Ginger is good for your overall health and is a cure for most ailments. This root is a perfect way to add flavor to your food while you get the health benefits from it as well. It can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. Here are reasons why you should add ginger into your diet and what happens to your body if you eat or drink ginger every day.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, which is responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties, according to Joe Leech, MS. Research done in 2014 by the Natural Product Communications, found that gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger is high in gingerol, so it is beneficial to add it to your diet daily.
Helps Acid Reflux
Ginger is rich in antioxidants and chemicals that can relieve gastrointestinal irritation and lessen gastric contractions, which means it helps with acid reflux. A 2011 study done by Cancer Prevention Research, found that participants taking ginger supplements had reduced inflammation markers within one month. According to Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., these anti-inflammatory properties are of interest to researchers, because inflammation in the esophagus is a key characteristic of acid reflux. It is important to take ginger in moderation, around four grams should be enough to give some relief without making symptoms worse.
Helps Reduce Nausea
Ginger can be highly effective against nausea. It has been seen to help relieve nausea for people undergoing certain types of surgery, chemotherapy-related nausea, and it may be most effective to pregnancy-related nausea. According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea. Although ginger is safe, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking large amounts if you’re pregnant.
Fights Cancer Cells
Gingerol is attributed to having anti-cancer-properties, which is found in large amounts in raw ginger. Research published in the Journal of Developing Drugs, found a form known as [6]-gingerol is viewed as especially powerful. In a 28-day study, done by Cancer Prevention Research, of individuals at normal risk for colorectal cancer found 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon. There is some, but limited evidence that ginger could help with gastrointestinal, breast, and ovarian cancer as well.
It Improves Digestion
Ginger has been used to improve the digestion process. Ginger is a food that helps digestion by speeding up the process that moves food from the stomach into the upper small intestine, according to a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. According to research in 2013 by Food & Function, ginger is classified as a carminative which reduces intestinal gas, and an intestinal spasmolytic which soothes the intestinal tract while inducing gut motility. This is why it is good to eat it every day because it reduced gut-related inflammation and enhances nutrient absorption.
Helps Prevent Headaches
Ginger can also be used to relieve headaches and migraines. Ginger contains a naturally occurring oil, which includes chemical compounds like gingerols and shogaols, that have these anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, according to Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D. Ginger extracts may also increase serotonin levels to help stop migraines by reducing inflammation and restricting blood vessels, says Wilson. A 2018 study published in Sage Journals found that taking a 400-mg ginger extract supplement with ketoprofen—a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug—decreased migraine symptoms better than taking ketoprofen alone.
Helps with Weight Loss
Adding ginger into your diet can help you lose weight. Ginger can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation which will be beneficial in your weight loss journey. According to Miho Hatanaka, RDN, ginger’s antioxidant properties help control free radicals, and its anti-inflammatory properties can counter inflammation. Hatanaka says that these properties of ginger don’t directly address excess pounds, but they help prevent cardiovascular damage and other side effects if the person is overweight. Research in 2014 published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture suggests that gingerols in ginger may stabilize your blood sugar levels, keeping your blood sugar stable can be helpful to losing weight.
