Ginger - Benefits And Side Effects

Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The distantly related dicots in the Asarum genus have the common name wild ginger because of their similar taste.


Ginger cultivation began in South Asia and has since spread to East Africa and the Caribbean.

Ginger

Plant

Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family. Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Wikipedia

Nutrition Facts

Ginger root

Amount Per 100 grams

Calories 80

% Daily Value*

Total fat 0.8 g	1%
Saturated fat 0.2 g	1%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.2 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
Sodium 13 mg	0%
Potassium 415 mg	11%
Total Carbohydrate 18 g	6%
Dietary fiber 2 g	8%
Sugar 1.7 g
Protein 1.8 g	3%

Vitamin A	0%	Vitamin C	8%
Calcium	1%	Iron	3%
Vitamin B-6	10%	Vitamin B-12	0%
Magnesium	10%

*Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sources include: USDA

 Benefits of ginger

• Nausea and vomiting following surgery.

 Most clinical research shows that taking 1 gram of ginger one hour before surgery seems to reduce nausea and vomiting during the first 24 hours after surgery. One study found ginger reduced nausea and vomiting by 38%. However, ginger might not reduce nausea and vomiting in the period 3-6 hours after surgery.

• Dizziness.

 Taking ginger seems to reduce the symptoms of dizziness, including nausea.

• Menstrual pain.

 Some research shows that ginger can reduce symptoms of menstrual pain in some women when taken during menstruation. One study shows that taking a specific ginger extract (Zintoma, Goldaru) 250 mg four times daily for 3 days at the beginning of the menstrual period reduces pain symptoms in as many as 62% of people. It seems to work about as well as the medications ibuprofen or mefenamic acid.

• Arthritis. 

Some research shows that taking ginger can modestly reduce pain in some people with a form of arthritis called “osteoarthritis.” One study shows that taking a specific ginger extract (Zintona EC) 250 mg four times daily reduced arthritis pain in the knee after 3 months of treatment. Another study shows that using a different ginger extract (Eurovita Extract 77; EV ext-77), which combines a ginger with alpinia also reduces pain upon standing, pain after walking, and stiffness. Some research has compared ginger to medications such as ibuprofen. In one study, a specific ginger extract (Eurovita Extract 33; EV ext-33) did not work as well as taking ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily for reducing arthritis pain. But in another study, taking ginger extract 500 mg twice daily worked about as well as ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily for hip and knee pain related to arthritis. In another study, a specific ginger extract combined with glucosamine (Zinaxin glucosamine, EV ext-35) worked as well as the anti-inflamatory medication diclofenac slow release 100 mg daily plus glucosamine sulfate 1 gram daily.

• Preventing morning sickness (discuss the possible risks with your healthcare provider).

 Ginger seems to reduce nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. But taking any herb or medication during pregnancy is a big decision. Before taking ginger, be sure to discuss the possible risks with your healthcare provider.

Possibly Ineffective for:

• Preventing motion sickness and seasickness. Some people say they feel better after taking ginger before travel. But there is no hard evidence that ginger actually prevents motion sickness or seasickness.

Insufficient Evidence for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is some preliminary evidence that ginger might be helpful for decreasing joint pain in people with RA.

• Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

•  There is contradictory evidence about the effectiveness of ginger for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy for cancer.

• Muscle pain after exercise. There is contradictory evidence about whether ginger helps for muscle pain caused by exercise.

• Loss of appetite.

• Colds.

• Flu.

• Migraine headache.

• Preventing nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate ginger for these uses.

Side effects associated ginger useage

Ginger is LIKELY SAFE for most people. Some people can have mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort. Some women have reported extra menstrual bleeding while taking ginger.

When ginger is applied to the skin, it may cause irritation.

Special Precautions & Warnings

• Pregnancy 

 Using ginger during pregnancy is controversial. There is some concern that ginger might affect fetal sex hormones. There is also a report of miscarriage during week 12 of pregnancy in a woman who used ginger for morning sickness. However, studies in pregnant women suggest that ginger can be used safely for morning sickness without harm to the baby. The risk for major malformations in infants of women taking ginger does not appear to be higher than the usual rate of 1% to 3%. Also there doesn’t appear to be an increased risk of early labor or low birth weight. There is some concern that ginger might increase the risk of bleeding, so some experts advise againsting using it close to your delivery date. As with any medication given during pregnancy, it’s important to weigh the benefit against the risk. Before using ginger during pregnancy, talk it over with your healthcare provider.

• Breast-feeding 

 Not enough is known about the safety of using ginger during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and don’t use it.

• Bleeding disorders 

Taking ginger might increase your risk of bleeding.

• Diabetes 

Ginger might lower your blood sugar. As a result, your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

• Heart conditions 

High doses of ginger might worsen some heart conditions.

 Always remember that doctors advice should be taken seriously since it is more specific and reliable than any written material. Your health is important.