Ginger, a stem of the plant called Zingiber officinal, is native to Asia where it has has long been used as a flavorful seasoning and as a remedy for a range of ailments, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although it is considered an alternative medicine, research has shown that ginger products may be a potent treatment for certain health problems.
Digestive Improvements
Ginger is used worldwide to treat indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. One of its most popular uses is as an anti-nausea remedy for pregnant women with morning sickness. Ginger may help reduce digestive troubles by blocking serotonin receptors in the stomach that can cause nausea, by helping dilate vessels and warm the body and by decreasing damaging products in the digestive tract that lead to nausea, according to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. A 2008 study in the “European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology” found that participants who had fasted briefly then had 1,200 mg of ginger before eating a bowl of soup were less likely to have digestive discomfort than those who had the placebo. Researchers believe ginger helped reduce potential nausea by helping the food quickly empty from the stomach and enter the small intestine.
Inflammation Reduction
Ginger extract is commonly used in traditional medical practices to reduce inflammation-related health problems such as ulcerative colitis and arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In a 2003 study published in “Osteoarthritis Cartilage,” patients with knee arthritis reported having less pain and handicap during the three months that they consumed ginger than during the three months that they had the placebo. Additionally, researchers found that the swelling in participants’ knees – an objective measurement of reduced inflammation – reduced significantly in participants when they had the ginger.
Other Potential Benefits
Preliminary research suggests that ginger may reduce your cholesterol and help reduce blood clotting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These effects may help protect your blood vessels from becoming narrowed, rigid or blocked, thus lowering your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Some research also shows that ginger components may reduce your risk of certain cancers. For instance, a 2011 study in the “British Journal of Nutrition” found that ginger extract helped stop the growth of cancer cells and induced some cell death in prostate cancer cells.
Considerations
Small doses of ginger shouldn't be harmful in most cases, though you may have gas, heartburn and nausea if you are sensitive or if you take larger doses, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Also, certain components in ginger may interact with other medications or supplements, so ask your doctor to recommend and supervise your intake. Don’t take any supplemental ginger or eat excessive amounts of ginger without your doctor’s consent if you have gallstones, if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger
- “British Journal of Nutrition”; Benefits of Whole Ginger Extract in Prostate Cancer; P. Karna, et al; 2011
- “Osteoarthritis Cartilage”; The Effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on Symptomatic Gonarthritis; I. Wigler, et al; 2003
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Ginger
- “European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology”; Effects of Ginger on Gastric Emptying and Motility in Healthy Humans; K. Wu, et al; 2008
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center; Mother Knew Best: Ginger’s Medicinal Benefits; N. Fawcett; 2006
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