Here’s what happens inside your body when you eat ginger

It’s not by chance that ginger has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of years.

Modern research continues to confirm what traditional medicine has long believed: this humble root has some truly impressive benefits for health.

The edible portion is the root itself, and it’s easy to spot in grocery stores everywhere.

I’ll admit, I don’t eat ginger very often. Not because I don’t like it, but because I tend to forget to put it in my cart. After reading through this list, though, that excuse won’t hold up anymore. This is one superfood people really should know more about.

1. Ginger supports heart health
Research has shown that ginger consumption can help lower cholesterol levels. In one 45-day study, 85 people with high cholesterol took 3 grams of ginger powder daily. By the end of the study, their cholesterol levels had dropped significantly. Lower cholesterol is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

2. Ginger helps fight the common cold
You may have heard that ginger can ease cold symptoms or even help prevent a cold from fully developing. There’s truth to that. Ginger contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Gingerol, the active compound found in fresh ginger, has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of infections.

3. Ginger eases nausea
Nausea is unpleasant, and ginger can be surprisingly effective when you’re feeling queasy. Research shows that ginger can help relieve nausea related to pregnancy, surgery, and other causes.

4. Gentle on the stomach
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for stomach issues such as gastroenteritis and general digestive discomfort. It helps reduce gas, supports digestion, and can be useful in cases of diarrhea.

5. Ginger may relieve migraines
Daily ginger intake is believed to help counteract inflammatory substances in the blood vessels of the brain. It can also reduce the nausea often associated with migraines. One study comparing ginger to the migraine medication sumatriptan found them to be similarly effective. In a trial involving 100 people with acute migraines, ginger produced comparable relief, with fewer side effects than the drug.

6. May help with weight management
Ginger improves digestion and supports metabolic processes. While it won’t cause weight loss on its own, it can be a helpful addition to a balanced lifestyle. A study from Columbia University found that consuming ginger in the morning helped reduce feelings of hunger. The study also suggested that eating ginger can help burn around 43 calories.

7. Reduces muscle soreness
Ginger has been shown to help alleviate muscle pain. In a study conducted by the University of Georgia, participants who consumed ginger daily experienced a 25 percent reduction in muscle soreness.

8. Boosts circulation
If you often feel cold, ginger may help. This warming root is known to improve blood circulation, which can help your body feel warmer. It works well eaten fresh or brewed into a hot drink.

9. Helps with menstrual cramps
Ginger has traditionally been used to ease menstrual pain. In one study, 150 women took one gram of ginger powder daily during the first three days of their menstrual cycle. The results showed that ginger was just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain.

10. May help protect against cancer
Although more research is needed, some studies suggest ginger may help counteract certain cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer. Ginger contains compounds that have shown the ability to target cancer stem cells, which play a role in tumor growth, according to research published in PLoS.

All of this is more than enough motivation for me to pick up some ginger and cook with it tonight. I’m planning to make it a regular part of my diet, at least every other day. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it so others can learn just how powerful ginger really is.