Benefits of Ginger Root
Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It’s within the same family as turmeric and is also packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and bioactive compounds that offer significant benefits to your body and brain. The benefits of ginger root go beyond its ancient medicinal benefits like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other helpful properties.
Ginger root comes in many forms nowadays, so you don’t need to consume the root itself on a daily basis anymore. It can come in a convenient powder, in capsule form, so you can reap the multiple benefits of ginger root on a daily basis.
Benefit #1 – Ginger Root and Digestion
Several studies have shown that ginger root is highly effective against pain and discomfort in the stomach, and nausea, including nausea related to morning sickness. Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery and chronic indigestion, which is characterized by pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach.
More studies conducted on ginger root and digestion include ginger root’s effects on the gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion. Research indicates that ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort. Ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion. In addition, ginger may help increase movement through the digestive tract, suggesting that it may relieve or prevent constipation.
Benefit #2 – Pain Relief
Research has shown ginger to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. However, research has shown that ginger does not have an immediate impact but can be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. This is believed to be mediated by ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Another study has shown ginger to significantly help with dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). One of the longest, traditional uses of ginger is for the pain relief of menstrual pain. In this study, ginger was shown to help support comfort during menstrual pain.
Benefit #3 – Improved Brain Function
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process as well as the complications that come with it. Inflammation is a topic of a great deal of ongoing brain-health research, and ginger root has shown to help support a healthy inflammatory response in the brain, due to the antioxidants and bioactive compounds it possesses.
The same study also found to improve reaction time and working memory, as well as protect against age-related decline in brain function.
Benefit #4 – Ginger Root and Cellular Health
Because of its excellent source of antioxidants, ginger can help support the body’s defenses against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when too many free radicals build up in the body, and free radicals are compounds produced by metabolism and other factors. The body needs to eliminate these free radicals to help prevent everyday cellular damage.
While the benefits of ginger root are not considered a cure-all, using it regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle can help support overall wellness.
Benefit #5 – Ginger Root and Cardiovascular Health
The same anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger may help support overall cardiovascular wellness. Ginger has shown to help support blood pressure and blood lipid levels already within a normal range.
While this area of research is relatively new, ginger may help support blood sugar levels already within a normal range as well. Eating ginger can’t offset an otherwise poor diet high in saturated fat and added sugar. You’ll still have to exercise, consume more veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, fish, legumes, and beans in order to support your overall long-term health.
Benefit #6 – Easing a Cold or the Flu
Utilizing ginger can help you recover from a cold or the flu. Gingerol, the bioactive substance within fresh ginger, can help support the body’s defenses. Ginger root in capsule form may also help support healthy gums and overall oral health, as well as respiratory wellness.
Benefit #7 – Ginger Root and Weight Loss
Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols. These compounds work to stimulate biological activities within your body, not directly addressing excess pounds, but works to prevent cardiovascular damage and other side effects of being overweight while you work to bring your weight to a healthy number.
One study has shown that consuming ginger keeps you fuller longer. Gingerol within ginger root helps to digest food faster and stimulate the body to speed digested food through the colon. In addition, this effect helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, which is key to losing weight.
It’s important to remember that the benefits of ginger root are not a cure-all. In order to lose weight, one must consume ginger root along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Benefits of Ginger Root
Ginger root is a superfood and truly deserves that name. However, to experience the full benefits of ginger root, one must take high-quality supplements rather than simply adding fresh ginger root to your diet. With all the supplements offered out there, be sure you use only the best – organic, no additives or fillers, single herbs.
To learn more about Greenbush Natural Products and our pure, potent herbs that work, contact us here!