Health Benefits of Ginger

Are you in need of a little boost to your health? Well, you may just want to add ginger to your diet if you are. Ginger has been used for years to treat a variety of ailments and even the Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, has touted ginger for its benefits to good health.

But the many health benefits of ginger are more than mere ancient remedies and folktale. Today, the gnarled, piquant root of ginger is used to treat a wide range of health problems, which is backed by scientific research.

Ginger has the health benefit of relieving motion sickness and upset stomach. So if you prone to motion sickness whether by boat or car, you may just want to drink ginger tea or a ginger extract before your next travel date. That's because a study done by Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City showed that ginger was far better at relieving motion sickness than the usually prescribed Dramamine.

Experts believe that a compound called gingerol found in ginger is responsible for blocking the body's vomiting reflex. Whether it's for motion sickness, simple upset stomach or for morning sickness, ginger has the health benefit of working wonders on the stomach.

Is arthritis sore getting you down? Then why not try drinking ginger tea? Research from a Danish study showed that ginger was able to relieve pain in 55% of osteoarthritis sufferers and relieve pain in 74% of those who have rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers believe that ginger was able to give relief to those with arthritis because ginger contains compounds that block prostaglandis that causes pain and swelling through inflammation. So take ½ teaspoon of powdered ginger and brew a tea or take six teaspoons of fresh ginger and drink your pain away.

Preliminary research shows that ginger may have the health benefit of preventing blood clots. Blood clotting is a normal part of the body's healing process, but when the blood clot excessively it can cause many health problems. Those who suffer from blood clots routinely take aspirin to clear the blood.

But if the risks that comes with routinely taking aspirin is just too much for you to handle, then might I suggest you stick to ginger. Ginger contains the chemical compound gingerol that has a structure similar to aspirin; it relieves pain like aspirin, but is comes with he health risks. Gingerol prevents the blood from clotting by blocking the production of thromboxane that can cause excessive blood clotting.

Another health benefit of ginger is that may help relieve the pain and resulting nausea of migraines. The Headache Care Center in Springfield, Missouri conducted a study and found that a combination of over-the-counter feverfew and ginger (GelSalt) can relieve migraine symptoms in people with a history of migraines. Of the 30 people in the study, 59 % said they were impressed with the healing powers of ginger. Experts say ginger in a good first-line defense against migraines for the same reason it stops arthritis pain --- it blocks inflammation.

Ginger is a food that has many health benefits. Ginger has the health benefit of easing headaches and migraines, easing upset stomach and motion sickness. Ginger also has the health benefit of preventing excessive blood clotting and preventing and treating high blood pressure and cholesterol. So give ginger a try, it might just give your health that added boost.