Ginger is made from a flowering plant originating in Southeast Asia. Including ginger in your diet can have numerous physical and psychological health benefits.
According to healthline, ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.
The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. It’s sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.
Side effects
According to one 2019 systematic review, ginger can cause mild side effects. However, this is rare.
According to Medicalnewstoday, some side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, might occur when a person consumes more than 5 grams (5) of it per day.
The sections below will look at these potential side effects in more detail.
Heartburn
Heartburn occurs due to acid reflux causing a burning sensation in the lower chest.
In one 2020 systematic review, 16 out of the 109 studies and reviews the researchers examined reported heartburn as an adverse side effect.
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However, a 2014 article notes that consuming 1 g to 1.5 g of dried ginger per day can heartburn.
Digestive effects
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) note that ginger may cause:
1. abdominal pain, or stomachache
2. gas and bloating
3. diarrhea.
Howevediarrhoeading to one 2016 article, ginger can increase gastric emptying. This, in turn, can help relieve the symptoms of abdominal pain.
Also, a 2019 article states that ginger can decrease the pressure on the lower oesophagal sphincteoesophagalan work to reduce gas and bloating.
Bleeding
Excess consumption of ginger may encourage bleeding. This is because it inhibits platelet thromboxane. This is a substance that platelets make that causes the blood to clot and constricts the blood vessels.
There are also concerns that ginger may interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, according to the NCCIH.
For this reason, people should avoid consuming ginger before undergoing surgery. Those with bleeding disorders should also talk with a doctor before consuming any form of ginger.
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