If ginger isn’t already a part of your daily menu, you’re missing out! Ginger has proven to be one of the healthiest root vegetables on the planet, offering an amazing number of benefits.
So many, in fact, it’s been the subject of hundreds of studies examining its chemical properties, antioxidant content, and potential uses.
All of that research has turned up a lot of fascinating information that highlights all the things ginger can do for you:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Data shows that ginger can have a marked positive effect on inflammatory diseases, everything from Crohn’s disease to psoriasis to rheumatoid arthritis. That’s due to ginger’s high content of gingerols, zingerols, and other potent antioxidants.
Protect against oxidative stress. The same research that highlighted the number of antioxidants in ginger also proved that it can protect your cells against oxidative stress and free radical damage. Ginger essentially staves off biological aging and the breakdown of your body at the cellular level.
Digestive aid. Research has proven that ginger can do wonders for your digestion. People suffering from nausea—both pregnancy-related nausea and chemotherapy-related nausea—have shown marked improvement after taking both raw ginger and ginger supplements. The enzymes in ginger do an amazing job of calming down your stomach and preventing digestive upset.
Possible arthritis aid. As I mentioned above, ginger has been proven to aid in rheumatoid arthritis, reducing the inflammation that causes pain and stiffness. But one study also showed that it can improve the “wear and tear” osteoarthritis, reducing the amount of pain you experience as a result of the arthritis.
Weight loss aid. One study demonstrated that people who regularly eat ginger have an easier time losing weight, improved metabolic profile, and both a lower body weight and lower waist-hip ratio.
Improves blood sugar control. In the same study that demonstrated ginger’s weight loss ability, it was also proven that ginger helped to lower fasting glucose levels and decrease insulin resistance. Put together, this means ginger may be a potent supplement to help manage or prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
Fights high cholesterol. That same study also proved ginger had a positive effects on your blood cholesterol and lipids. Among those who consumed ginger for the study, HDL cholesterol levels were noticeably higher. HDL cholesterol plays a key role in controlling the “bad” LDL and total cholesterol levels, and even small increases in HDL cholesterol can lead to huge improvements in your blood lipid profile.
Possible menstrual pain reliever. Though the data on this is still limited, one study [5] proved that ginger can aid in relieving menstrual pain. In fact, ginger was such an effective pain reliever that its effects were comparable to standard painkillers, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Further research is needed for concrete proof, but the data is clearly there to show that ginger has the potential to be a powerful painkiller.
Fights cancer. Research into ginger’s effects on cancer have proven some interesting things. Ginger may be effective at treating and preventing GI cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer [6], as well as colorectal cancer [7]. However, the anti-cancer research is still in limited quantity, and more human studies are needed for further evidence.
Wow! Pretty clear to see that ginger has the potential to offer a lot of anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
If your goal is to live a healthier, cleaner, longer life, your diet should include ginger in all its forms—raw ginger, pickled ginger, ginger tea, even dried and powdered ginger.
Thanks to the potent antioxidant content and anti-aging properties, ginger has the potential to be a game-changing addition to your life.
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