Why is ginger good for you? Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. We include products we think are useful ground ginger our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since ancient times. It is a popular home remedy for nausea, stomach pain, and other health issues. People typically use fresh or dried ginger in cooking, and some take ginger supplements for their possible health benefits. In this article, learn more about the possible health benefits of ginger and the research behind them. Ginger may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and other healthful properties.
Below are some of the possible medicinal uses of ginger. Consuming ginger may help improve digestion. Several studies have investigated ginger’s effects on the gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion. Some research indicates that enzymes in ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort. Ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion. In addition, ginger may help increase movement through the digestive tract, suggesting that it may relieve or prevent constipation. Which other foods may help with digestion?
Authors of a 2011 review of studies arrived at similar conclusions. They also called for further studies in humans to fully understand the effects of ginger on nausea and other gastrointestinal issues. Here, learn which foods can help relieve nausea. However, the evidence supporting this remedy is mostly anecdotal. In 2013, researchers studied the effects of fresh and dried ginger on one respiratory virus in human cells. The results indicated that fresh ginger may help protect the respiratory system, while dried ginger did not have the same impact.
Also in 2013, a small study set out to investigate the popularity of herbal medicine as a cold or flu treatment. However, while ginger was among the most popular ingredients in these remedies, some of the participants may not have used it. Which foods and drinks can help ease a sore throat? Meanwhile, a 2016 review of studies concluded that ginger may help reduce dysmenorrhea — pain right before or during menstruation. However, the authors acknowledge that the included studies were often small or of poor quality. However, they noted that the studies included in their meta-analysis were small and may not represent the general population.