Ginger’s Amazing Health Benefits
Ginger isn't just for spicing up your meals. It's also a powerful medicinal herb that can help tame nausea, balance blood sugar, and more.
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Many people are already aware of ginger’s awesome ability to soothe an upset stomach and end nausea. By stimulating saliva, it may aid digestion, and it has long been a favorite home remedy for upset stomachs for a very good reason: It works. In a 1982 study, the herb performed better than Dramamine in warding off seasickness, and a 2003 study concluded that “ginger may act as a novel agent in the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.” Its active ingredient, gingerol—which is responsible for the pungent taste—is an antiemetic, meaning it has the property of preventing nausea and vomiting.
Research also shows that gingerol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In one study of 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, those taking ginger extract experienced less pain overall and required less pain medication.
This powerful herb can also lower blood sugar. A 2015 study found that diabetics taking 2 grams of ginger powder daily lowered their fasting blood sugar by 12 percent over the course of three months.
If you take blood-thinning medication (such as Coumadin), check with your health practitioner, since ginger also tends to have a blood-thinning effect.
Try our Dairy-Free Ginger Dreamsicles recipe!