10 extraordinary health benefits of ginger

(NaturalHealth365) Ginger has long been recognized as a flavorful and versatile herb around the kitchen. But you may be surprised to learn that it also has many benefits beyond your favorite culinary creations.

If you have ever taken ginger ale to relieve an upset stomach, you probably have some inkling as to its effectiveness as a natural remedy. But you would probably be surprised to discover that settling a queasy stomach is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many health benefits associated with this extraordinary herb.

Ginger has powerful healing properties

Ginger is very well-researched, with studies supporting a long list of traditional uses passed down for generations. The use of ginger may support a broad array of antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and even anti-parasitic, effects. It has also been credited as an anti-inflammatory agent, opening the door for its potential use in treating many chronic illnesses.

Ginger can be consumed fresh, dried or in extract form. It can also be made with tea or in the form of a supplement. (Editors note: You can try potent ginger extract in easy-to-swallow gel cap form with Thorne Research ZingiQOL available here.)

Here are just 10 of the many beneficial uses for this versatile herb:

1. Normal blood circulation

Because it contains the minerals zinc, magnesium and chromium – which help to improve blood flow – ginger is known for helping to support normal blood circulation. It may also aid in preventing chills, fever and excessive sweating. In addition, there is evidence from one study that ginger could aid in the prevention of a heart attack.

2. Prevention of colon cancer

The same substance that gives ginger its distinctive flavor appears to play a role in inhibiting the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, according to a University of Minnesota study. The results of the research strongly suggest ginger compounds may work as effective treatments for colorectal carcinomas. Other studies have suggested ginger is effective in the treatment of several other aggressive cancers, including cancers of the lung, ovaries, breast, pancreatic, prostate and skin carcinoma.

3. Diabetes prevention

There is evidence that ginger may play a role in diabetes prevention. Recent students have found that ginger is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of the disease, along with its ability to lower blood sugar, fats and cholesterol. Research also supports the use of ginger for lessening the complications of diabetes and reducing bodily damage caused by the disease.

4. Natural antibiotic

There are many reasons to avoid the overuse of antibiotics, from the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to the need for maintaining healthy intestinal bacteria. Ginger appears to offer a healthier alternative, exhibiting effective antibiotic action. Research also supports the use of ginger as an antibacterial against respiratory and periodontal infections.

5. Anti-inflammatory

Many chronic diseases that are the most prevalent in today’s society can be traced to inflammation. Research has shown that ginger can be very helpful in managing the symptoms of chronic illness. Ginger has also been shown to have the ability to inhibit nitrous oxide production and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may have an effect on neurodegenerative diseases. The ability to lessen inflammation could make ginger useful in treating arthritis, prostate disease, cancer prevention and general inflammatory.

6. Detoxification

The toxins and impurities in today’s environment are at war with our bodies on a daily basis. Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, GMOs, bacteria, viruses, pollutants, EMFs and the effects of processed food all contribute to diminishing health and aging. But studies suggest that ginger has a preventive effect on a wide array of toxins, lessening the toll they take on the human body.

7. Relief from nausea and gastric distress

Your grandmother was right when she was serving you that ginger ale for an upset stomach. Research supports the use of ginger in alleviating nausea and gastric distress. It is known to promote a healthy intestinal environment and contains an anti-spasmodic agent to relieve pain of gastric distress. Ginger ale is also well known for its ability to relieve symptoms of motion sickness, nausea and morning sickness. It is also associated with prevention of ulcers.

8. Protection from radiation

Research has shown that ginger can provide significant benefits against the effects of radiation. For example, one study found it helped diminish problems of vomiting and taste distortion from radiation poisoning. Ginger is most effective as a preventive treatment, with evidence lacking as to any benefit after exposure.

9. Menstrual pain relief

A double blind study found ginger to be as effective at relieving menstrual pain as common over-the-counter remedies, such as ibuprofen.

10. Reduced arthritic pain

Studies have shown that ginger is just as effective as commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals at relieving pain due to inflammation of gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In fact, there is evidence that ginger may be even more effective.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17010224
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16187193
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/41747.php