The ginger plant is a native plant of Southeast Asia and is closely related to cardamoms and turmeric. The root of the ginger plant, also called the rhizome, is a common spice used across the globe because of the numerous health benefits of ginger. Recently, ginger has become a very popular nutraceutical product, as many nutraceutical companies have been increasingly selling ginger supplements, ginger chews, and other products containing ginger. The ginger extract market is projected to grow by 5% through 2025.
Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian, Indian and Caribbean cuisines. The plant is also a go-to home remedy for a myriad of ailments. The ginger root is loaded with multiple compounds like fibers, terpenes, lipids, and phenolic compounds. It can either be taken fresh, ground, powdered or as an extract.
The health benefits of ginger are very well known among many consumers already. This blog post will provide an overview of some of the health benefits of ginger, to show why various food and beverage companies may increasingly choose to add ginger to their products.
Some of the Health Benefits of Ginger
We will focus on some of the more common and proven health benefits of ginger, although there are other pending claims out there. There is emerging evidence, though limited, that ginger can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers further suggest that it may also be effective against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. However, more research is needed before we can make any solid recommendations about these claimed health benefits of ginger.
Helps with Nausea and Indigestion
Ginger offers relief against upset stomachs. The root effectively relieves pregnancy-related nausea or morning sickness. Researchers noted that various enzymes in ginger helps break up and expel built-up gas in the intestines. Furthermore, the root also helps relieve motion sickness and nausea related to chemotherapy treatment. However, pregnant women should be cautious when taking ginger. Usually, excessive amounts can be detrimental to the health of expectant mothers. Therefore, you should seek a medical doctor’s opinion before indulging in ginger during pregnancy.
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can literally be a pain in the gut. The condition occurs when the material inside your gut system is not emptied quickly enough. Ginger can offer some relief to those suffering from chronic indigestion. Some studies indicate that ginger speeds up the emptying of your digestive system. This effect may help prevent or relieve symptoms of indigestion such as constipation.
May Help With Arthritis
Arthritis is increasingly becoming a common health condition today. It is characterized by the deterioration of joints in the body. The condition may cause your joints to swell and cause further pain around the knees. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and swelling. The root can be used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis and even rheumatoid arthritis. You may take ginger orally or compress it into a sticker patch.
Fighting Infections
Ginger contains high concentrations of gingerol, which is its main bioactive compound. Gingerol is responsible for most of the health benefits of ginger. According to some studies, gingerol has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Therefore, ginger root is an effective remedy against various oral bacterial infections that cause gum disease. The plant is also used as a homemade remedy for flu and the common cold. The rhizome may also help reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body. Free radical damage, if left unchecked, can result in various chronic diseases that may jeopardize your health.
Weight Loss
Several animal and human studies point to the positive effects of ginger on weight loss. This impact can be attributed to ginger’s potential to increase digestive activity resulting in more calories burned. Ginger can also help reduce the blood insulin level, a precursor to obesity. However, ginger is not necessarily a quick fix for obesity. To make tangible weight loss gains, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Takeaway
Ginger is, by all means, a superfood and a must-have in the kitchen. The plant is loaded with bioactive compounds that are beneficial to your body. Furthermore, the rich aromatic scent and spicy flavor make it an excellent pairing for most meat dishes and curries. There are a large number of health benefits of ginger, mainly relating to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger has no known side effects and can be taken by anyone. Moreover, the root is widely available, and you can easily incorporate the plant into your diet. Nevertheless, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions should consult a doctor before self-medicating with ginger root.
Companies may begin to increasingly produce ginger nutraceutical products in the future.
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