One of the most popular spices comes from a plant root that’s been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Now, modern scientific analysis of the natural compounds within this plant reveals proof that it’s a boon to your health, especially when it comes to fighting inflammation or an overactive immune system.
Let’s take a closer look at the ginger root...
Ginger is a spicy edible root that’s been used in medicinal tonics since at least 2000 BC when it first appeared in ancient Chinese medical texts.
In India, ginger was being referred to by its Sanskrit name (srngaveram, meaning horn root) by the year 1000 BC.
Today, we use the name “ginger,” which derives from its Middle English moniker, gingivere, which was first used a thousand years ago.
Traditionally, ginger was used to treat joint pain, nausea, headaches, blood pressure problems and the common cold. It was also sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. One reason for ginger’s many uses is its ability to fight inflammation.
Natural Inflammation Fighter
According to researchers, ginger “exert(s) a variety of remarkable pharmacological and physiological activities,” especially when it comes to inflammation. Many of these benefits can be connected to the compounds in ginger – including its most well-researched component, gingerol – that can work to limit damaging inflammation in the body.
Tests at the University of Michigan have focused on how gingerol’s anti-inflammatory power could be effective in fending off an overactive immune system.
In the Michigan lab tests, the scientists found that gingerol can restrain the misbehavior of immune cells called neutrophils. One way it does this is to inhibit the action of enzymes called phosphodiesterases – and that slows down the over-activation of neutrophils.
Cooling off the Inflammation of Chronic Digestive Distress
Another study in Japan shows how a compound found in tropical ginger called 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is especially effective at helping the body fight off inflammation while preventing or treating chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
These tests demonstrate that ACA protects mitochondria (energy-producing structures in cells) from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
When ACA defends mitochondria, it also blocks the action of a protein group that forms a “complex” called NLRP3 inflammasome. When this complex is unrestrained, it can kill cells in a manner that sets off the release of substances that inflame the body the way gasoline thrown into a fire sets off an explosion of flames.
Japanese researchers note that this function of ACA may help keep digestive distress linked to inflammation from causing widespread damage and pain within the body.
Ginger can also help people support healthy blood sugar levels.
Avoiding Complications of Problem Blood Sugar
Studies also indicate that ginger can be used to help improve the health of people who struggle with their blood sugar. For instance, in one study, people with abnormal blood sugar who were given 1600 mg a day of ginger extract improved their insulin sensitivity, lowered their triglycerides, and lowered their levels of inflammation.
After the study, researchers concluded that “Ginger can be considered as an effective treatment for prevention of [high blood sugar] complications.”
When researchers in Asia gave ginger to people undergoing chemotherapy, they found it improved their antioxidant levels and decreased their oxidative stress markers with no unwelcome side effects. These investigators noted that ginger beneficially “increases antioxidant enzyme blood levels and decreases oxidative stress blood levels.”
There’s even research that suggests ginger itself may be a potent antioxidant.
Gingerol Keeps Cells Healthy
Multiple studies have been conducted on the antioxidant activities of the different forms of ginger, from extracts to isolated components such as gingerol.
Those studies have examined ginger's ability to protect cells against unhealthy changes. These include its antioxidant activity, the tendency to cause cell-cycle arrest where needed, and its knack for suppressing proteins and signaling pathways that allow for cellular malfunction.
Reduces Nausea
One last note – ginger is well-known for relieving nausea. Now researchers in Germany have evidence that it may be useful as part of a hangover treatment.
The German study showed folks who had imbibed too much alcohol got some relief from a concoction that combined ginger with Barbados cherry (Acerola), prickly pear, ginkgo biloba, willow, and ginger root along with supplements of magnesium, potassium, sodium bicarbonate, zinc, riboflavin, thiamine, and folic acid.
The study indicated that this combination reduced nausea by 42 percent, restlessness by 41 percent, and headache intensity by 34 percent.
Other research has shown ginger’s effectiveness in reducing nausea and discomfort after surgery or conventional treatment for cancer.
My Takeaway
It’s clear that the ancient healers were onto something with their tonics of ginger root. While modern medical research is just starting to analyze the health benefits of the ginger plant, it appears this is one spice you can and should enjoy as often as you want.
In addition to using ginger to flavor your food, you can reap its many health benefits by consuming ginger teas and ginger extract supplements.
