Ginger: 7 reasons you should add this wonder ingredient in your diet

The Indian kitchen is filled with some of the best ingredients loaded with the best of nutrients. They offer many health benefits. One such centuries-old remedy that offers relief and support for your overall well-being is ginger. This humble root is a powerhouse of health benefits. From offering soothing effects on the stomach to potent anti-inflammatory properties, there are multiple benefits of ginger that you should know.

Ginger is a type of plant in the Zingiberaceae family, which offers numerous health benefits. It also has a strong, slightly sweet flavour. The plant is indigenous to southern China, and ginger’s rhizome, or root, is used in cooking and medicine in both fresh and dried forms. Used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, ginger is a potent root that offers several health benefits.

Health benefits of ginger

Here are the health benefits of ginger that you must know:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the journal Molecules found that ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding it to your diet may help reduce inflammation and offer relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis. Several studies have shown positive effects on reducing pain and improving joint function in individuals with these conditions.

2. Aids digestion

Have you been facing indigestion issues lately? You can add ginger to your diet. Studies have shown that ginger has long been used as a remedy for gastrointestinal issues. Studies have shown that ginger has a positive effect on the amount of time it takes a person to digest food. Adding ginger to your diet may also help you get rid of digestive problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, feeling too full, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

3. Relieves menstrual pain

Painful menstrual periods may be common in irregular periods, but some medical conditions like endometriosis can also cause the problem. Excessive pain that makes you miss work or school could be due to a condition called dysmenorrhea. Several studies, including the one published in the Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found that ginger may help relieve dysmenorrhea.

4. Keeps cholesterol in check

Did you know that increased cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease? It is best to keep cholesterol levels in control to keep diseases at bay. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that ginger contains properties that reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. However, you should avoid consuming high doses of ginger.

5. May lower blood sugar levels

Ginger may even contain anti-diabetic properties that will help you lose weight. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research found that people with type 2 diabetes who ate ginger every day noticed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. Studies have also shown that ginger helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce complications related to diabetes.

6. Reduces heart disease risk

Including ginger in your diet helps you reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn can help decrease cardiovascular disease. While studies have shown that eating ginger can have positive effects on your heart health, more studies are required to confirm these effects.

7. May have anti-cancer properties

Some preliminary studies suggest that ginger may possess anti-cancer properties and could inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. A study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that ginger contains anti-cancer properties. However, further research is essential to validate these findings and understand the mechanisms involved.

While ginger is loaded with an array of nutrients, it is not a magical ingredient that will help ward off infections and diseases. It is important to check with your doctor before including it in your diet, especially if you have an underlying disease. Plus, you should always eat it in moderation to avoid complications.