9 Major Benefits of Ginger for Body & Brain

Ginger benefits

9 Major Benefits of Ginger for Body & Brain

Ginger has been known to benefit many aspects of our bodies and the way that it functions. These benefits are largely due to the fact that it is packed with antioxidants. It also carries anti-inflammatory properties and content of therapeutic compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone.

 

Now that you know what makes it so good for us. Let’s learn about the ways it actually helps our bodies how can you incorporate it into our diets. Here’s what you need to know about this powerhouse of nutrition.

 

Ginger Nutrition

Ginger has an array of various important vitamins and minerals. It also contains gingerol, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Let’s talk about portions. 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of raw ginger contains approximately:

  • 80 calories
  • 17.8 grams carbohydrates
  • 1.8 grams of protein
  • 0.7 grams of fat
  • 2 grams dietary fiber
  • 415 milligrams potassium (12 percent DV)
  • 0.2 milligrams copper (11 percent DV)
  • 0.2 milligrams manganese (11 percent DV)
  • 43 milligrams magnesium (11 percent DV)
  • 5 milligrams vitamin C (8 percent DV)
  • 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (8 percent DV)
  • 0.7 milligrams niacin (4 percent DV)
  • 34 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
  • 0.6 milligrams iron (3 percent DV)

There is also a small amount of calcium, zinc, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamin present in ginger.

Although it contains many healthy components, it’s important to keep in mind that only a small amount of ginger is consumed at one time. In order to truly benefit from the goodness within. Combine it with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods to meet your micronutrient needs.

Now let’s take a look at how it works in positive ways in our bodies.

 

9 Benefits of Ginger

  1. Helps Alleviate Nausea

Used traditionally as a natural remedy for morning sickness, ginger is perhaps most well-known for its ability to treat nausea.

One review looked at the results of 12 studies comprised of 1,278 pregnant women. They found that ginger was effective at decreasing symptoms of nausea with minimal risk of side effects. Another study from the University of Rochester Medical Center showed that ginger helped reduce nausea severity in patients receiving chemotherapy.

 

  1. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is essential to overall health. However, high levels of cholesterol that build up in the blood can cause blockages and increase the risk of heart disease.

One of the greatest benefits of ginger is its ability to naturally lower cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of heart problems.

A study conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences found that ginger was able to significantly reduce bad LDL cholesterol and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol.

 

  1. Eases Menstrual Pains

The side effects of mensuration are not fun. Many women look for ways to ease the pain of the cramps and headaches that tend to occur each month. While some turn to medications that provide symptom relief. Natural remedies like ginger can be just as useful for easing menstrual pain.

In the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, it notes that ginger was just as effective at reducing menstrual pain as medications like ibuprofen.

 

  1. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, adding it into your diet could help treat both muscle pain and arthritis.

One study showed that daily consumption of ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury.

 

  1. May Inhibit Cancer Growth

Thanks to the presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol, ginger works as a powerful force against cancer.

More research is needed to determine how the anti-cancer properties work on humans. However, test-tube studies show that ginger and its components may be effective in blocking cancer cell growth.

 

  1. Eases Inflammation

Inflammation has a terrible rep no and days. However, it can be a normal, healthy immune response to injury and infection. Although this may be the case, chronic inflammation is known to be a major contributor to conditions like heart disease and cancer.

One review in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine noted that ginger extract help inhibits certain markers of inflammation. Besides gingerol, it also contains other anti-inflammatory compounds like shogaol, paradol, and zingerone.

 

  1. Improves Brain Function

On the note of ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties, it’s important to highlight the effects it has on brain function. Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s have been linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the brain. On top of its work against inflammation, it is also packed with antioxidants and is believed to play an important role in the health of your brain.

A 2012 study even found that ginger extract helped improve cognitive function and attention in middle-aged women.

 

  1. Promotes Proper Digestion

One of the most powerful benefits is its ability to support digestive health. One study found that taking ginger capsules with a meal actually doubled the speed of stomach emptying.

It also prevents problems like dyspepsia, a condition of impaired digestion characterized by symptoms like pain, fullness, and discomfort.