5+ Reasons to Include More Ginger in Your Life

Apart from being one of the most delicious spices on the planet, ginger also has a bunch of powerful medicinal properties. This is why it has also been in use since centuries for the natural treatment of several health disorders. Ginger is packed with bioactive compounds and nutrients, which makes it one of the best herbs to add more of to your meals.

So whether you’re planning to have your own herb garden and grow ginger yourself, or are just taking a trip to the supermarket to stock up on your veggies, you know it should be there on your list. Keep reading to discover some of the best reasons to include more ginger in your life (and on your plate).

Fights Infections

Ginger is known to contain gingerol- an active ingredient that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, which thereby significantly lowers the risk of infections. In particular, ginger and ginger extracts have been found to be effective against the RSV virus, which causes infections of the upper respiratory tract, and oral bacteria which tend to cause gingivitis, periodontitis and other inflammatory diseases of the gums.

Curbs Muscle Pain & Soreness

Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory action, which is why, it is often recommended as a natural remedy for those suffering from arthritis and other related autoimmune disorders. What’s more, it has also been found to help reduce muscle pain and soreness, which often follows exercise.

Reduces Heart Disease Risk

The use of ginger for heart disease is still to be studied, but certain preliminary findings have revealed that this herb has powerful anti-diabetic action. Its intake was found to effectively reduce blood sugar levels and also reduce the levels of markers that are known to be responsible for heart disease.

Treats Chronic Indigestion

Ginger is one of the most potent natural remedies for indigestion and other conditions of the digestive system. Those suffering from chronic indigestion can find significant relief in pain and other symptoms associated with the condition, and its consumption has been found to speed up the emptying of the stomach.

Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels

Higher levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol in blood is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, and ginger tackle just that! Studies have linked the consumption of ginger extracts to a great reduction in the blood cholesterol levels, which can also be compared to the effects of atorvastatin- a cholesterol lowering drug.

Prevents Cancer

6-gingerol, which is present in ginger, is actually an active ingredient that helps control the growth of cancerous cells. Some preliminary findings have also revealed that ginger extracts could be effective against ovarian cancer, breast cancer and even pancreatic cancer.

Improves Brain Function

Ageing and chronic inflammation tend to speed up cognitive decline, giving rise to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger helps reverse that by improving brain function. It has been found that the bioactive compounds and antioxidants present in ginger can stop the inflammation that causes the cognitive decline, thereby improving working memory and offering protection against Alzheimer’s disease and other similar disorders.