In this article, we will be discussing the effectiveness of ginger for gout. Can it be beneficial for the condition, or is it the other way around? Read on to this article to know!
Ginger for Gout: Ginger
Ginger is one of the most popular ingredients in cooking, especially in the Indian and Asian cuisine. It is popular with the scientific name, Zingiber officinale. It is part of the Zingiberaceae family, which is also the plant family of turmeric and cardamom. In the actual fact, it is a flowering plant, which has a rhizome or root that is beneficial as a spice. Ginger may be consumed in various forms, juice, oil, powder, fresh, and many more others. In various places, it is most beneficial in alcoholic beverages and sweets.
Moreover, ginger has been used for thousands and thousands of years now for its amazing medicinal purposes. Ginger is commonly produced in the countries of Indonesia, Fiji, Jamaica, Australia, and India. Furthermore, ginger has long been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. In addition, ginger can be beneficial in making tea, crushed or chopped in curries and savory dishes, and crystallized and dried in confectionary and sweets. It has a lot of health benefits, which we’re going to tackle in this article as well.
Ginger for Gout: Nutritional Content
Here is what ginger may provide the body:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 80 Kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 17.77 grams | 13.5% |
| Protein | 1.82 grams | 3% |
| Total Fat | 0.75 grams | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 grams | 5% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 11 µg | 3% |
| Niacin | 0.750 milligrams | 4.5% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.203 milligrams | 4% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.160 milligrams | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 5 milligrams | 8% |
| Vitamin E | 0.26 milligrams | 1.5% |
| Vitamin K | 0.1 µg | 0% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 13 milligrams | 1% |
| Potassium | 415 milligrams | 9% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 16 milligrams | 1.6% |
| Copper | 0.226 milligrams | 25% |
| Iron | 0.60 milligrams | 7.5% |
| Magnesium | 43 milligrams | 11% |
| Manganese | 0.229 milligrams | 10% |
| Phosphorus | 34 milligrams | 5% |
| Zinc | 0.34 milligrams | 3% |
Ginger for Gout: Benefit for Gout
Where ginger benefits those who suffer from gout relies on the strong anti-inflammatory properties of the spice. These anti-inflammatory compounds are what they often call as the shogoals and gingerols. Moreover, there are various clinical studies which have proven that when you consume ginger on a regular basis, it could be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis when it comes to mobility, swelling, and pain.
In the actual fact, one study in 2011 suggests that ginger may act like a strong anti-inflammatory and lower the symptoms of gout. However, that study was conducted with rats, and not in humans.
You may ask, how to get the benefits of ginger? Well, you may start by adding ginger in the foods that you cook or eat. You may also eat a small bit of raw ginger every day. As a matter of fact, one slice of ginger is already enough, and if you want it, you may have more. Moreover, you may also consume it in a tea form through adding half a teaspoon of the ginger root in a cup of boiling water and then mix it with one teaspoon of raw honey in order to make it even tastier.
Furthermore, some of those who suffer from gout also use ginger as a paste mixed with water. They apply it on the affected area after the gout attack occurs. Some also suggest that soaking a small towel in a boiled ginger and applying it as a hot compress may be beneficial. This is possible because of the fact that the ginger is extensively valuable in treating burns on the skin.
Ginger for Gout: Other Benefits
Here are some other health benefits of ginger aside from its benefit for gout:
- Helps increase sexual activity
- Beneficial as a skin care
- Treats diarrhea
- Prevents infection
- Detoxifies the body
- Controls diabetes
- Boosts the heart health
- Prevents menstrual cramps
- Relieves muscle pain
- Improves the cognition
- Helps prevent cancer
- Help mitigate obesity
- Good liver protection
- Helps relieve asthma
- Reduces arthritis pain
- Treats stomach ulcers
- Helps remove excess gas
- Helps in digestion
- Treats flu and colds
- Helps in relieving nausea
Ginger for Gout: Conclusion
Always bear in mind that even though ginger is beneficial for gout or for health, in general, it is important to speak to your doctor first before consuming ginger. This is mainly because it might not be that safe for those who suffer from gout as it may react with the medications that you take.
