What Happens If You Eat Ginger Everyday? Top 10 Health Benefits

The rhizome of the ginger plant is probably one of the most popular superfoods on our planet, and that we can attribute it to its own particular taste and its many health benefits.

It was found that the rhizome of the ginger plant was one of the wildly used herbs in traditional Ayurveda, Chinese, Europe, and America.

So we can call the ginger plant, probably one of the most popular superfoods on our planet, and that we can attribute it to its own particular taste and its many health benefits.

Ginger uses in Ayurveda

There is a famous saying in Kerala called `Chukkillatha kashayamilla’ (which means there is no concoction without `chukku’ or dry ginger). In almost all Ayurveda medicines, `chukku’ is a common ingredient because of its carminative and digestive properties (Kannan, K. and Nair, K.P.V,1992).

It is because of its carminative and digestive properties it is used in many ayurvedic formulations. According to Ayurveda, the root cause of all diseases is due to indigestion at all levels of metabolism.

So a daily intake of ginger as an ingredient is good enough to keep sickness away. According to Ayurveda principles, dry ginger helps to controls and balances all three doshas. But it may increase Pitta if consumed in excess.

Consume of fresh ginger can increase Pitta so it should be prohibited in high Pitta levels such as inflammation, heavy bleeding, or fever.

Consuming ginger can be best for digestive systems as it stimulates appetite, increases Agni (digestive fire), bloating from gas, and heavy bleeding. It also helps prevents menstrual cramps, maintains heart health and hemorrhoids.

Fresh ginger is the best sweating stimulant for colds, coughs, vomiting, and Vata imbalance. Dry ginger is hotter and drier than fresh ginger and acts better as a stimulant and mucus reliever, nurturing Kapha and aiding digestion.

Dry ginger and fresh ginger use in Ayurveda

Ginger is known for its many uses, according to Ayurveda ginger are useful to improve various conditions

• Anahahara : fullness of abdomen, relieves gas, bloating
• Bhedini : relieves constipation
• Hikkahara : relieve hiccups
• Jihva Vishodhana: clears tongue, and relieves white coating
• Kasahara : useful in cold and cough
• Kaphavatahara : Balances Vata and Kapha
• Kantamayaapaha : helpful in throat disorders
• Kaphahara : asthma, useful in productive cough and balances Kapha
• Ruchida : useful in relieving anorexia and improves taste
• Shwasahara : chronic respiratory disorders and useful in the treatment of asthma
• Shoolajit : relieve abdominal colic pain
• Shophahara : anti-inflammatory, edema, relieve swelling
• Svarya : improves voice
• Vamihara : relieve vomiting
• Vibandhahara : relieves constipation

Ayurvedic Properties

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent)
• Guna (qualities): Guru, Rooksha, Teekshna (Heavy, Dry, Sharp)
• Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion): Madhura (sweet)
• Veerya (potency): Ushna (hot)

Tridosha Effect

• It balances Kapha dosha.

Part Used

• Rhizome (Both fresh and dry)

Dosage

• Powder 1-2 g
• Syrup 2-5 ml
• Fresh Juice 5-10 ml

In a single or divided dose per day.

What Is Ginger And Ginger Root?

Ginger is usually confused with turmeric for its form and image. The truth is that they are closely related together with cardamom. The underground stem of the ginger plant is known as the ginger root and is well known for its medicinal properties.

The Health benefits of ginger have been documented around the world for thousands of years as in various civilizations in ancient Ayurveda( Sanskrit texts) Chinese, Roman, Greek, and Arabic[1].

Ginger Nutritional Information

100 grams of raw ginger have approximately[ 2]:

• 80 calories
• 17.8 Grs. of Carbohydrates
• 1.8 Grs. of Protein
• 0.7 Grs. of fats
• 2 Grs. of Dietary Fiber
• 12% DV Potassium
• 11% DV of Copper
• 11% DV of Manganese
• 11% DV Magnesium
• 8% DV of Vitamin C
• 8% DV of Vitamin B6
• 4% DV of Niacin
• 3% DV of Phosphorus
• 3% DV of Iron

12 Benefits And Properties Of Ginger

• Helps treat nausea
• Protects against stomach ulcers
• May inhibit cancer growth
• Relieves joint and muscle pain
• Improves brain function
• Relieves inflammation
• Fight fungal infections
• Relieves menstrual cramps
• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Reduces cholesterol levels
• Blocks bacterial infections
• Promotes good digestive system health

1. Helps treat nausea

Ginger has been used for many years as a natural remedy to relieve nausea and vomiting. An analysis of 12 studies consisting of 1,278 pregnant women found that ginger helped decrease nausea symptoms with minimal risk of side effects[3].

On the other hand, another study showed that ginger helped reduce the severity of nausea in patients treated with chemotherapy[4].

2. Protects against stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form on the wall of our stomach and cause indigestion, fatigue, heartburn, and discomfort. Numerous studies found that ginger helps prevent stomach ulcers.

A study carried out in 2011 showed that powdered ginger protects against ulcers induced by the consumption of aspirin, by reducing the levels of inflammatory proteins and blocking the enzymes related to their development[5].

3. May inhibit cancer growth

Ginger has been found to possess strong anti-cancer capabilities thanks to the presence of a compound called 6-gingerol.

Test-tube studies have shown that ginger and its compounds are effective in blocking the growth and development of cancer cells in the ovaries, pancreas, and prostate[6, 7, 8]. However, more research is needed to determine the properties of ginger against cancer in general.

4. Relieves joint and muscle pain

Thanks to its great anti-inflammatory capacity, ginger helps treat both muscle and joint pain related to arthritis. Daily consumption of ginger has been shown to help substantially reduce muscle pain caused by exercise[9].

On the other hand, another study carried out in people with osteoarthritis (usually in the knees) showed that the consumption of ginger extract helped reduce knee pain and the need for pain medications[10].

5. Improves brain function

Some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have been linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation of the brain. With its great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, we could deduce that ginger can play an important role in brain health.

Some studies have shown that ginger extract could protect against brain aging and cognitive decline[11, 12]. On the other hand, a 2012 study showed that ginger helps improve attention and cognitive function in middle-aged women[ 13].

6. Relieves inflammation

Inflammation is originally a healthy, autoimmune response to injury and infection, but chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease[14].

A review of studies from the International Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that the compounds gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone present in ginger can help to inhibit the synthesis of some inflammation markers[15].

Another benefit of ginger that remains to be demonstrated but has appeared in the prevention of blood clots (reducing the possibility of heart attacks) thanks to its natural acids that thin the blood[16].

7. Fight fungal infections

Yeast infections can cause a wide variety of conditions, such as jock itch or athlete’s foot. Thanks to its antifungal properties, ginger helps kill the fungi that cause these diseases.

A 2016 study showed that ginger is effective against two types of fungi that commonly cause infections in the mouth  [17]. On the other hand, another study conducted tests to measure the antifungal effectiveness of plants and found that ginger is the most effective in killing fungi[18].

8. Relieves menstrual cramps

Unfortunately, there are side effects such as pain, cramps, and headaches associated with menstruation in many women. While many turn to over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms, some natural alternatives like ginger can be just as helpful.

A study conducted found that ginger reduces menstrual pain as effectively as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid [19]. Another study in 2009 showed that it reduces both the intensity and duration of menstrual pain[20].

9. Regulates blood sugar levels

We all know that high blood sugar levels cause many negative symptoms, leading to the possibility of causing problems such as diabetes or nerve damage.

Research has shown that ginger helps promote blood sugar balance. A study conducted in 2015 found that eating ginger on an empty stomach reduced blood sugar by 12% and improved the long-term index by 10% [ 21].

10. Reduces cholesterol levels

Elevated cholesterol levels can cause blockages in our blood ways, increasing the risk of heart disease. One of the biggest benefits of ginger is its ability to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels naturally, reducing the chances of cardiovascular problems.

A study carried out found that the consumption of ginger could significantly reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing the amounts of good cholesterol (HDL) compared to a placebo group  [22].

Another study showed that ginger is as effective in improving cholesterol markers as atorvastatin, a drug commonly prescribed for this condition[23].

11. Blocks bacterial infections

In addition to having antifungal properties, ginger is a great antibacterial, effective against urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or bronchitis, among others.

In a test-tube study, ginger was shown to help inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria related to gum disease [24]. On the other hand, another study found that ginger is also effective against various strains of bacteria resistant to some drugs[25].

12. Promotes good digestive system health

One of the most prominent properties is its ability to support digestive health and prevent problems such as indigestion or dyspepsia (slow transit), which often lead to pain, heartburn, fullness, and discomfort.

According to a study conducted, ginger helps stomach emptying by 25% compared to a placebo in people with indigestion [26]. On the other hand, another study found that taking ginger capsules with a meal doubles the speed of stomach emptying[27].

Who Should Not Take Ginger?

There are no short-term or long-term side effects of ginger, consuming or external use of ginger. But one must take precautions in such conditions like[28]:

Ingestion: Ginger is likely safe, but may cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn, general stomach discomfort, and belching. The risk of side effects may occur if taken higher doses of 5 grams per day.

Skin Application: Ginger is possibly safe for short-term use but can cause skin irritation in some people.

Pregnancy: Ginger is likely safe to eat when taken orally as a medicine during pregnancy. But in some cases can increase the risk of bleeding, which is why some experts do not recommend using it closer to the delivery date. But it seems like it can be used safely for morning sickness without harm to the baby. So consult your doctor about using ginger in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Ginger is probably safe to eat, but there is not enough reliable source of information to know if it is safe to consume large amounts of ginger while breastfeeding. Be careful and avoid using.

Children: Ginger is possibly safe to be taken by mouth for 4 days in adolescents early in their period.

Blood clotting disorders: Taking ginger may increase the risk of bleeding.

Heart disease: High doses of ginger can worsen some heart conditions.

Surgery: Ginger can slow blood clotting, so can cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. So stop consuming ginger at least 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery.

How To Consume Ginger?

Ginger has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and contains therapeutic compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone that are responsible for a large number of benefits.

We already understood that ginger is a great superfood for anyone, but how do we go about consuming it?

Ginger can come in different formats:

• Ginger powder
• Ginger in capsules
• Root ginger (fresh)
• Ginger tea
• Ginger Lemonade
• Lemon and ginger juice

Ginger as an ingredient gives amazing flavor to the drink or food. In the case of wanting to add fresh ginger to your diet, It recommends cutting some slices and adding it to your drinks for extra spice. It can also be grated or blended to add to soups, salads, or sweets to enhance its flavor.

On the other hand, ground or powdered ginger can also be used to cook baked goods, desserts, and sweets. A very tasty addition to sauces, stews, or curries.

According to Ayurveda, the root cause of all diseases is due to indigestion, and for that ginger is a best medicine to keep you away from all illnesses.