Benefits of ginger for human health

Proven Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
Here are health benefits:

Ginger contains gingerol

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China.
It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger.
Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Ginger can treat many forms of nausea

It has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, and there is some evidence that it may be as effective as prescription medication.
Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.

Ginger may reduce muscle pain

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
These effects are believed to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory properties.

Antibacterial Properties

Ginger is an effective antibacterial for many drug-resistant bacteria.
The antibacterial benefits don’t stop there. In oral health, two types of ginger have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens that contribute to periodontitis (inflammation of the gums that is caused by gum bacteria). The antibacterial properties that ginger possesses show that food truly is medicine.

Blood-Sugar Regulator

Diabetes is the most common disease of the endocrine system. One of the causes of diabetes is chronic hyperglycemia—the clinical term for high blood sugar. Supplementing with ginger reduced fasting blood sugar levels as well as hemoglobin A1c levels.
Since ginger reduces blood sugar levels and A1c, it’s safe to say that ginger helps regulate the mind-body system to keep blood sugar levels in check and prevent chronic hyperglycemia.

How to Use Ginger

Ginger is pretty spicy, so may not enjoy its taste. Luckily, there are many options for those who love ginger and those who may be new to the root.
Fresh ginger root: This is the most potent form of ginger, but also the most versatile. Can slice it and steep it in hot water for tea, mince it into stir-fry dishes, juice it, add it to your smoothies. Dried ginger or ginger juice is great for a mid day snack.
Ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in similar ways to fresh ginger. It can be steeped in hot water for tea or added to your favorite recipes. Powdered ginger is also great to use for baking.
Ginger tea: As mentioned, can make ginger tea using fresh ginger or ground ginger. These are great to have on hand if feel nauseated or want to settle your stomach after eating.
Ginger chews: Ginger chews are like ginger candies and tend to be more mild in flavor and can be taken anywhere.
Ginger oil: Ginger oil can be taken internally or rubbed topically to treat pain. Ginger essential oil has many soothing properties and is useful to use for massages.