Ginger

You’ve probably already cooked with it many times. Ginger is one of those spices that tastes as good in curries as in cookies. But do you know what else ginger can do beyond adding a tasty zing to your dish? This unassuming root plant, with its knobby exterior and fiery, aromatic kick, lists a surprising number of potential health benefits.

Over the centuries and throughout the world, ginger has been used to treat various health conditions as a natural remedy. It contains a bioactive compound called gingerol, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and contributes to its health-related benefits.1

Read on to learn everything you need to know about ginger, the science-backed benefits of ginger, the Bulletproof approach to ginger, new ginger recipes to try and common FAQs.

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a versatile and widely used spice derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant. This plant comes from the Zingiberaceae family, which includes other well-known spices like turmeric and cardamom. It’s native to Southeast Asia but is now cultivated in many parts of the world. This spice has a distinctive flavor characterized by its spiciness and slight sweetness.

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger can be a great addition to your wellness routine. As a natural remedy, it can help support many health conditions. Some benefits of ginger include:

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Nausea Relief

Ginger has a long history of being used to ease nausea, including motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy and chemotherapy-induced nausea.2 It can help soothe the stomach by encouraging efficient digestion.3

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Immune Support

Ginger's immune-boosting properties can help strengthen the body's defenses against illnesses and infections, thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial characteristics.4 Read more on how to strengthen your immune system.

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Digestive Support

Ginger can help support uncomfortable digestive conditions like indigestion, bloating and gas by promoting the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract.

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Weight Management

Ginger may slightly boost metabolism and reduce appetite, which can be beneficial for weight management when combined with a balanced diet and exercise.5

The scientific research on ginger’s many benefits continue to this day. Read on to learn about recent studies on ginger’s exciting potential.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Ginger

Menstruation

A recent study concluded that ginger could be used to treat menstrual pain.6 In a clinical trial featuring 168 young women, researchers found that the participants’ pain significantly reduced when treated with ginger. In fact, ginger was as effective as the painkiller Novafen. Ginger could potentially be used as an affordable and safe alternative to traditional pain drugs for certain health conditions.

Nausea

Another study explored the efficacy of ginger in preventing nausea and vomiting in children suffering from acute gastroenteritis.7 Researchers were able to confirm, through clinical trials, that ginger is able to decrease the likelihood of throwing up. Since ginger is widely available and inexpensive, it is a great natural remedy to have on hand.

Digestion

And finally, researchers concluded that ginger could increase the species’ number of intestinal flora in healthy adults.8 The study used fresh ginger juice as a supplement to investigate the changes in microbiota composition. As gut health becomes increasingly popular as an area of research, ginger potential has an important role to play in supporting digestion.

The Bulletproof Approach to Ginger

At Bulletproof, we want to help you get the most out of your supplements. That’s why we formulate blends that go above and beyond what you’ll find on your typical supermarket shelf. We want to make it easy and convenient for you to target specific health needs and feel your best, every day.

Although ginger can be easily included in many recipes, it’s not always easy to find the time to cook. Having a backup plan, like supplements, to help you get your daily dose can be a great way to help you stay on track with your health goals.

Spotlight on Ginger

Our ginger supplements not only include the powerhouse root, but we’ve matched it up with turmeric to maximize its effects. We offer both a turmeric supplement with ginger and turmeric gummies with ginger, to help you support a healthy inflammatory response. Think of these supplements as added tools to improve your body’s resilience to stressors.

Ginger has traditionally been used to support healthy joints.9 It is a powerful natural remedy you can use to potentially improve your mobility in your active lifestyle. Try it the next time you have a particularly challenging gym session or after a long run. Your body will thank you for it.

Our Supplement Testing Standard

From ingredient sourcing to lab testing, we take our time when it comes to making sure we’re formulating the highest-quality products. Our supplements are no different. We work with third-party labs for objective results that help us make informed decisions on effective formulations.

Our supplements go through four stages of rigorous testing to make sure they are safe and effective. The first step is to make sure the stated ingredients are present in the product and not diluted. The second stage involves testing for purity, to ensure there are no harmful contaminants present. The third stage consists of making sure the product has the right amount of active ingredients. And finally, the last step looks at the product’s composition, to ensure it matches what it stated on the label. Although these testing protocols are time-consuming, they help us produce safe, effective and accurately labeled supplements you can count on.

FAQs

Can ginger help with weight loss?

Ginger is by no means a diet miracle, but it may help support healthy weight maintenance. One of its benefits includes slightly boosting metabolism, which may help your body burn calories more efficiently.10 And, ginger may support a balanced appetite, which can potentially help you with portion control. However, these effects are generally modest and won’t replace a healthy diet and physical activity.

What are the side effects of consuming too much ginger?

One common side effect if you eat too much ginger is digestive discomfort. This potentially translates into heartburn, stomach upset or diarrhea. If you consume ginger raw in large quantities, it may cause mouth and throat irritation. Overall, side effects are typically mild.

Is ginger effective for motion sickness?

Yes, ginger can be effective in alleviating motion sickness symptoms. Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for motion sickness and several studies have supported its effectiveness.11 The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, are believed to have anti-nausea properties that can help reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. Ginger can be consumed in various forms to combat motion sickness, including ginger candies, ginger tea, ginger capsules or even raw ginger slices.

Does ginger interact with medications?

Yes, some. One notable interaction is with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin) and antiplatelet drugs. Ginger contains natural compounds that can have mild antiplatelet effects, which means it may increase the risk of bleeding when taken alongside these medications. Ginger also has the potential to lower blood sugar levels, so combining it with diabetes medication may lead to excessively low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Additionally, ginger may interact with certain blood pressure medications and heart medications, affecting their absorption and effectiveness. If you’re on any medications, discuss ginger consumption with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and compatible with your prescribed treatments.

Does powdered ginger retain its health benefits?

Yes, powdered ginger still offers many health benefits, although it may have slightly different properties compared to fresh ginger. Powdered ginger is made by drying and grinding fresh ginger root, resulting in a concentrated form of the spice. While some of the water-soluble vitamins and compounds in fresh ginger may be reduced during the drying process, many of the beneficial bioactive compounds and flavor components are still present. Using powdered ginger can be an excellent way to enjoy the benefits and flavor of ginger when fresh ginger is not readily available or convenient.

What's the best way to store ginger root?

First choose a fresh, firm piece of ginger with smooth skin. You can keep it in the refrigerator to extend its storage life. Place the ginger root in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. For added protection, you can wrap the ginger root in a paper towel before sealing it in the bag or container. This helps absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth. Stored this way, ginger root can typically last for several weeks in the refrigerator. If you have a larger piece of ginger, you can also freeze it. Simply peel and slice the ginger into manageable portions, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for several months. When needed, you can grate or slice the frozen ginger directly into your recipes without thawing.

What should I look for in ginger supplements?

Look for products that contain pure ginger extract or ginger root powder as the primary ingredient, free from excessive fillers or additives. Seek supplements that are standardized to contain specific active compounds like gingerols to ensure consistent potency. Opt for reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices and undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. And lastly, consider the supplement’s form and recommended dosage to align with your preferences and needs.