Ginger is a tropical flowering plant that originally grew in Southeast Asia but is now widely grown around the world. It belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae and is closely related to tumeric. It can be used fresh, dried or powdered.

The oil is also used in cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes. It is high in gingerol, a substance with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and other healthful properties.  Over the years, the best researched use of ginger is in combating nausea and vomiting. However, ginger has other health benefits that we shall be seeing today.

1. Treats Indigestion:

It is believed that delay emptying of the stomach is the major cause of indigestion. However, taking ginger had been proven to aid digestion as it speeds up the emptying of the stomach. This is because, ginger has beneficial effects on the enzymes, trypsin and pancreatic lipase which are important for digestion.

2. Reduces Inflammation:

Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory substances which makes it effective in easing joint pain due to inflammation from arthritis.

3. Helps to ease cold:

Fresh ginger has been shown to help protect the respiratory system and also drive out cold. It inhibits rhinovirus which can cause common cold.

4. Prevents cancer:

Athe gingerol in ginger is said to have protective effects against cancer. Ginger is therefore effective in the prevention and also treatment of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

5. Reduces blood sugar:

Ginger is said to have anti-diabetic property. This therefore makes it beneficial to diabetic patients as it can help lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors.

6. Reduce menstrual pain:

One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief of which menstrual pain is not left out. Ginger appear to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period.

7. Prevents infection:

Gingerol in ginger also helps prevent infection and boost the immune system.