The Benefits of Adding Ginger to Your Diet

Featuring Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician

Duration: 1 minute, 27 seconds

Ginger is sourced from a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, from the same family as turmeric, with which it shares very strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can be utilized in various forms, ranging from a spice, to tea, and even as a supplement, where it has gained popularity for its gut health benefits. As a spice, it is known for adding a pungent flavour to any dish. The primary bioactive component of ginger is a polyphenol compound known as gingerol, which likely plays a big role in a number of ginger’s potential health benefits.

Gingerol may also contribute an antimicrobial effect, with studies at a cellular level demonstrating it can inhibit the growth of various types of harmful bacteria. There are limited high-quality human studies looking at ginger to specific health outcomes, but among those that exist, it seems that ginger may help with nausea and vomiting, general gastrointestinal function, and a reduction in anti-inflammatory markers.

While ginger is not an essential component of a healthy diet, it certainly contains unique compounds with potentially unique benefits and could have a meaningful role to play for the right person.

There are definitely cumulative benefits to be had for the regular anti-inflammatory spices like ginger in anyone’s routine. For more information, contact your local registered dietitian, who can help you create a customized nutrition plan, which will significantly improve both your physical and and mental health.

Presenter: Andy De Santis, Registered Dietitian, Toronto, ON

Local Practitioners: Registered Dietitian