Ginger’s benefits stem from its historical use in food and medicine in many parts of the world. So why is ginger good for you?

Scientists have found that ginger’s benefits for health may be associated with one of a group of active compounds in ginger root called gingerols. The main active, gingerol, has been found to help prevent nausea, decrease joint pain, improve digestion, maintain healthy sugar levels, and burn fat in those who have experienced weight gain.

The benefits of Ginger

Ginger is available in supplements such as capsules and tablets, as well as in tea. There are many health benefits of drinking pure ginger tea. Ginger tea is a warm, fragrant, caffeine-free herbal tea that many people drink to help with acid reflux and to enhance digestion. Ginger root tea is often used during cold weather to help people with poor circulation and may even be useful for those suffering from cold hands and feet. Additionally, ginger tea for pregnant women is generally without side effects and might help to prevent nausea and morning sickness if it is taken in moderation.¹

Increasingly more attention is being paid to ginger for weight loss in people who are overweight or may have metabolic syndrome. Ginger shots are often taken by people for weight loss and though they may not help directly as a ‘fat burner’, they may help indirectly by their effects on metabolic syndrome which is a group of conditions which increases your risk factors for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.² Excess weight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low levels of good cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels are the main risk factors. Individually, each of these increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but when you have three or more of these, then the risk increases significantly. Ginger may be beneficial in helping to reduce the impact of some of these risk factors.

Ginger has been shown to reduce enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugar and so it helps with sugar metabolism. Improved blood sugar metabolism helps with weight loss too, as less insulin (fat depositing hormone) is required to burn sugar for energy.

A study involving patients taking ginger supplements found it decreased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol levels including bad cholesterol known as LDL.³

It is clear that taking ginger supplements helps to reduce the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Ginger also displays powerful antioxidant and pain relief properties which is why it is often recommended for symptoms of arthritis as well as inflammatory conditions such as menstrual cramps. In a double blind, clinical trial involving two hundred and sixty-one patients with moderate osteoarthritis in the knee, ginger showed promise in alleviating knee pain.⁴ Unlike over-the-counter medications for pain relief which provide instant relief, ginger supplements provide pain relief for the long term.

Ginger and its side effects

Although used to improve digestion, high strength ginger in capsules, tinctures and tablets may cause stomach discomfort and heartburn. High dose ginger supplements may also interact with blood thinning medications so avoid taking these and opt for ginger tea.

What ginger supplement should one take?

The active compound in ginger is gingerol. This is the compound that displays antioxidant properties. Gingerol also reduces levels of inflammatory enzymes to provide pain relief. Dried ginger root provides some anti-inflammatory benefits but not as much since gingerol changes to different compounds when heated.

For those seeking a gentle way of taking ginger, Bravo Tea Absolute Ginger Tea contains dried ginger root which still provides multiple benefits for healthy digestion, preventing nausea and bloating, with some pain-relief benefits. This ginger tea contains 100% pure ginger root sweetened with a small amount of monk fruit which is a zero-calorie natural sweetener.

As far as ginger supplements are concerned, Lamberts Ginger Capsules is one of the best ginger supplements. This ginger supplement provides a concentrated ginger extract from fresh ginger root containing high levels of gingerols to provide all the benefits I have mentioned above. 

REFERENCES

1. Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza C. G. Ginger-an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food. 2005;8(2):125–32.
2. The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjectsCrit Rev Food Sci Nutri. 2019;59(11):1753-1766. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1427044. Epub 2018 Feb 2.
3. Saudi Med. J. 2008 Sep;29(9):1280-4. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Nov;44(11):2531-8. Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trial
4. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis