A popular culinary condiment with many medicinal uses, ginger is a lot more than just an ingredient. For thousands of years, this marvelous spice has been an integral dietary component of multiple cultures. Its culinary, aromatic and medicinal properties have made this great condiment one of the top natural foods to treat or prevent a number of ailments. Ginger is packed with nutrients, and has myriad health benefits.
Ginger Prevents Inflammation and Can Help Fight Arthritis
Patients diagnosed with arthritis report joint pain as well as muscular discomfort. Though there are over 100 different types of arthritis, the reason behind most instances is inflammation of the joints.
Based on clinical studies, ginger –along with a series of essential oils– is packed with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The primary compounds that are responsible for this quality are gingerols. These compounds are known for reducing the intensity of the inflammation-related symptoms associated with arthritis. At the same time, there is a growing body of research that confirms the connection between consuming ginger extract and reducing symptoms to osteoarthritis.
Ginger May Help to Prevent Cancer
While ginger can help tackle common ailments, its extract is also used as an alternative treatment for more severe conditions such as cancer. Colon and ovarian are the two types of cancer that ginger is known to have an impact on. Specifically, ginger’s high content in 6-gingerol possesses inhibitory effects on cancerous cells. Extensive research has proved that ginger can hinder the progression of cancer by increasing the rate by which cancerous cells die.
Ginger Helps to Combat Nausea and Indigestion
Whether you’re experiencing a mild tummy ache or constant morning sickness, ginger (especially in the form of tea) is the ideal natural solution. It can offer relief from these symptoms – soothing digestive irritation and discomfort. As stated in numerous studies, ginger is especially recommended for patients who have undergone surgery or chemotherapy as well as pregnant women to curb stomach disorders.
At the same time, ginger is known as an excellent carminative. That means that it has the power to reduce excessive gas that can upset your digestive system. Ginger helps the intestinal tract resume its normal function, eliminating dyspepsia (indigestion) and colic.
Ginger Benefits Heart Health
Ginger also comes with a number of cardiovascular benefits. Numerous related studies cite that eating ginger regularly can result in a significant decrease in blood pressure. Further research indicates that this powerful effect of ginger occurs due to its blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels.
But ginger’s beneficial properties do not stop there. This medicinal condiment is also capable of lowering cholesterol levels, promoting blood circulation and, thus, preventing blood from clotting. This can result in the reduced risk of stroke and heart attack development.
Ginger Benefits Brain Health
Ginger contains numerous phytochemicals which have valuable medicinal properties. One beneficial quality of ginger that stands out and has drawn the attention of scientists worldwide is its power to promote brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The particular disease is associated with oxidative stress-induced cognitive impairment. Chronic inflammation is also believed to play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Studies have found that ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities can curb the progressive neurodegenerative trajectory of Alzheimer’s. The consumption of ginger promotes the cognitive function of the human brain and protects people against age-related brain decline.
Ginger Can Help Fight Headaches and Migraines
Along with other natural herbs and oils such as peppermint or lavender, ginger is known for its headache and migraine soothing effects. In particular, the Ayurvedic, as well as the Tibb systems of medicine, considers ginger as one of the most powerful natural remedies to treat chronic headaches and migraines induced by stress. Recent findings suggest that ginger functions as a potent headache treatment without many of the side-effects associated with western medicine.
Ginger Soothes Ulcers and GERD
Gastric ulcers and GERD, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, are two conditions that are known to aggravate the linings of the intestinal and esophageal systems. People who suffer from these conditions are forced to spend a pretty penny for acid-blockers and related medicines. With that in mind, ginger comes as an excellent and affordable alternative to conventional ulcer and GERD medicine. According to research, the administration of ginger extract is potent enough to prevent, treat and sooth peptic ulcer and acid reflux symptoms.
Ginger Eliminates Infections
In an attempt to find alternative solutions to the increasing number of microbial diseases worldwide, researchers have started focusing on the beneficial effects ginger has against infections. Ginger has come under the spotlight since it is a world-renowned domestic remedy, ideal for treating regular everyday ailments. From bacteria-induced to fungal infections, ginger has a strong antimicrobial potency, even in multidrug resistant environments.
Ginger Helps with Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes has turned into one of the most common ailments today. Factors such as age, dietary habits and obesity play a significant role in the development of diabetes.
Ginger, along with other spices such cinnamon and saffron, is being reviewed for its anti-diabetic reaction from a scientific point of view. Research has suggested that ginger consumption can be a powerful weapon in the war against diabetes. However, further research is needed.
