Scientific evidence … 10 “perfect” health benefits of ginger

Ginger, a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia, is among the healthiest spices on the planet, as it belongs to a large family of plants that includes turmeric and cardamom as well.

A report on the “Sky News Arabia” website reviews 10 benefits of ginger backed by scientific research and a number of medical studies, namely:

Fight against common cold

Ginger has a long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It has been used to help fight the flu and colds.

Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For example, it may help reduce oxidative stress caused by an excessive amount of free radicals in the body.

It treats nausea

Ginger appears to be very effective against nausea, and it may help relieve vomiting for people undergoing certain types of surgery or conditions associated with chemotherapy.

Several studies have indicated that ginger may be more effective when it comes to nausea associated with pregnancy in women, especially the nausea that accompanies pregnant women in the morning.

Helps lose weight

According to studies conducted in humans and animals, ginger may play a role in weight loss, as a review of studies in this aspect up to 2019 concluded that ginger supplementation significantly reduced fat accumulation in the waist and hip.

And a 2016 study of 80 obese women found that ginger can also help reduce body mass index and insulin levels in the blood.

Reduces joint inflammation

Studies that reviewed a range of studies in this regard found that people who used ginger to treat arthritis had significant reductions in pain and disability.

Another study from 2011 found that a mixture of ginger, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil could help reduce pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Reduces blood sugar

In a 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered blood sugar by 12 percent.

Ginger also significantly improves hemoglobin, which is a marker of adequate blood sugar levels in the long term.

Treats chronic indigestion

Interestingly, ginger speeds up gastric emptying, and in one of the 2011 studies, people suffering from indigestion were given ginger capsules, and it took 12 minutes for the stomach to empty.

Reduces menstrual pain

In a 2009 study, 150 women consumed ginger in the first three days of their menstrual period, and ginger was able to effectively reduce pain.

Lower cholesterol

In a 2018 study of 60 people with hyperlipidemia, 30 people who consumed 5 grams of ginger powder every day saw their bad cholesterol levels drop 17.4 percent over a 3-month period.

Cancer prevention

In a 28-day study in individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer, 2 grams of ginger extract daily significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon.

It improves brain function

Some animal studies indicate that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain.

There is also some evidence that ginger can help boost brain function directly.