"Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. It’s one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term." Joe Leech, MS.
- Ginger induces sweating to clear a fever. It stimulates the circulation, improving the supply of blood to the extremities, warming cold hands, feet and arthritic conditions.
- Ginger is anti-inflammatory and relaxes muscles, making it helpful for headaches and migraines, especially if accompanied by nausea.
- Ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Just 1–1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea, including chemotherapy-related nausea, nausea after surgery, and morning sickness.
- According to studies in animals and humans, ginger may help improve weight-related measurements. These include body weight and the waist-hip ratio.
- There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort. Ginger also appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period.
As with anything that achieves the "superfood" status, ginger is not a miracle cure so let's be reasonable with our expectations.
How can we consume ginger?
People incorporate ginger into their diet in many different ways. It can add a warm, pleasant flavor to many dishes. People consume it as:
- Ginger tea: You can buy or make pure ginger tea at home. You can also add it to other types of tea.
- Ginger spice: You can easily add fresh ginger root or powdered ginger to home cooking. It can add a warm, pleasant flavor to many dishes — like carrot ginger soup or ginger sesame dressing
- Ginger shots: Like ginger tea, some people prefer straight ginger juice. These are often found in small doses — or ginger shots — at grocery stores or juice bars.
- Candied ginger: Some people like to eat ginger chews or suck on ginger candy, especially when they’re using it to treat nausea.
While eating ginger is generally considered safe, it’s always possible to have too much of a good thing. Moderation is the key.
Sources:
1. 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger by Joe Leech, MS. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D., Nutrition - Updated on March 19, 2021
2. The Benefits of Ginger, Separating Fact from Fiction by Kate Bratskeir, BA. Reviewed by Katie E. Golden, MD. Updated on January 24, 2023
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.