While there is no research on whether ginger snaps can make a stomachache go away, ginger itself can relieve symptoms of some types of nausea. Ginger snaps might be worth a try if you have a stomachache, particularly if you have morning sickness and find that your condition improves with a small snack. Results will vary from person to person; some people might feel sicker due to the sugar and fat ginger snaps contain. Consult with your doctor before treating a stomachache with an herbal remedy.
Ginger Snap Nutrition
Ginger snaps may contain a variety of ingredients, but most include powdered ginger, flour, butter, eggs, molasses and sugar. Because recipes vary significantly, it is not possible to give a definitive nutrient count for ginger snaps; however, most recipes rely on plenty of saturated animal fat, such as butter or lard, to create a crispy cookie. Additionally, most recipes contain a significant amount of sugar. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, both saturated fat and sugar should be only a small portion of your daily dietary intake. Additionally, saturated fat and sugar may exacerbate an upset stomach.
About Ginger Root
Ginger is a thick, knotty, light-brown root that has been used medicinally for centuries. Chinese medicine employs ginger to aid digestion and treat upset stomach, diarrhea and heart conditions. The herb is commonly a cooking ingredient, adding a zingy, inimitable flavor to vegetables, meats, grains and sweets in international cuisines. The plant grows in moist, tropical conditions. Its active components are volatile oils and phenol compounds, including gingerols and shogaols.
Ginger Effects
According to MedlinePlus, ginger may reduce nausea associated with morning sickness, surgery and dizziness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research about ginger and motion sickness is inconclusive; medication may be more effective. For morning sickness, 1 gram per day for 4 consecutive days shows positive results. More research is needed to establish whether ginger is a safe anti-nausea measure for people undergoing chemotherapy.
Other Studies
Gingerols and shogaols may do more than just mitigate nausea. According to the University of Arkansas, they have the potential to strengthen the heartbeat, decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Gingerols have a cardiotonic effect on animals. Cardiotonics support heart function. Gingerols may also strengthen the human heartbeat, but large doses may cause an irregular heartbeat; at this time, research does not substantiate its use for the heart. Gingerols are also being studied as an anti-cancer agent, but research to date does not substantiate this use. According to New York University, ginger could have a negative interaction with strong blood-thinning drugs, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding problems.
Member Comments