Ginger adds flavour to sweet and savoury foods and has several health benefits. It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamon and galangal.
The rhizome (the underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often referred to as ginger root or simply ginger. You can use ginger fresh, dried, powdered, as an oil, or juice. It is found in many recipes, as well as processed foods, home remedies, and cosmetics. Here are 5 health benefits of eating ginger.
1. Medicinal Properties
The use of ginger in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine has a long history. It is used to aid digestion, relieve nausea, and fight flu and colds, to name just a few of its uses.
The unique scent and flavour of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It is responsible for many of ginger’s medicinal properties.
2. May Treat Morning Sickness and Other Forms of Nausea
Ginger may be an effective source of anti-nausea, including pregnancy-induced nausea, commonly referred to as morning sickness.
Ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting in people undergoing certain surgical procedures, and it may also help reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy. Although it is generally safe, you should talk to a doctor before consuming large amounts of it if you are pregnant.
3. May Aid Weight Loss
According to studies, ginger may play a role in weight loss. A 2019 study published by Trusted Source concluded that taking ginger significantly reduced body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and hip-to-waist ratio in overweight or obese individuals.
4. May Help Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the joints, leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. One study concluded that ginger may help reduce pain and disability. Participants took 0.5-1 grams of ginger per day for 3-12 weeks, depending on the study. Most were diagnosed with OA of the knee.
5. May Lower Blood Sugar and Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors
Some research suggests that ginger may have anti-diabetic properties. In a 2015 study, 41 people with type 2 diabetes took 2 grams of ginger powder daily.
In a 2022 review, Trusted Source found that fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels decreased significantly in people with type 2 diabetes after taking ginger supplements. The review examined the results of 10 studies in which participants took 1,200-3,000 milligrams (mg) per day for 8-13 weeks.
