Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is said to have originated in South-East Asia. Its long tradition as an exotic spice as well as an herbal medicine has made this root very popular around the world. In traditional Chinese medicine ginger has been prescribed over 2500 years. Ginger is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Ginger has generally no side effects, however it should be avoided in late pregnancy, as it may stimulate the birthing process.
Helps Calm Nausea and Vomiting
Clinical studies have proven ginger’s effectiveness in calming nausea and vomiting. Research has also confirmed its potential against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The majority of studies found a positive effect against this side effect of aggressive therapies. Ginger may be a powerful option for those suffering from toxic medical procedures like these. Sailors have long used ginger root to fight seasickness, and with good reason. One study divided naval cadets (who were inexperienced with sailing in rough seas) into three different groups. The first received anti-nausea medicine, the second a placebo, and the third ginger root. The researchers found that the group who’d had ginger experienced fewer symptoms of nausea and vertigo than the placebo group. Ginger doesn’t just work better than a placebo, either. A comprehensive review of six different studies concluded that ginger was “equally effective” as over-the-counter nausea remedies. So you get all the benefits – without the potential for negative side effects.
Prevents Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Ginger isn’t just a great spice to turn to when you’re nauseous and sick. It can keep you from getting sick in the first place! Its gingerol compounds lower your risk of multiple infections. Just how good is ginger at strengthening your immune system? A group of Nigerian researchers found that ginger was even more effective at killing
Staphylococcus aureus (staph infections) and
Streptococcus pyogenes than conventional antibiotics! This has important implications if you’re recovering in a hospital after an illness or surgical procedure, where bacterial infections are extremely common among the immune-compromised. Don’t fear the dentist: a bit of ginger will help keep gum disease at bay. Ginger also promotes a cleaner, healthier mouth. It inhibits the growth of oral bacteria linked to gum diseases, like periodontitis and gingivitis. Besides preventing bacterial infections, ginger has also been proven effective against fungal infections, like
Candida albicans, and others resistant to antimicrobial treatments.
Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger’s most remarkable compound, gingerol, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. That makes ginger a great choice if you’re experiencing pain in your joints, no matter the severity. Numerous studies found ginger effective even for people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in less pain and better mobility. Got arthritis? Try a little ginger. The anti-inflammatory properties will go a long way! These benefits are long-term and very real. One year-long study of people with arthritis pain in the knees compared a control group to those taking ginger every day. The ginger group reported much less subjective pain. But the circumference of the knees was also measured, and it began to drop in the ginger group by week 12! This offers an objective metric that ginger lessened the swelling. Researchers are still working to understand just how ginger’s anti-inflammatory effect works. However, a 2005 study revealed a plausible explanation: ginger suppresses
cytokines and
chemokines, pro-inflammatory compounds produced within the lining of joints, joint cartilage, and immune cells.
Clears Congestion
We’ve already touched on ginger’s incredible infection-fighting abilities. But if you still end up sick, you can rely on it for another reason. Ginger is a natural expectorant, which means it loosens up phlegm in your lungs and air passages and helps you cough it up. It’s helpful for a host of respiratory issues. Columbia University researchers found that ginger helps relax the muscles surrounding your body’s airways, which can constrict and make breathing difficult for those with allergies or asthma. Next time you’re dealing with stubborn chest congestion or a persistent cough, try whipping up some warm ginger and lemon tea and having it a few times a day. You’ll find yourself breathing easier in no time.
Digestive Tract Protection
Ginger has also been historically used for flatulence, constipation, bloating, and other digestive complaints. In addition to these gastro-protective effects, researchers have found ginger to be effective for stress related ulcers.
Brain Health
Ginger contains compounds that have demonstrated protective effects for the brain. One of them, known as 6-Shogaol, inhibited the release and expression of redness-causing chemicals known to cause damage to neurons in both in vitro and in vivo models. The other, 10-gingerol, when sourced from fresh ginger, similarly impacted production of nitric oxide and other chemicals that lead to redness and swelling in the brain.
Protection from UV Rays
Research data has shown ginger possesses UV absorbing capabilities that protect against DNA damage related to UVB (ultraviolet-B) light. Extracts from ginger stimulated antioxidant production, suggesting protective effects against potentially damaging UV light.
Supports Stable Blood Sugar
Ginger has repeatedly demonstrated powerful blood sugar balancing effects. It acts on insulin release and sensitivity, and supports the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. In one study, insulin levels were noticeably lowered with ginger supplementation. In addition to its effectiveness as a blood sugar stabilizer, ginger has also demonstrated powerful protective effects against diabetic kidney, eye and liver complications.
Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure
Thai medical practitioners have traditionally used herbs such as ginger to support healthy blood pressure. Extracts from ginger and other herbs used in Thai therapeutic recipes were evaluated for their effectiveness against hypertension. The ginger extract was the most effective.
Helps with Muscle Aches and Discomfort
A recent 2013 study has evaluated ginger for use in relieving muscle discomfort in female athletes. Over the course of this 6-week trial, participants taking ginger reported a significant decrease in muscle soreness as compared to the placebo.
May Benefit Cardiovascular Function
One of the active compounds in ginger, 6-gingerol, has been isolated, tested and determined an active factor in regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health. Based on the results, researchers are exploring the potentials of ginger as a remedy for cardiovascular problems.
Ginger is included in the following variants of
Evina Naturals Healtea:
- Ginger Strong
- Ginger Original
- Premium Ginger
- Premium Ginger & Lemongrass
- Ginger & Citrus (Kalamansi)
- Cardamom & Spice
- Anis & Fennel
