We have been using Ginger for different purposes in our kitchen. Our great grandfathers have found the virtues of using ginger years ago. Since then, we have been regularly using it for various purposes, including making of home remedies and various medicinal preparations.  

Ginger

Being a member of the family Zingiberaceae, it closely resembles cardamom, turmeric, and galangal in properties. It is a flowering plant seen mostly in South-east Asia. The rhizome (underground part) of the plant is used as the spice for various purposes. The rhizome is most often dubbed as ginger or ginger root. The rhizome part can be used fresh as such or converted to pulp by adding water or powdered before consuming it. It is sometimes found to be employed in the manufacture of processed food and cosmetics. 

Health Benefits of Ginger

The versatile spice ginger is used for various purposes. The researchers have looked into different aspects of its usage from the scientific standpoint. They have understood the properties that the active principle of ginger exhibit in various situations and documented them for the peer review. In this article, we will be walking the reader through different uses of this popular spice. 

Ginger Plant 

1. Medicinal Properties: The main active principle of ginger is called gingerol. It is this substance that gives the spice unique taste, flavor and fragrance. This bioactive compound shows powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The oxidative stress in the Body gets reduced substantially by consuming the ginger in any form. It is documented to reduce nausea, facilitate digestion, and help fight against the diseases like common cold, morning sickness. However, the pregnant ladies need to consult doctor before taking ginger in large amounts as it may induce vaginal bleeding and aggravate the clotting disorder. 
   
   
2. Weight Loss: The documents compiled by different researchers suggest about the role of ginger in inducing weight loss. For instance, a 2019 literature review found the evidence to suggest the role of ginger in reducing waist-to-hip ratio and body weight. The same literature also revealed that ginger burns the fat deposited in the body and reduces the obesity. 
   
   
3. Fights Osteoarthritis: This disease condition involves the gradual degeneration of the joints of the body, leading to the development of symptoms such as joint stiffness and pain. The researchers have seen the alleviation of these symptoms with the taking of ginger in the food. In another study, a combination of ginger with sesame oil, cinnamon and mastic is found to reduce the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.  
   
   
4. Combats Diabetes Mellitus: The research conducted various teams across the globe has brought out the anti-diabetic property of this wonderful spice. The studies have documented the dramatical improvement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is regarded as the unmissable marker for long-term diabetes. The regiment of taking the ginger-based product for 12 weeks is shown to reduce the HbA1c by 10%. 
   
   
5. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease: The consumption of ginger reduces the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 by 28% and malondialdehyde by 23%. These two markers increase during the oxidative stress of the human body. The high prevalence of these two biomarkers is found to be directly related to the heart disease.
    
6. Chronic Indigestion: This is characterized by the recurrent discomfort and pain the upper stomach area. This is mainly caused by the reduced bowel movement. The taking of this spice considerably improves the emptying of stomach bringing more relief to the human body. This improved bowel movement is seen even in people who have functional dyspepsia. This effect is seen in the people with no history of indigestion.
   
   
7. Protects Against Disease: Ginger has immense amount of antioxidants and other compounds that prevent the building up of stress. The stress-related free-radicals damage the cellular DNA as well. These compounds are known to fight off chronic diseases like heart diseases, blood pressure, lung diseases and facilitate the smooth transition of the body during ageing.