Benefits of Ginger Root: Anti-Aging and Cancer-Fighting

Ginger is commonly known for its use in cooking. What you may not realize is that it contains health and skin benefits as well. It has been dated back to ancient times to have medicinal benefits. Ginger contains a substance called gingerol, which is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.

Ginger Benefits on Health

1. Fights Germs

Ginger is a natural antibiotic. Studies have shown that it can fight many strains of bacteria. It is known to kill the bacteria that cause coughs, sore throats, periodontal disease, and other foodborne pathogens.

2. Calms Nausea and Upset Stomach

Some studies have shown that fresh ginger can be as effective as some anti-nausea medication to alleviate nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy, motion sickness, or chemotherapy. Ginger is also known to relieve upset stomach, painful periods, and symptoms relating to functional gastrointestinal disorder.

3. Soothes Sore Muscles

The anti-inflammatory properties in ginger help to treat muscle pain and soreness caused by exercise. Ginger does not immediately alleviate the pain but may be effective in reducing the daily progression of soreness.

4. Relieves Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Arthritis and osteoarthritis result from degeneration of the joints and swelling. The anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger can reduce the swelling relieving joint pain and stiffness. Ginger taken orally or by using a ginger patch on the skin may help with discomfort.

5. May Have Cancer-Fighting Qualities

Studies have shown that ginger may slow down the growth of some cancers like colorectal, gastric, ovarian, liver, skin, breast, and prostate cancer. Other studies also have claimed that 6-gingerol in ginger inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells.

6. Lowers Blood Sugar

Ginger helps to manage your blood sugar level. Diabetes is a result of the pancreas not being able to produce insulin or the body’s lack of ability to use insulin, a hormone that manages blood sugar levels. Ginger helps to stimulate the production of insulin. It is not a cure for diabetes but can provide relief of symptoms and reduce complications.

7. Lowers Cholesterol

Studies have shown that a daily dose of ginger has helped lower LDL lipoproteins, which is bad cholesterol. Those with high levels of LDL have an increased risk of heart disease.

Ginger Benefits on Skin

1.  Improves Acne

The antiseptic properties in ginger help to improve acne by killing acne-causing bacteria. Ginger is packed with soothing and comforting chemicals to alleviate inflamed skin from acne. Hyperpigmented scars from acne are also lightened thanks to vitamin C in ginger.

2. Fights Against Aging

Ginger contains about 40 antioxidant properties to protect skin from free radical damage and increase collagen production to improve skin tone and elasticity.

As you can see, ginger has many benefits on health and skin. It can be taken orally through supplements or adding fresh ginger to your diet, or applied topically to improve physical and skin health.