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 5 Major Health Benefits of Ginger


Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is commonly used as a flavoring agent for centuries. It is a well-known herbal medicine and is widely used to treat various health conditions such as vomiting, inflammation, pain, metabolic disorders and nausea. Around 100 active compounds have been isolated from the ginger so far that contain antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Antiemetic effects

Recent studies reported the antiemetic effects of ginger in both adults and children. It is very effective in reducing chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting and is proven effective in comparison to other medications such as antihistamine, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and metoclopramide.

Gastrointestinal effects

Ginger is also proven very effective against gastrointestinal infections such as tachygastria associated with circular vection (rotating sensation without actual movement). It also increases the digestive rate and causes digestive emptying in the patients with dyspepsia (indigestion).

Importantly, ginger treatment has shown useful effects in treating colorectal cancer however, further experimental studies are required to confirm its role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Analgesic effects

Ginger is used to reduce the sensation of pain and these effects are comparable to other painkillers like zinc sulfate, mefenamic acid and ibuprofen. Ginger is also beneficial in reducing migraines and chest and lower back pains. Ginger contain salicylates that prevent the nervous system to release prostaglandins that are involved in pain induction thus blocking the pain pathways.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Ginger supplementation effectively treats inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other arthritis-related diseases. It helps to diminish the inflammation by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha.

Metabolic effects

Ginger helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by lowering the acetylated hemoglobin levels, fasting blood glucose concentration and insulin resistance. Ginger helps to reduce weight loss however, not significantly. The health effects of ginger have also been explored in obesity related cardiovascular disorders and the results were promising as ginger lowered the fats and total cholesterol levels.

Reference

Anh, N. H., Kim, S. J., Long, N. P., Min, J. E., Yoon, Y. C., Lee, E. G., ... & Kwon, S. W. (2020). Ginger on human health: a comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials. Nutrients12(1), 157.

 

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