Ginger is a popular spice originating in Southeast Asia that is high in gingerol, a chemical with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties1.  

We will list 7 proven benefits of ginger in this blog and turn you into a ginger nut!

Anti-inflammatory

There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of

Osteoarthritis and other inflammatory problems.

Gastrointestinal relief

Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating. So if you’re ever heading out to sea and think you might get motion sickness, chew on a piece of raw ginger prior!

Treating heartburn and indigestion

Ginger performs 6 to 8 times better than conventional drugs when it comes to relieving heartburn and indigestion2.

Relieving toothache

If you’re ever suffering from a toothache, try using this spice as a home remedy. Many people even experience immediate relief from the tooth pain. You may find relief by rubbing raw ginger into your gums2.   

Pain reduction

The University of Georgia performed a study of 74 volunteers and found that ginger supplementation taken daily reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%3.

Clearing of sinuses

Eat a small piece of ginger to clear sinuses that can flare up during winter months, this will clear up  the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body4.

Protection

Ginger helps protect against toxic effects of environmental chemicals, such as parabens and other substances5.

With all the above benefits, no wonder Southeast Asia have been using it for thousands of years. Next time you’re at your local organic supermarket, be sure to grab some ginger to use in your next winter warmer tea, or add it to some stir fries for that added health benefit!

Tip: If you dislike the spiciness of ginger, chop finely or grind it up so that you can barely taste it! (Also it’s harder to pick out 🙂 )

References:

1. Joe Leech, Dietitian. “11 Proven Health Benefits Of Ginger (No. 5 Is Insane)”. Authority Nutrition. N.p., 2015. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
2. “Health Benefits Of Ginger – Prevent Cancer, Inflammation, And More”. Natural Society. N.p., 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
3. LD, Megan. “Ginger: Health Benefits, Facts, Research”. Medical News Today. N.p., 2016. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
4. “10 Healing Benefits Of Ginger”. Food Matters. N.p., 2016. Web. 1 Apr. 2016.
5. “Ginger’s Many Evidence-Based Health Benefits Revealed”. Mercola.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 1 Apr. 2016.