What’s ginger good for? As it turns out, plenty! A 2009 study found ginger supplements, when taken alongside anti-vomiting medicine, reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea in patients by 40 percent. Other research have shown it can also ease muscle pain, eliminate inflammation, help ease painful menstruation and migraines, and may even slow or kill ovarian and colon cancer cells. Here are other conditions that can be alleviated by ginger:

Nausea and motion sickness
Ginger is well known for its ability to ease nausea, and it’s helpful for motion and sea sickness. In a recent study, women suffering from morning sickness were given beverages with ginger during the first trimester of pregnancy, and when compared with women given a placebo, ginger alleviated the nausea in a large majority of the cases.

Diabetes complications
Studies show ginger may reduce urine protein levels, decrease water intake and urine output, and reverse proteinuria, which is kidney damage caused by too much protein in the urine. Ginger may also protect nerves in diabetics and lower blood fat levels. In addition, the root can help increase circulation, thin blood, and lower both blood pressure and cholesterol.

Arthritis
A placebo-controlled study published in the journal Osteoarthritis Cartilage found that patients with painful arthritis in the knee who were given ginger versus a placebo experienced significantly less pain and loss of movement compared to those taking the placebo.

Cold and flu
Traditional Chinese medical practitioners commonly prescribe ginger to treat symptoms of colds and flu. The root acts as an antihistamine and decongestant, two cold-easing effects that can help with symptoms.

* First published in the premier meat-free lifestyle platform, www.KindMeal.my