerous wealth of analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are well worth it. A significant reduction in pain and overall healthy living is one great reason for the consumption of ginger, but for people struggling with pains, aches, and chronic joint problems, this root vegetable is all you need. As a matter of fact, the versatility of ginger makes it easier, whether in foods and dietary supplements.
