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. Nutrients, 12(1), 157.
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