While most of us might be aware of the digestive benefits of ginger, this humble root has far more to offer than merely reducing bloating and nausea. Not only can it help your body protect itself from germs like E. coli and shigella, but also minimize the harmful bacteria in your mouth, reduce muscle soreness and symptoms of arthritis, and even slow the growth of certain cancers.
Ginger has even been shown to lower blood sugar by helping the body use insulin more efficiently. The most common homeopathic use for ginger is to reduce feelings of nausea; and studies show ginger can even be strong enough to reduce morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. The reason it is so effective might have something to do with lowering gas built up in the intestine, assisting your body’s natural digestive enzymes, and increasing movement through the digestive tract, relieving or preventing constipation.
Even More Health Benefits!
If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps each month, a ginger supplement might be able to help you. According to one 2015 study, women who took a 1500 mg ginger powder supplement for three days during their period reported less severe cramps and a shorter duration of pain than those who took a placebo. Besides these benefits, regularly consuming ginger can also lower your “bad” cholesterol and even assist with weight loss, thanks to high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in compounds called gingerols.
These high levels of antioxidants work to protect the DNA from the presence of free radicals and oxidative stress, which also helps to prevent chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure or heart disease, while at the same time promoting healthy aging. So, whether you brew yourself a few cups of fresh ginger tea, add some more grated ginger to your cooking, or introduce a ginger supplement to your routine, the benefits speak for themselves!