Exploring the benefits of ginger: A science-backed "super root"

By oliviacook // 2025-09-22

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Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol that combat oxidative stress, protect cells and may support long-term disease prevention.
Research shows ginger may aid in managing blood sugar, reducing inflammation and pain (e.g., in arthritis), supporting heart health and improving digestive and cognitive function.
Ginger's active compounds have demonstrated the ability to slow cancer cell growth and promote cell death in various types of cancer, though more human research is needed.
Ginger has been found effective in reducing nausea related to pregnancy and chemotherapy, offering a natural alternative to medications with fewer side effects.
Ginger may help enhance immune response, support respiratory health and aid in weight management by increasing metabolism and improving metabolic profiles.

Ginger from the Zingiber officinale plant has long been celebrated for its spicy kick and healing properties. Modern science has explored many of the claims that people have made about ginger over the centuries. While much of this research is in its early stages or has been tested in animals, several studies suggest that ginger could offer various health benefits when used as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle.

Protects cells from oxidative damage

Ginger is packed with antioxidants, including phenolic elements such as gingerol, paradol, shogaol and zingerzone, which help to fight oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress happens when there's an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, which can lead to cell damage and contribute to aging and chronic diseases. Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition showed that ginger extract increases antioxidant enzyme levels in the body and protects cells from oxidative damage, which is critical for maintaining overall health. These findings suggest that ginger's antioxidant effects could support cellular health and may even play a role in disease prevention over time.

Helps manage blood sugar levels

Ginger may be helpful for people looking to manage blood sugar levels – thanks to compounds like gingerol and shogaol. One study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that people with Type 2 diabetes who took 2-3 grams of ginger powder daily saw a 12 percent reduction in blood sugar levels over 12 weeks. This effect is believed to result from ginger's ability to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation associated with high blood sugar.

Supports anticancer activity

Research on ginger's compounds in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that ginger – with its natural compounds, including 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol – may support anticancer activity through various effects on cancer processes. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, ginger has been shown to effectively kill cancer cells and prevent their resistance to treatment, offering a dual mechanism of action that holds great promise for the future of cancer therapy. Here's a simplified overview of how ginger's compounds act across different types of cancer: Breast cancer. They block cancer cell growth by interrupting the cell cycle (the process cells use to divide) – causing cells to die through mechanisms like apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagy (self-digestion). Cervical cancer. They trigger apoptosis with visible cell changes like chromatin condensation (the packing of DNA tightly into structures before cell death) and cell membrane shrinkage. Colon cancer. They slow down cell division by halting cyclin proteins (molecules that help control cell division) and support transitions in cell states that may suppress tumor spread. Head and neck cancer. They increase cancer cell death by lowering protective proteins (mutant p53, survivin) while raising levels of Bax (a pro-apoptosis protein). Endometrial cancer. They increase apoptosis by raising the expression of the protective protein p53 while lowering Bcl-2, which normally prevents cell death. Gastric cancer. They disrupt cancer cell energy balance and prompt cell death through mitochondrial pathways (processes tied to the cell's energy producers). Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). These compounds block signals (like P13K/AKT/mTOR) that help cancer cells survive and multiply – promoting pathways that lead to cell death. Lung cancer (non-small cell type). By disrupting the cancer cell's energy balance, ginger compounds activate cell death pathways – increasing the cell's sensitivity to apoptosis. Ginger compounds also sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis by blocking recycling processes in cells (autophagy flux). Melanoma. They induce cell death by blocking several pathways (ERK1/2, p38,m Akt) that help melanoma cells survive. Ovarian cancer. They reduce factors that promote blood vessel growth in tumors and encourage cell death by activating protective proteins like p53. Pancreatic cancer. These compounds promote autophagy by stimulating AMPK (a positive regulator) and suppressing mTOR (a negative regulator) – disturbing cell energy balance and leading to autosis (a form of cell death caused by unbalanced autophagy). Prostate cancer. They stop cancer cells from advancing in the cell cycle by reducing specific proteins that help cancer cells resist drugs.

Helps reduce nausea

One study published in Women and Birth found that ginger was as effective as some medications at reducing nausea during pregnancy – offering a natural option with fewer side effects. In recent studies on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, ginger has shown some potential as a supportive addition to standard antinausea treatments. In the largest trial to date, published in Support Care Cancer, researchers tested three different doses of ginger alongside standard antinausea medication. The trial found that doses of 0.5 grams and 1.0 grams of ginger significantly reduces immediate (but not delayed) nausea for cancer patients.

Helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain

In cases of chronic joint pain, such as in osteoarthritis, a review in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that ginger extract taken over several weeks helped reduce pain and improve joint function in people with knee arthritis. Ginger's effects on inflammation can be attributed to its ability to inhibit substances like prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain pathways.

Supports cognitive health

In a study published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginger extract was found to improve memory and cognitive function in middle-aged women – suggesting a possible benefit for maintaining brain health. While research in humans is limited, these findings hint at ginger's potential to support cognitive health as we age.

Supports digestive health

Research published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that ginger sped up gastric emptying in healthy individuals – potentially relieving discomfort after meals.

Supports heart health

Some studies suggest that ginger might help improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting – all of which are important for a healthy heart. The gingerols and paradols in ginger are thought to play a key role in these cardiovascular benefits. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that daily ginger intake significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein or LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein or HDL (good cholesterol) in people with high cholesterol. Additionally, the antiplatelet properties in gingerols may help reduce blood clot formation – potentially lowering the risk of certain heart-related events (e.g., heart attacks or strokes), though more research is needed to confirm these effects in larger populations.

Boosts immune health

A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that ginger extract can enhance immune response – potentially helping the body fight off common pathogens like cold viruses. This effect may be due to the presence of gingerols, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties – potentially making it useful in managing symptoms of colds and other respiratory infections.

Supports reasonable weight management goals

A review in Critical Reviews in Food Sciences and Nutrition found that ginger could help increase the thermic effect of food – essentially raising the body's metabolism temporarily after eating. Research in animal models has shown that ginger supplementation reduces body weight and improves metabolic profiles. Although more human studies are needed, adding ginger to a balanced diet might be helpful for those on a weight management journey.

Supports respiratory health

Research in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology suggests that ginger compounds 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol help relax the muscles surrounding the airways, which could reduce symptoms in people with asthma. Visit Veggie.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about ginger for microwave sickness, heart health, MCAS, Reynaud's syndrome and more. This video is from the Non-toxic Home channel on Brighteon.com.

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