Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It’s within the same family as turmeric and is also packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and bioactive compounds that offer significant benefits to your body and brain. The benefits of ginger root go beyond its ancient medicinal benefits like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other helpful properties.
Ginger root comes in many forms nowadays, so you don’t need to consume the root itself on a daily basis anymore. It can come in a convenient powder, in capsule form, so you can reap the multiple benefits of ginger root on a daily basis.
Benefit #1 – Ginger Root and Digestion
Several studies have shown that ginger root is highly effective against pain and discomfort in the stomach, and nausea caused by morning sickness or following cancer treatment. Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery and chronic indigestion, which is characterized by pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach.
More studies conducted on ginger root and digestion include ginger root’s effects on the gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion. Research indicates that ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort. Ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion. In addition, ginger may help increase movement through the digestive tract, suggesting that it may relieve or prevent constipation.
Benefit #2 – Pain Relief
Research has shown ginger to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. However, research has shown that ginger does not have an immediate impact but can be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. This is believed to be mediated by ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Another study has shown ginger to significantly help with dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). One of the longest, traditional uses of ginger is for the pain relief of menstrual pain. In this study, ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.
Benefit #3 – Improved Brain Function
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process as well as the complications that come with it. Inflammation has long been considered a symptom of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and ginger root has shown to inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain, due to the antioxidants and bioactive compounds it possesses.
The same study also found to improve reaction time and working memory, as well as protect against age-related decline in brain function.
Benefit #4 – Ginger Root and Cancer
Ginger root may actually lower your risk of cancer. Because of its excellent source of antioxidants, ginger can reduce various types of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when too many free radicals build up in the body, and free radicals are toxic substances produced by metabolism and other factors. The body needs to eliminate these free radicals to prevent them from causing cellular damage that can lead to various diseases, including cancer.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory power can help reduce your risk of cancer as well. It can also help sensitize tumors to treatments like chemo and radiation. While the benefits of ginger root are not considered a cure-all, using it regularly can help benefit overall health.
Benefit #5 – Ginger Root and Heart Disease
The same anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger have shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Ginger has shown to lower blood pressure and decrease blood lipids levels, both of which help protect against heart disease.
While this area of research is relatively new, ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties as well. But just like diabetes, eating ginger can’t offset an otherwise poor diet high in saturated fat and added sugar. You’ll still have to exercise, consume more veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, fish, legumes, and beans in order to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Benefit #6 – Easing a Cold or the Flu
Utilizing ginger can help you recover from a cold or the flu. Gingerol, the bioactive substance within fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections. However, by utilizing the power of ginger root in capsule form have shown to be very effective against oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gum, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. It may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections.
Benefit #7 – Ginger Root and Weight Loss
Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols. These compounds work to stimulate biological activities within your body, not directly addressing excess pounds, but works to prevent cardiovascular damage and other side effects of being overweight while you work to bring your weight to a healthy number.
One study has shown that consuming ginger keeps you fuller longer. Gingerol within ginger root helps to digest food faster and stimulate the body to speed digested food through the colon. In addition, this effect helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, which is key to losing weight.
It’s important to remember that the benefits of ginger root are not a cure-all. In order to lose weight, one must consume ginger root along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Benefits of Ginger Root
Ginger root is a superfood and truly deserves that name. However, to experience the full benefits of ginger root, one must take high-quality supplements rather than simply adding fresh ginger root to your diet. With all the supplements offered out there, be sure you use only the best – organic, no additives or fillers, single herbs.
To learn more about Greenbush Natural Products and our pure, potent herbs that work, contact us here!