Explore 4 health benefits of ginger—Plus try a new recipe!

Peeling ginger in the kitchen.

Before your next grocery trip, we wanted to tell you about a spice that not only tastes great but also has health benefits, according to Healthgrades.1

Keep an eye out for ginger, which you can find in many forms: fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, powdered or ground. It’s a member of the botanical plant family that includes cardamom and turmeric. Ginger is a little bit peppery and sweet and has a powerful, zesty scent.

Double-check with your healthcare provider first before adding a substantial amount of ginger to your diet, says Healthgrades.2 Fresh ginger is recommended because it has the highest concentration of gingerol, which is beneficial to your health when it comes to fighting infections and stopping bacterial growth according to Healthgrades.3

Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat numerous ailments.4 Let’s take a look at how it could help you:4

  • Boost brain function: There are a lot of anti-inflammatory properties of ginger that can help your brain. For example, ginger increases serotonin and dopamine levels. This can reduce inflammation, which may cause depression. Ginger could also provide benefits for anxiety, depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Ease stomach pains: Ginger can treat nausea and motion sickness. That’s because the active ingredients in ginger can reach parts of your GI tract that cause stomach issues.
  • Fight infections: If you’re fighting food poisoning, gingivitis, a cold or flu, ginger can help get rid of the bacteria in your body that’s causing you trouble.
  • Decrease cholesterol: Ginger may help reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. It triggers a specific enzyme that monitors and controls cholesterol levels by increasing how much cholesterol your body uses.

Try this tasty grilled Asian salmon

Ready to add a little ginger to your lunch or dinner tonight? Check out this meal from Mayo Clinic’s list of healthy recipes.6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 4 salmon fillets, each 4 ounces

Directions

  1. In a shallow glass dish, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger and vinegar. Add the salmon and turn to coat all sides. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Lightly oil grill and then heat to medium-high heat. Place salmon on grill and cook 5 minutes aside. Fish is ready when a knife blade inserted into the center reveals that the pink flesh is almost opaque. Serve warm.

Sources

  1. “9 Surprising Health Benefits of Ginger,” Healthgrades, November 1, 2021, https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/food-nutrition-and-diet/9-surprising-health-benefits-of-ginger.
  2. “9 Surprising Health Benefits of Ginger.”
  3. “9 Surprising Health Benefits of Ginger.”
  4. “9 Surprising Health Benefits of Ginger.”
  5. “9 Surprising Health Benefits of Ginger.”
  6. “Grilled Asian salmon,” Mayo Clinic, October 21, 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/grilled-salmon/rcp-20125129.