- 19 health benefits of taking ginger
- 1- Stimulates the production of saliva
- 2- It is anticancer
- 3- It is effective against dysmenorrhea
- 4- Helps reduce nausea
- 5- Anti-inflammatory and reduces arthritis pain
- 6- Stimulates the immune system
- 7- It favors the elimination of gases
- 8- It is useful for all movement disorders
- 9- Prevents the appearance of colorectal cancer
- 10- Stops the growth of prostate cancer
- 11- It is a safe and complementary alternative to chemotherapy
- 12- Promotes the destruction of cancer cells in ovarian cancer
- 13- Helps to treat reflux and heartburn
- 14- Reduce headaches
- 15- Decreases sore throat and cough
- 16- Helps in the treatment of allergies
- 17- Improves digestion
- 18- Reduces toothaches
- 19- Helps to treat diabetes
- Other interesting facts
- How to consume ginger
- Some delicious ideas
- Nutritional information
- Side effects
J engibre multiple offers health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine in different ways to achieve different effects on the body. Some of its most outstanding properties are: it is anticancer, stimulates the immune system, reduces headaches, improves digestion and helps treat allergies.
Ginger is a very common ingredient in Indian and Asian food and has recently entered our daily diet strongly. In addition to its particular spicy flavor, its medicinal properties have been known for centuries, which address the treatment of colds, nausea, vertigo, lack of appetite and various pains.
The ginger plant mainly uses its root, known as a rhizome. It is from the family of other well-known roots such as turmeric and cardamom. When harvested, it provides a fragrant and warm-tasting spice that can be consumed fresh for infusions, sweets and even wine.
But most of its uses are when the rhizome is rather dry. There its texture is fibrous and it can be used in juices as an ingredient in many Asian recipes. Powdered ginger is also widely used in confectionery to prepare cookies, cakes, breads and carbonated drinks.
19 health benefits of taking ginger
These are just some of its wonderful benefits. We invite you to get to know them and incorporate it into your eating routine:
1- Stimulates the production of saliva
Ginger has phenolic compounds that increase the flow of saliva in the mouth. This reduces the sensation of dryness, in addition to promoting the antibacterial effects of saliva, reducing the chances of tooth decay and protecting tooth enamel from demineralization.
Another of the properties of saliva is to prevent oral fungi, for example those that cause candidiasis.
2- It is anticancer
Ginger is high in phenols, called gingerols. One of the molecules that are part of the ginger compounds, known as 6-shogaol, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, when the root is boiled.
Ginger compounds are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiproliferative, so its anticancer action can be found in different types of cancer, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing the formation of new tumors.
3- It is effective against dysmenorrhea
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have long been known to traditional medicine in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and other pain associated with the menstrual period.
Several studies conducted by universities in Iran and India, showed that the intake of raw ginger powder for three to five days during the menstrual period significantly decreased the discomfort of women, compared to other placebos.
4- Helps reduce nausea
Effective even during pregnancy, ginger is an excellent alternative to reduce the nausea and vomiting reflex.
It is so effective that it can be used even in extreme cases, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, with good results and without the serious side effects that other teratogenic antiemetic drugs can bring.
To achieve this, you only need to consume small doses and enjoy the relief.
5- Anti-inflammatory and reduces arthritis pain
Ginger has various compounds, among them jingerols, with powerful anti-inflammatory action. Thus, many patients suffering from osteoarthritis, arthritis and damage to their knees have reported improvements in their symptoms after consuming ginger on a regular basis.
In a study carried out in more than 500 patients, a significant decrease in pain, increased mobility, and reduced inflammation around joints such as knees or wrists were found.
Among the jingerols, the person responsible for these positive effects would be 6-jingerol, which would significantly reduce the production of nitric oxide, which damages free radicals.
In addition, components of ginger have been found to suppress some proteins that promote inflammation in the body, such as cytokines and chemokines that are produced by the immune system.
6- Stimulates the immune system
We all know the comforting sensation of consuming ginger on a cold day, the increased body heat and sweating that allows toxins to be released as in the case of the cold.
Recent studies have shown that sweat is beneficial for our immunity as it helps fight infection. This occurs because the sweat glands secrete dermicidin, an antimicrobial peptide that is equivalent to a natural antibiotic produced by the skin.
When sweat spreads all over the skin, dermicidin spreads through all pores and protects the body from harmful microorganisms found in the environment, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Eschericcia Coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which transmit this disease.
7- It favors the elimination of gases
Ginger is a carminative compound, that is, it reduces gas in the digestive tract and with this, colic and flatulence.
In this way, ginger produces an antispasmodic effect, relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestine and reducing the intensity of aches and pains.
8- It is useful for all movement disorders
Motion sickness is the name given to all kinds of movement disorders, whether it is dizziness, due to the movement of a boat or a car, vertigo, among others. Ginger has been shown to be effective in treating these complaints.
In studies it has been shown that the consumption of ginger is as effective as dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine drug usually used for these types of symptoms including nausea, dizziness, vomiting, cold sweats and vertigo; and without any side effect.
9- Prevents the appearance of colorectal cancer
Gengiroles are anticancer and can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the intestine and rectum.
In tests on rats, 6-jengirol was found to delay tumor formation, providing hope for patients with inoperable tumors and the potential to slow the metastasis of carcinomas.
10- Stops the growth of prostate cancer
The consumption of ginger is an excellent source of bioactive phenols, such as gingers, with important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, turning them into anticancer agents.
In the case of prostate cancer, oral consumption of 100 mg of ginger was shown to inhibit tumor growth and volume in studies with rats. Ginger extract reduces the ability of cancer cells to reproduce, with the advantage of not having side effects or toxicity to the immune system of patients.
11- It is a safe and complementary alternative to chemotherapy
With a great deal of evidence for ginger's anti-cancer properties, it can be used as a prevention method and also to stop the growth of cancer cells.
Its biggest advantage is that the consumption of ginger is not invasive. Unlike chemotherapy, the compounds in ginger attack the tissues of cancer cells, leaving the rest of the cells healthy without damage or side effects. Also, ginger is non-toxic.
12- Promotes the destruction of cancer cells in ovarian cancer
Cancer of the uterus is another area of study where the properties of ginger have been applied. In laboratory studies, it was proven that the components of ginger kill ovarian cancer cells by promoting cellular apoptosis, autophagocytosis and inhibiting the vascularization process of tumors.
This discovery is very important, since this type of cancer does not usually appear until the disease is disseminated, therefore prevention is essential.
13- Helps to treat reflux and heartburn
Ginger has been shown to be effective in cases of reflux. Its antibacterial properties inhibit the development of Helicobacter Pylori, a bacteria that naturally lives in the stomach and proliferates when acidic conditions are not suitable.
Ginger manages to reduce acidity due to the effect of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymes. Much better treatment compared to the effects of the drugs usually prescribed for these symptoms, such as Lansoprazole, which also has multiple side effects such as nutrient malabsorption, increased risk of fractures and possible proliferation of other batteries such as Clostridum difficile.
According to a study published by Molecular Research and Food Nutrition, the use of ginger reduced the discomfort of heartburn by six to eight times in patients who used it daily.
14- Reduce headaches
Ginger, like other herbs, helps in treating symptoms like headaches and migraines.
Its anti-inflammatory compounds that block prostaglandins - pain neuroreceptors that are activated during headaches - achieving rapid relief from discomfort.
To obtain relief, ginger can be taken as an infusion, inhaled its vapor and even used fresh ginger compresses in the area of pain.
15- Decreases sore throat and cough
Ginger is known for its effectiveness in treating colds and flu. Its properties are many: it increases body temperature, produces antibacterial compounds that are distributed in the body through sweat, enhancing our immune system and also has anti-inflammatory effects.
The mixture of these properties allows to significantly reduce discomfort in the respiratory tract, expel mucus more quickly and achieve a speedy recovery. It also helps clear a stuffy nose.
16- Helps in the treatment of allergies
Ginger has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. This reduces the discomfort of inflamed bronchial tubes and a stuffy nose that usually occurs in respiratory allergies and asthma.
17- Improves digestion
Ginger compounds help improve the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract, by reducing gas production and relaxing the smooth muscle of the intestines.
Ginger also promotes the secretion of mucus in the stomach, thus protecting the walls of the digestive tract from irritations caused by acidity.
18- Reduces toothaches
It is a home remedy in case of tooth or toothache pain. Being anti-inflammatory, it reduces the discomfort and pain caused by inflammation of the gums or nerves of the tooth. In addition, its antibacterial effects help protect the area from a possible infection caused by cavities.
Ginger root can be chewed raw or boiled and used as a toothpaste on the affected area.
19- Helps to treat diabetes
Its multiple properties can not only help in diseases such as cancer, but also in other chronic ailments such as diabetes.
Its components help to improve the body's metabolism, resulting in an improvement in the release of insulin, the absorption of carbohydrates and the metabolism of lipids.
By boosting the immune system, it prevents the possibility of infections and protects other internal organs that are often vulnerable to diabetes such as the liver, eyes and kidneys.
Other interesting facts
How to consume ginger
You can use the delicious spicy flavor of ginger to flavor your food, infusions, tea or ground for pastry preparations.
The recommended doses of ginger are 4 grams a day, except for pregnant women, who should limit their consumption to 1 gram daily.
Some delicious ideas
- Combine ground ginger with rice to give the preparation an Asian touch.
- Mix it with soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic for a rich salad dressing.
- Make a refreshing lemonade with fresh ginger slices. Sweeten it with honey.
- Cook vegetables sautéed with grated ginger.
Nutritional information
Ginger has a high water content and some essential nutrients, especially manganese, very important in the development of newborns.
Other of its properties are cholesterol synthesis, helps in the functions of insulin and activation of various enzymes. Its deficiency in the body can cause slow growth, weakened bones and a decrease in glucose tolerance.
We suggest you incorporate it into your diet to have this important nutrient.
Side effects
Ginger is on the safe list of the USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration), since it has practically no side effects.
If negative interactions have been shown with certain anticoagulants such as warfarin and some cardiovascular drugs such as nifedipine.
Allergies have also been described, especially in the form of skin rash or heartburn when consuming it in powder. In general, too much fresh ginger can cause discomfort to people who suffer from ulcers, irritable bowel, intestinal obstruction and stones in the gallbladder, so it is recommended in these cases to consume it in moderation.