Ginger Root
Long before history was recorded, ginger was used as a flavoring agent. But today, it is used for medical purposes and cooking. In the last few years, researchers have been interested in ginger and its components and focused on verifying gingers physiological and pharmacological actions. The nutrients and antioxidants in ginger help treat or prevent inflammation, different types of infections, and arthritis. Researchers have also explained that it can reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and other health complications. Below are some of the medicinal benefits of using ginger.
Relieving Pain
Ginger root contains volatile oils, and has an active constituent of gingerol. Regular consumption of this compound reduces pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Researchers, who included seventy-four volunteers, found out that daily consumption of two grams of heated or raw ginger reduces about 25% of exercise-induced muscle pain. In 2016, a review of studies concluded that ginger could help reduce menstrual pain either before or during menstruation.
Relieving Nausea
Some researchers have reported that ginger reduces the symptoms related to motion sickness. In 2010, a small study was done to examine the effects of ginger powder and its supplements on nausea in sixty children who underwent chemotherapy. The research showed that the supplement reduced nausea in people who took it. Other authors also arrived at the same conclusion in 2011.
Lowering Cancer Risks
Ginger neither provides protein nor any other nutrients. However, it is the best source of antioxidants. Research has shown that ginger can be used to reduce different types of oxidative stress. Accumulation of many free radicals in the body is likely to cause oxidative stress. Free radicals are poisonous substances produced during metabolism. Therefore, these free radicles need to be eliminated out of the body to avoid causing cellular damage that can cause many diseases, including cancer. Including these antioxidants in the diet will help the body to excrete these free radicals.
Reducing Inflammation
Ginger contains phytonutrients, antioxidants-like compounds, which help reduce cell damage. Ginger can also be used to prevent the development of inflammation by reducing cell-signaling activities. Researchers concluded that the reasonable and safest way to treat inflammation caused by osteoarthritis is to take ginger by mouth. A 2017 review of sixteen clinical trials showed that the phytochemical properties present in ginger might reduce inflammation.
Improving Digestion and Reducing Gas
Many researchers have investigated the effects of ginger on the gases that form in the intestinal tract. Some studies show that enzymes in ginger provide relief from any discomfort by helping the body to break up and expel this gas. Ginger is also beneficial to pancreatic lipase and enzyme trypsin, which are essential for digestion. It also eases the movement of food in the digestive tract, thus preventing constipation.
Supporting Cardiovascular Health
The blood-thinning features of ginger may help prevent blood clot formation, therefore, reducing the risks of stroke and heart diseases. Although research has been done on this, the authors acknowledge that they didn’t involve human participants. However, they concluded that ginger could treat cardiovascular disease.
Ginger is regarded as the safest herb that can be used to treat and do away with several body complications. But, it may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor if you are under any medication before including ginger roots in your diet.