It’s common knowledge that ginger is good for your health but what exactly ginger does do?
Apart from its role as food aroma or spicy, other therapeutic values such as antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, aphrodisiac, anticancer, hepato-protective, digestive aid, immune stimulating properties etc. have been associated with ginger [2]. Ginger is composed of carbohydrates, lipids, water, fibres, proteins and minerals. (Nutakor, Essiedu, Adadi, Kanwugu 2020).
At present, for the western population, ginger is used mostly as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, however, ginger also has analgesic properties and it used to be a go-to for menstrual pain relief, migraines, or osteoarthritis. Ginger acts as an analgesic due to its antioxidant action – The analgesic effect of ginger is due to its antioxidant action by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins through inhibition of the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Yousefi, R. (2023).
Also, it can help with other diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, rheumatism, dementia, hypertension, and infectious disease, among others – Ginger and its general compounds such as Fe, Mg, Ca, vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds (gingerdiol, gingerol, gingerdione and shogaols), sesquiterpenes, paradols has long been used as an herbal medicine to treat various symptoms including vomiting, pain, cold symptoms and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumour activities, anti-pyretic, anti-platelet, anti-tumourigenic, anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant anti-diabetic, anti-clotting and analgesic properties, cardiotonic, cytotoxic. It has been widely used for arthritis, cramps, sprains, sore throats, rheumatism, muscular aches, pains, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, hypertension, dementia, fever and infectious diseases. Shahrajabian , M.H., Sun , W. and Cheng, Q. (2019)
Ginger can be used for analgesic effects, memory improvement and memory loss caused by age, nausea, and obesity – ginger has shown positive results for obesity treatment and therefore diabetes prevention – liver, heart diseases and cancer – Ginger extract has anticellular, antitumor, antiinvasive, and anti-inflammatory effects and is effective against oxidative and inflammatory processes associated with cancer. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activity against chemical and radiation stimuli. Yousefi, R. (2023)
How can ginger help with irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic condition consisting of abdominal pain with changes in bowel habits. The effectiveness of treatments for IBS is limited and about 40% of patients use alternative medicine to treat their symptoms.1 The most popular alternative medicine in a large study of 600 IBS patients was ginger. Chaiyakunapruk, N. et al. (2014)
Ginger has been found effective in controlling nausea and vomiting caused by factors such as pregnancy, surgery, and gut pain. Due to this, it is believed that ginger may also have positive effects in managing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Additionally, ginger can help alleviate other symptoms such as constipation, flatulence, and bloating. Ginger has the potential to be included in IBS treatment as it is an affordable alternative. However, further research and study is still needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Ginger and it’s Mental Health Benefits
Ginger is a natural component used in traditional medicine to help manage vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Also, ginger showed positive results in the prevention of both diseases. However, its benefits still need further study and research – Ginger and its constituents’ pharmacological and therapeutic properties will need to be studied in more depth in order to help treat and prevent memory problems Jagtap, S.R. et al. (2022)
Numerous studies have reported that the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation contributes to the development of these diseases. In general, oxidative stress could induce proinflammatory cytokines and reduce cellular antioxidant capacity. Increased oxidative stress levels beyond the production of antioxidant agents cause oxidative damage to biological molecules, including DNA, protein, and carbohydrates, which affects normal cell signalling, cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis and leads to disease pathogenesis. Since oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to these diseases, ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the potential herbs that can be used to reduce the level of oxidative stress and inflammation. Mohd Sahardi, N.F.N. and Makpol, S. (2019).
Ginger can benefit:
- Metabolic, cardiovascular, and digestive diseases.
- Cancer.
- Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Nausea and Vomiting.
- Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial effects.
- Pain relief.
- Weight Loss.
- Improves Immunity.
Please note that this information does not replace professional advice. If you have any doubts, always seek advice from a professional in the relevant field.
