Here are 11 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. It’s sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.
1. Ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
2. Just 1–1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea, including chemotherapy-related nausea, nausea after surgery, and morning sickness.
3. According to studies in animals and humans, ginger may help improve weight-related measurements. These include body weight and the waist-hip ratio.
4. There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee.
5. Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.
6. Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.
7. Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period.
8. There’s some evidence, in both humans and animals, that ginger can lead to significant reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood triglyceride levels.
9. Ginger contains the substance gingerol, which appears to have protective effects against cancer. However, more studies are needed.
10. Animal studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain. It can also help improve brain function in middle-aged women.
11. Ginger may help fight harmful bacteria and viruses, which could reduce your risk for infections.