2. May help lower blood sugar
Although research is still new, there is some evidence to suggest that consuming ginger has blood sugar-lowering effects. The existing studies focus on individuals with type 2 diabetes and suggest that patients who consumed 2 grams of ginger powder daily reduced their fasting blood sugar level by 12% (2).
Additionally, hemoglobin A1C, a marker for long term blood sugar, might be lowered from consuming a ginger root supplement regularly (3).
However, it’s important to realize that the research on ginger and blood sugar is still quite new and there needs to be more studies with more participants to be able to confirm the potential blood-sugar lowering benefits of ginger.
3. May help improve brain function
Most people are drawn to habits that have been shown to preserve and even improve brain function. Luckily, ginger is one of those special foods that can help protect against age-related decline in brain function.
Because gingerol is such a powerful medicinal compound, it has been shown to inhibit inflammatory reactions in the brain, which in turn reduces brain aging and cognitive decline. In addition to the bioactive gingerol, there may also be powerful antioxidants in the ginger plant that contribute to the inhibition of inflammation in the brain (4).
There is even research to suggest that ginger can even improve reaction time and memory.
4. Can help fight infections
Gingerol contains many antioxidant and anti-microbial properties which can help fight off illnesses and keep your immune system strong (5).
Consuming ginger as a supplement or as a part of your diet can be especially therapeutic during the colder fall and winter months as it can help boost the immune system and ward off infections.
Ginger extract can inhibit bacterial growth, and can also be helpful to fight off viruses that cause the common cold, flu, or other respiratory infections.
How to eat more ginger