Health Benefits of Ginger

The health benefits of ginger range from treating common symptoms to more debilitating and troublesome issues. Those in the Asian community have known about the health benefits of ginger for centuries, and have used this herb for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Ginger can be enjoyed as an addition to many teas, including green tea, or grated and added to rice, vegetables and numerous other side dishes.

As mentioned previously, Asian medicine has used ginger as an ingredient to treat many ailments. One of these ailments was upset stomach and gastrointestinal relief. Ginger’s ability to provide relief for this type of ailment has been proven true by modern day studies. As well, ginger has been shown to be very successful at providing relief for those who suffer from motion sickness and seasickness. This also includes nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Those individuals who suffer from these types of conditions and symptoms are strongly recommended to give ginger a try, including pregnant females suffering from nausea and vomiting.

The health benefits of ginger do not end with upset stomach and gastrointestinal relief. Ginger has also been proven to be a sufficient anti-inflammatory compound. This effect has been attributed to the compound gingerols found within the herb. The health benefits of ginger are also helpful to those suffering from arthritis related problems, such as pain in the hands, knees and other joints. Ginger can help reduce the pain and swelling often associated with such a condition.

One of the most promising health benefits of ginger currently is its potential to stimulate cell death in ovarian cancer cells. As lab experiments have shown and confirmed, gingerols, the active ingredient in ginger, killed ovarian cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death (referred to as apoptosis). These results have suggested great potential in treating ovarian cancer.

In addition to these health benefits of ginger, this herb can also help treat headaches and migraines, boost immune system health, and provide warmth on cooler days. In order to get these health benefits of ginger, one does not have to have large amounts of this food. In fact, only a few slices of ginger can provide the necessary treatment to the above-mentioned ailments if taken. One smaller size piece of ginger, about one ½ inch slice, is all that is needed in order to fight off the effects of nausea of dizziness when added to tea. A couple slices as well is all that may be needed in order to fight arthritis pain and swelling. It should be noted, however, that in order to achieve the health benefits of ginger more optimally, ginger should be consumed regularly.

Ginger provides a sweet-smelling and pungent aroma that can add additional flavor to a number of dishes. Additional zest can be added to rice dishes or stir-fries by only adding a small amount of ginger. As well, ginger may be added to shakes and other health beverages for additional nutrient and health benefits.

As can be seen, the health benefits of ginger are far-reaching and quite effective. Be sure to give ginger a try in addition to your other health-fortified ingredients.