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You may have ginger in your pantry or fridge ready to use in stir-fries, smoothies, and other tasty food dishes. But there are many more reasons to use ginger in your daily diet that range from quelling an upset stomach to helping recover from a cold faster.
This strange looking and uniquely fragranced root is native to Southeast Asia and you can buy ginger fresh, dried, or powdered, and even used as an oil or juice. Ginger is full of gingerol, shogaol, and paradol that exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties like its close relative turmeric according to Healthline. No wonder this exotic herb has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Here are nine healing benefits of ginger:
May Help With Inflammation and Osteoarthritis
People who use ginger saw significant reductions in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling according to a 2018 study, published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, that found that people who used ginger experienced a reduction in pain and disability when given between 500 milligrams and 1 gram of ginger a day. Drinking green tea with ginger could be a helpful part of the diet of anyone suffering from inflammation.
Eases Period Cramps
Got menstrual cramps? Ginger powder may help. A controlled double-blind study on the effects of ginger was done with a sample of 120 university students who experienced significant painful menstrual cramping, found that taking ginger two days before the onset of periods decreased the duration and pain. In addition, according to Very Well Health, ginger may also reduce the amount of blood loss and shorten periods.
Helps Treat Nausea and Morning Sickness
An expectant mother’s best friend; ginger is highly effective against nausea and vomiting according to Healthline. A review of 12 studies published in Nutrition Journal found that taking 1,500 mg of ginger per day reduced nausea and did not increase the risk of miscarriage but doctors caution not to use the spice at the end of pregnancy.
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Ginger Tea Can Aid Cold and Flu Recovery
It’s no secret that fresh ginger has been used as an herbal remedy for colds and flus according to Medical News Today. It’s so popular that a small study in 2013 investigated whether it was effective. The study involved questioning 300 pharmacy customers who used herbal medicine and found that 69 percent of the participants found it effective. No wonder it has been used for seasonal colds and allergy symptoms.
May Lower Blood Sugar
Ginger may have very powerful anti-diabetes properties according to Healthline. In 2015, a study on the effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetics found that participants who used 2 grams of ginger a day saw a reduction of 12 percent. It also improved hemoglobin A1C – a marker for long-term blood levels – by 10 percent. This is an easy way to reduce your blood sugar levels.
Used to Help Fight Infections
The gingerol in fresh ginger can help lower the risk of infections and can help inhibit the growth of different types of bacteria. And according to Healthline, the herb has been used to help fight off RSV; a common cause of respiratory infections. Ginger is also very effective in fighting against the oral bacteria that is linked to both gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease – and periodontis according to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Advanced Oral Research. This is an easy way to take care of your oral health.
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Could Help Treat Indigestion
While many people who have indigestion or GERD are given a list of foods to avoid, ginger can be a big help according to WebMd. It helps people avoid the pain and burning sensation because it speeds up the emptying of the stomach. You can take ginger capsule supplements an hour before eating.
May Lower cholesterol
High levels of LDL or bad cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. But the foods you eat play a large role in your LDL levels according to Healthline. In a study conducted on rats, published in Pharmacognosy Research, ginger lowered LDL levels to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin. It has also been found that ginger also reduces blood triglycerides and improves your heart health.
Ginger Contributes to Brain Function
Since ginger contains antioxidants it can also inhibit oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. A study of the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger showed that the herb inhibited inflammatory responses in the brain. According to Healthline, the herb can also enhance brain function and memory.
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