Ginger has been used for flavor and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In 2018 alone, 2.8 million tons of ginger were produced. But what does ginger do for your body? It’s not just for nausea; ginger can also delay diseases, guard the brain, and hinder the growth of bacteria. Here is what happens to your body if you eat ginger daily.
Ginger Has Been Medicinal For Thousands Of Years
Ginger was first used in southern China. From there, trading spread to India, western Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and eventually Europe. Even thousands of years ago, ginger was known as a healing herb. Confucius ate it with every meal. In 14th century England, a pound cost as much as a flock of sheep! But why was it so valuable?
The Ancients Knew Of Its Healing Properties
The ancients mainly used ginger to preserve meat, but they also knew of its healing properties. According to 2015 research, Iranian traditional medicine used it to improve digestive health and memory. These medicinal benefits overlapped with spiritual. For instance, the Austronesian peoples used ginger to protect ships against spirits. But many of ginger’s healing associations ended up being true.
Thank The Cause Of Its Smell, Gingerol
Ginger contains the bioactive compound gingerol. Not only does gingerol create the root’s unique smell, but it is also responsible for most medicinal properties. According to a 2014 study in Natural Product Communications, gingerol can “exhibit a variety of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation.” These benefits might prevent chronic illnesses.
How Do Antioxidants Help?
According to Harvard Health Publishing, antioxidants are any compound that eliminates free radicals. Free radicals lack the proper amount of electrons, so they damage cell membranes and DNA by stealing their electrons. Antioxidants supply these electrons, which prevents damage from free radicals. In 2004, research in Biofactors confirmed that ginger contains a high amount of antioxidants.
As An Anti-Inflammatory, Ginger Might Prevent Diseases
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness and wounds. While inflammation can be good, researchers from Vanderbilt University stated that they can overkill cells. Too much inflammation can mess up hormones, insulin, and fat tissue. Over time, chronic, low levels of inflammation can contribute to a long list of diseases. Ginger counteracts this through its anti-inflammatory properties.
It Might Even Lower The Risk Of Chronic Diseases
Because free radicals and chronic inflammation contribute to a variety of diseases, ginger can counteract this. In 2016, a study in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology concluded that gingerol might prevent chronic diseases. Studies have linked ginger to treating diabetes, coronary heart disease, fatty liver disease, and others. Researchers saw evidence of that in a pool of 4,628 participants.
Eat It To Relieve Nausea
As the ancients predicted, ginger is highly effective against nausea. Several studies have confirmed that nausea can soothe an upset stomach. The British Journal of Anaesthesia reported that ginger can aid motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. However, it cannot stop vomiting episodes. Even ginger tea can alleviate stomach upset.
Cook With Ginger For Chronic Indigestion
Chronic indigestion, which is consistent pain in the upper part of the stomach, usually results from delaying emptying of the stomach. Ginger can speed up stomach emptying, according to 2019 research in Food Science & Nutrition. In 2011, study participants with functional dyspepsia (indigestion with no known cause) ate ginger before soup. They had less stomach discomfort afterward.
Ginger Inhibits The Growth Of Bacteria
Why was ginger used to preserve meat? According to 2015 research in PLoS ONE, ginger extract inhibits the growth of bacteria. As an anti-bacterial, ginger can even suppress harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella typhi. That does not mean that ginger can help you eat raw meat, but it can keep you healthy.
It Really Can Protect Memory And Fight Alzheimer’s
Remember the ancient Iranian remedy of using ginger for memory? There is some evidence for that. In 2012, an animal study suggested that ginger could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. According to research in Drug Design, Development, and Therapy, ginger alleviates inflammation in the brain. This inflammation can gradually degrade the brain over time.
