Various forms of ginger have been used in Traditional and Ancient Chinese Medicine for centuries - but is ginger actually any good for you? Let’s take a look at some of ginger’s proven health benefits. 

Ginger Can Help Reduce Nausea

If you have an unsettled stomach, then ginger has proven itself to be highly effective at reducing feelings of nausea. Just 1-1.5 grams of dried ginger can significantly reduce sicknesses from a wide range of sources, including chemotherapy and morning sickness. So the next time you feel a little queasy, try sipping on some ginger tea. 

Ginger Is A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory 

Ginger is high in a compound called gingerol, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Although a small amount of inflammation in the body is normal, too much inflammation or the presence of inflammatory disease can lead to pain and problems. When taking ginger every day, many patients with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis notice a reduction in their pain levels and improved mobility. 

Ginger Supports Good Heart Health 

High cholesterol levels dramatically increase your risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. When it comes to cholesterol, there are two main types, good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Ginger has been proven to significantly reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, leading to total lower cholesterol and a reduced risk of developing heart disease. 

Ginger Can Help Type 2 Diabetics

Aside from helping to lower blood cholesterol levels, ginger has also been shown to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels, with one small study showing that just 2 grams of ginger per day could lower a person’s fasting blood sugar by 12%!

Ginger Helps To Reduce Menstrual Cramps

One of the many traditional uses of ginger was to treat pain - including menstrual pain. In one study conducted in 2009, a 250mg ginger supplement was found to be as effective as ib ibuprofen and mefenamic acid at reducing menstrual cramps when taken for the first three days of the women's menstrual period. More recent studies have echoed these findings, showing ginger to be as effective as common pain relief drugs. 

Ginger Is A Potent Antimicrobial

Another traditional use of ginger is as a topical medication to treat an infection. Ginger has strong antimicrobial properties and can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria. In particular, drinking ginger has been found to be very effective at reducing the level of harmful oral bacteria, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis if allowed to grow out of control. 

Ginger Could Help People Trying To Lose Weight

Although ginger isn’t a miracle weight loss cure, it has been found to have a positive effect on obesity. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, ginger can help reduce the side effects of obesity while also assisting people in losing weight by improving their digestion, stabilizing their blood sugar levels, and increasing their feelings of fullness. 

Ginger Has Anti-Cancer Properties 

Finally, there is some evidence suggesting that gingerol, the compound found in ginger, may help prevent some forms of gastrointestinal cancers. It may also be effective at reducing a person’s risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. At present, more research is needed, but the initial results have been promising. 

As you can see, ginger is most definitely good for you, and eating it regularly can provide many fantastic health benefits.