Ginger is considered a traditional medicine plant, dating from ancient times in Central Asia and Southeast Asia alike, cultivated even in the tropical or subtropical areas of this great continent.
Nothing takes away from the fact that this plant is widely used because it is almost miraculous, so in this article we will share 10 benefits of ginger that have been proven by science.
What is ginger?
Ginger, whose scientific name is “Zingiber officinale Rosc.” It is a plant of the zingiberáceas family and that is of the herbaceous type, whose harvest is enormously located today in the country of India.
It has a spicy and somewhat fiery flavor, but it is not ruled out for this reason in gastronomic dishes or even infusions, being found in the form of a spice , that is, powdered ginger to season food.
To highlight: A brief analysis determines that: “The ginger crop needs a lot of sun and also high humidity. It requires deep soils for the underground stem, rich in organic matter, although it also thrives in well-drained sandy soils. (1)
What are the benefits of ginger?
There are many good things that can be said about ginger at the level of the immune system, including direct treatments for the skin, so below we will mention the benefits of ginger:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Ginger is a plant that can strengthen the immune system , as it is a species with antioxidant effects in its structure, since it is a repertoire of compounds such as niacin (vitamin B3) and ascorbic acid.
You should know: These compounds help stimulate the actions of leukocytes (white blood cells), so that they can be more efficient when it comes to responding to contact with bacteria such as staphylococci .
2. Prevents cardiovascular diseases
Ginger can also prevent the risky appearance of cardiovascular diseases, since it reduces the development of bad cholesterol or LDL , as well as decreases the levels of lipoproteins (fat transport).
On the other hand, ginger effectively controls glucose (blood sugar) levels, as it inhibits carbohydrate enzymes , improves insulin sensitivity, and promotes the release of insulin into hemoglobin.
3. Improves digestive problems
Ginger is also effective when it comes to improving the digestive processes of the human being, for simple reasons, which is that this plant has a high fiber content and also has thermogenic effects that increase metabolism.
In the same way, ginger stimulates the pancreas and enzymes to make a better digestive process, as well as dilates the intestinal tract and increases a greater expulsion of gases lodged in the stomach, also decreasing nausea and vomiting.
Important: A study mentions that: “Ginger stimulates the thermosensitive receptors of the stomach and causes a gastric sensation of heat , a property that is used in the treatment of gastralgia . ” (two)
4. Relieves respiratory conditions
Ginger has antitussive and decongestant effects , which is why this medicinal plant is favorable for relieving respiratory conditions such as colds and flu, as well as colds and nasal congestion .
Note: Ginger stimulates the production and expulsion of mucus or sputum, slowing down the time of congestion , just as its proteolytic enzyme compounds reduce inflammation in the center of the respiratory system.
5. Decreases the action of free radicals
Ginger can also positively inhibit free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage at the cellular level , promoting premature aging and can even lead to cancer or type 2 diabetes.
Fortunately, ginger is a food whose rhizome is capable of capturing with its antioxidants those oxidizing substances present in the system , as well as gingerols that prevent the actions of this type of elements.
Important: A study mentions that: “The antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds of ginger is considered the biological activity responsible for the protective effect against cell injuries , due to its ability to capture free radicals . ” (3)
6. Reduces pain and inflammation
Ginger can reduce inflammation and prevent pain, as it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can prevent these symptoms in the respiratory system, intestinal tract, and even relieve muscle pain.
You should know: The gingerols in ginger are strong enough to reduce joint pain, which is special for the treatment of arthritis , although it also helps people with rheumatic problems or diseases such as osteoporosis.
7. Contributes to weight loss
Ginger is considered a metabolism stimulant, we already know how it acts in the gastric system, therefore it has diuretic effects that decrease fluid levels in the stomach and causes greater satiety.
To highlight: Ginger also contributes to weight loss for another factor, the presence of fiber dilates the intestinal flora and, as is known, improves the expulsion of waste through the digestive tract , but also increases the burning of calories in the body.
8. Improves skin health
Ginger is widely used for skin treatments , since being an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant plant, it is favorable for relieving wrinkles due to a lack of collagen, reducing the appearance of acne and accelerating the healing process.
Note: This medicinal plant increases the production of collagen in the dermal tissue of the skin, apart from keeping the same layer hydrated to provide elasticity and flexibility, eliminating toxins in the epidermis.
9. Helps reduce stress
Ginger can be used to help reduce stress to a great extent, as ginger is a great stimulant for the nervous system and brain activity, so it is safe to say that it lowers the cortisol or stress hormone response.
You should know: This plant also provides a variety of endorphins, which not only help improve the brain’s responses to situations of stress or anxiety, but also generate a pleasant feeling of well-being and reduce migraines.
10. Prevents some types of cancer
It is known for certain, especially in studies conducted at the University of Michigan (4) and Cancer Prevention Research , that ginger compounds are ideal for reducing the risks , symptoms, and tumors of colon, ovarian, and even cancer. of prostate. (5)
Important: Its anti-inflammatory effects, hand in hand with the fact that it is a highly consumed food in Asia, a continent with lower mortality rates regarding cancer , make it worthy of being able to work for cancer treatments or as a placebo.
Ginger properties
Having a solid foundation regarding what are the benefits of this plant at a broad level, we can explore what are the properties of ginger:
1. Vitamins
Ginger has an abundance of vitamin A , as well as considerable levels of vitamin C, B vitamins (such as vitamin B2, B3, vitamin B6, and B9), although they are also referred to as thiamine or riboflavin on grams ginger.
2. Minerals
The most important minerals for health in ginger are iron, calcium and phosphorus , without ruling out other parts of its structure such as sodium, potassium or magnesium , which have vital roles in the body’s cells.
3. Other compounds
Ginger has a large repertoire of interesting compounds, such as flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory effects , but it also has elements such as the so-called gingerols from the rhizome or underground ginger stem, apart from having dietary fiber and protein.
How should ginger be taken?
Ginger can be taken in various ways, the most appropriate is to consume it fresh , to be able to include it in various dishes and hot infusions combined with lemon , on the other hand it can also be used in the form of powder for seasoning.
Note: It can be taken in moderation for lactating pregnant women due to its antiemetic effects , with previous medical prescriptions.
On the other hand, ginger is also consumed in the form of a nutritional supplement in the form of capsules or pills (but it should be consumed in moderation and with prior instructions), in addition to including ginger oil that serves as a substitute for various vegetable oils.
Key Findings
- Ginger or “Zingiber officinale Rosc.” It is a plant with a spicy flavor that is well known in Asian cuisine.
- Ginger reduces anxiety and stress, prevents the risk of heart disease, among other health benefits.
- Ginger has medicinal antioxidant properties , anti-inflammatory compounds such as gingerols, and a variety of flavonoids.
- Ginger can be taken fresh , in infusions, powdered for seasoning, and even in the form of capsules or supplements.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.