The benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for human health

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an exotic plant from the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southeast Asia and introduced to Brazil during the period of great navigation. It is popularly used in typical drink preparations and contemporary natural medicine. It is among the healthiest and most flavorful spices on the planet, making it a commercial crop in Espírito Santo, São Paulo, and Paraná in recent decades. Moreover, it has various beneficial effects on human health. In this context, the aim of this work was to report the activities and effects that ginger rhizome causes in the human body, highlighting the importance of its cultivation for human health. For this purpose, a literature review study was conducted with a qualitative approach, consisting of studies published in Portuguese and English identified in the Virtual Health Library, Lilacs, Scielo, and Scopus databases. Results indicate that ginger is a millennia-old spice, present in different regions of the world, with different applications, from cooking to treatments, being effective as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antipyretic, acting on conditions such as rheumatic diseases, gastrointestinal discomfort, and many other diseases. However, excessive, or incorrect consumption of ginger can accelerate metabolism and pose health risks, especially in children, pregnant women, and people with hyperthyroidism or heart disease. In conclusion, ginger is a food with medicinal properties that can bring various health benefits. However, it is highly recommended to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional before using ginger as a treatment or supplement to evaluate the adequacy and safety of its use, thereby ensuring the health benefits and minimizing potential risks associated with its consumption.

Keywords: Ginger; Health benefits; Biological activities; Human organism. Physiological effects.