Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an ancient medicinal spice that is valued for its wide range of possible health benefits. It’s consumed in different forms, such as juice, oil, powder, dried, or fresh. Ginger is rich in essential nutrients such as gingerol, magnesium, potassium, niacin, folate, phosphorous, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These nutrients facilitate several health benefits as shown below.
⦁ Anticancer Potential (Colon cancer, Ovarian cancer, Bowel cancer): Compounds in ginger such as gingerol have been shown to help prevent different types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
⦁ Alzheimer’s Disease: A study in the Journal of Drug Design, Development and Therapy suggests that ginger could help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
⦁ Diabetes: Ginger helps control diabetes and improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
⦁ Obesity: Studies claim that ginger is a metabolism booster that accelerates weight loss in people with obesity.
⦁ Anti-inflammatory Properties (swelling): Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as salicylate, caffeic acid, curcumin, capsaicin, beta-carotene, and pantothenic acid.
⦁ Cardiovascular Disease: Ginger protects against cardiovascular disease by regulating hypertension, reducing the risk of blood clots, and lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
⦁ Arthritis: The Arthritis Foundation recommends ginger as an alternative remedy to help manage arthritis – thanks to its ability to reduce pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
⦁ Pain Relief (Migraines, toothache): Ginger is as effective as some pharmaceutical alternatives at managing migraines.
⦁ Respiratory Health (cold and flu, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose): Fresh ginger has antibiotic properties against infections cold, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.
⦁ Digestive Health (heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, morning sickness): Ancient Chinese medicine used ginger to improve digestive health.
Please note that this content should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
