Headlines like “Doctors reveal that consuming ginger causes…” are usually designed to grab attention. The effects of Ginger depend on the amount consumed, the person, and any underlying health conditions.
Here are some evidence-based effects of ginger:
Potential benefits
Research suggests ginger may:
- Help reduce nausea, including motion sickness and pregnancy-related nausea.
- Provide modest relief for some people with indigestion or bloating.
- Have anti-inflammatory properties that may slightly reduce pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis.
- Add flavor to foods without adding sugar or sodium.
Possible side effects
While ginger is generally safe in food amounts, larger amounts or supplements may cause:
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Mouth or throat irritation (occasionally)
Who should be cautious?
Talk to a healthcare professional before taking large amounts of ginger or ginger supplements if you:
- Take blood-thinning medications, as ginger may increase bleeding risk in some people.
- Have gallbladder disease.
- Have diabetes and take medications that lower blood sugar, since ginger may have a modest effect on glucose levels.
Bottom line
For most healthy adults, using ginger in cooking or drinking ginger tea is safe and can offer some health benefits. However, claims that ginger can cure diseases, “cleanse” the body, or produce dramatic health effects are not supported by strong scientific evidence.
If you’ve seen a specific claim about ginger and want to know whether it’s accurate, tell me what it says, and I’ll explain what the evidence shows.
