7 Reasons Why You Need Ginger In Your Life

The Dumbledore of herbs, the Yoda of spices. Ginger is the enlightened grandfather of the plant-based kingdom, who’s wisdom shines through everything it touches. Ginger is powerful.

Zingiber offinale Roscoe has a wealth of history for its use in eastern traditional medicine. It can also be referred to as ‘Mahausahdi’, which translates to ‘the sensitive plant’ (34).

Recognized mostly for its role in Chinese and Indian cuisine, this warm, sweet and spicy herb helps treat the symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, nausea, and stomach cramps – just to name a few (1).

In Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic systems in the world, it is used as an antiemetic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory.

This knowledge has been available in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries – they were aware that essential oils from medicinal plants embodied biological activity, and were laced with antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant benefits (2, 3).

To call ginger a healing plant is a massive understatement. I strongly emphasize you include this heavenly herb in your weekly diet, as truly nothing else compares to it. 

Below are the 7 most important reasons why you need ginger in your life right now.

1. Cardiovascular Health

Ginger is incredible for cardiovascular health.

Through its stimulation of the heart muscle, it dilutes blood flow and assists the process of blood circulation. As a result, this enhances the cellular metabolism and thereby helps alleviate pain stemming from cramps and muscle tension (6).

A 6-week study on 24 diabetic rats investigated the effects of ginger extract. The results were indicative of a reduction in heart abnormalities and other diabetic symptoms. Daily consumption of ginger is additionally associated with a decreased risk for hypertension (26, 27, 28).

The use of ginger as an alternative treatment for some chronic heart and cardiovascular diseases is becoming increasingly apparent.

2. Intestinal Health

Ginger has been used in India and China for over 5000 years as a tonic root. It was highly regarded for its curative properties, known to enhance the immune system and cleanse the digestive tract (18).

The digestive health benefits from ginger are also in relation to nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Ginger prevents these altogether, and is a highly esteemed antiemetic in the world of herbal remedies (4, 5).

Ginger has an excellent carminative effect, as it regulates the expulsion of gas. I call it a fart facilitator. It expels the toxins that are held in the intestine, including those related to nausea and sickness, and consequently boosts immunity. This is in direct relation to its antiemetic attributes (25).

3. Morning Sickness

Ginger is a popular remedy for pregnant mothers, as it is widely used to subside the negative side effects like nausea and loss of appetite (10). 

Several randomized double-blind studies report that ginger is very effective and safe to use during pregnancy. There have been very few cases of adverse effects, and it is believed to be more successful than the vast majority of morning sickness pills (25). 

The FDA has actually classified ginger as a safe and reputable treatment for morning sickness. Apart from its use amongst pregnant women, ginger is also widely used to ease menstrual pains. This corresponds with the its copious anti-inflammatory attributes (7).

4. Anti-Inflammation

As documented by numerous studies and research, ginger is a proper ailment for inflammation, pain, and rheumatism.

Shogaol, one of the prominent constituents of ginger, has extreme antioxidant potency. Antioxidants scavenge and eradicate free radicals, which are detrimental to health and cause further inflammation through oxidative stress (3, 5).

Shogaol additionally targets inflammation in regions of the body affected from gout and osteoarthritis (21, 22).

Ginger extract has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation in rats through the suppression of NF-kB, which is a signalling pathway in the body that is generally believed to be the root cause for inflammation. NF-kB activation is linked to:

• Atherosclerosis
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Psoriasis

This research suggests that Ginger may be a valuable anti-inflammatory agent for these conditions (19, 20)

Ginger supports the functions of muscle tissues in bodily functions. For the same reason, it is recognized as a muscle relaxant. There is no surprise as to why it is one of the most popular herbal remedies for inflammation (23, 24).

5. Anti-Cancer

The anti-neoplastic, anti-tumour and chemo-preventative properties of ginger present immense value for a variety of cancer treatments.

Ginger has 3 primary components responsible for its anti-cancer attributes, namely Shogaol, Gingerol, and Zerumbone. Each of these compounds contains a heavy load of antioxidants.

The anti-inflammatory agent Shogaol, briefly discussed above, also exhibits exceptional anti-proliferative activity. Through its anti-tumour properties, Shogaol inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells in the pancreas and breast (12, 13).

Gingerol has demonstrated noteworthy therapeutic potential of cancer in the breast, colon, and gastric regions of the body, thanks to its cytotoxic nature (10, 14, 15).

There have been numerous studies documenting the liver-protective qualities of ginger, specifically through its antioxidant content. Zerumbone, Shogaol and Gingerol all demonstrate anti-proliferative activity against liver cells and tumour growth (10).

Apart from the liver, Zerumbone also targets cancer in the pancreas, colon, cervix, and skin. Zerumbone possesses high antioxidant activity, which is likely the reason for its extreme potency. It minimizes carcinogenesis through inhibiting oxidative stress, proliferation, and angiogenesis (10, 16, 17).

One study investigated the effects of ginger extract on a group of ulcer-induced rats. The results indicated that ginger alleviated the gastric mucosal damage that was provoked through the ulcers. This suggests that ginger may provide adequate relief for gastric cancer as it promotes ulcer healing in that region (11).

Ginger is a cheaper, healthier, and more sustainable alternative than typical cancer drugs and treatments. More and more doctors of the west are beginning to work with natural products in conjunction with modern treatments – ginger has a promising nutraceutical future.

6. Cognitive Health

Various studies have demonstrated how the consumption ginger carries cognitive benefits.

One study on ginger extract displayed a synaptogenic effect on the hippocampus of mice and the glioma of rats. Synaptogenesis is essentially the formation of new connections between neurons in the nervous system. The results showed an improvement in learning and memory of the rats and mice (29).

Another study was investigated on 60 middle-aged, healthy women. The participants were given placebo, weak, and strong doses respectively for two months. Those who received the ginger doses showed an improvement in working memory and decision-making (30).

Ginger is also known to reduce migraine frequency and intensity.

It is thought that migraines are the result of constricted nerve pathways and arteries that connect to the brain. By acting as a circulatory stimulant, peripheral vasodilator, and antispasmodic, ginger can supply the brain with blood and nutrients, and consequently ease the pain (8).

7. Anti-Bacterial

Yes, ginger can also be used as an anti-bacterial agent.

Ginger extract inhibits bacteria growth through its various sesquiterpenoids, a group of reactive compounds, with zingiberene being the most active. Other prevalent anti-bacterial agents in ginger include bisabolene, farnesene and beta-sesquiphellandrene (31).

The anti-bacterial properties of ginger may also provide substantial treatment for respiratory diseases. Methanol and aqueous extracts of ginger were validated curatives against respiratory tract infections of 17 different bacteria species, in a cross-sectional study of 110 individuals (32).

The combination of honey and ginger rhizome is a highly potent bacteria-killing concoction. One study measured its strength against 3 of the most renowned anti-bacterial agents, namely methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin.

The results? The ginger & honey mixture was stronger and more effective than all three against MRSA, E. Coli, and pneumonia – three of the strongest bacteria’s in the world. Plot twist? (33).

This experiment illustrates highly treasured information. Not only is ginger & honey a much cheaper alternative than standard anti-bacterial agents, but it is much more sustainable and does not have any side effects. Truly, ginger is nothing short of spectacular.

Further research suggests that ginger can also be used as an

• Anti-microbial
• Anti-viral
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-parasitic (9)

Conclusion

Plant-based medicine has been engrained in the blood of our ancestors for thousands of years. Sometimes it is easy to forget the simple notions of health & well-being. When the science of the west merges with the wisdom of the east, that is when human consciousness will evolve.

Ginger has one of the longest lists of health benefits pertaining to all other herbal remedies. It supports the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Yet, the appeal to flavour food with this particular zest goes unnoticed by the vast majority of the western world.

The opportunity to boost your health comes with a tangy garnish – don’t miss out!