Ginger and Turmeric Benefits: What Are They?

What are ginger and turmeric?

People nowadays are finally catching on to the enormous health benefits offered by ginger and turmeric. In this regard, people are tapping into something that ancient civilizations knew well – in India and China, especially.

Ginger and turmeric are both beneficial roots that are used in cooking, as a tea, or in beverages. Both rich in antioxidant properties, they are also both available in capsule form, as dietary supplements. Turmeric’s health benefits are largely derived from curcumin, a phytonutrient found within the root.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the health benefits of ginger and turmeric.

Health benefits of ginger and turmeric

May help combat indigestion

Ginger and turmeric have both been shown to help with indigestion.

In this review in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, researchers report that ginger can be a useful root to support gastrointestinal health, and help manage occasional indigestion. Furthermore, this study found that ginger can help support gastric emptying, which is the term for the process by which food empties out of your stomach. The study noted that subjects who took ginger supplements had more rapid gastric emptying compared to the placebo group.

When it comes to turmeric and indigestion, some researchers point to the way curcumin can stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which some think can help improve digestion. Moreover, one double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people who were experiencing indigestion.

Can boost your immunity

Turmeric and ginger both bring benefits for the immune system.

Studies show that curcumin can aid in activating t-cells, which the body needs in order to develop a healthy immune response. When it comes to ginger, it’s all about the abundant antioxidant properties, which are well known to boost immune functioning. In an animal study, researchers found that ginger extract boosted birds’ antioxidant capacity and immune function.

Can boost brain function

When it comes to brain function, more research is needed into the possible benefits of ginger and turmeric.

That said, this animal study found that curcumin can support brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Furthermore, this animal study found that the antioxidant properties of ginger improved the cognitive function of mice.

Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels

The best way to support healthy cholesterol levels is through lifestyle changes that include diet and exercise. If experiencing cholesterol issues, talk to your doctor to figure out the best plan moving forward. Ginger and turmeric can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels for those whose levels are already within a normal range.

Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Ginger and turmeric may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels for those whose levels are already within a normal range however more research is needed. More evidence exists regarding lifestyle changes supporting healthy blood sugar levels such as eating a nutrient dense diet, exercising, getting adequate sleep, stress management, and hydration.

Boosts skin health

Both ginger and turmeric have high antioxidant properties. That’s important for skin health, because antioxidants help fight oxidative stress, which is known to negatively affect skin health. Managing oxidative stress is a great way to improve your skin health – and to improve your health generally.

When it comes to turmeric, though, the benefits may go beyond the general benefits afforded by high antioxidant content. Turmeric can be applied topically as well as ingested in your diet. Indeed, there’s early research to suggest a range of skin health benefits from turmeric. This systematic review examined 10 studies that demonstrated statistically significant improvement in skin health in subjects topically applying turmeric/curcumin supplements compared to the placebo group.

If you’re considering adding turmeric to your skin care routine, you can choose from a variety of options. You can use skin care products that have turmeric in them. You can just ingest the spice powder. You can even use a turmeric face mask.

Note: There is stronger evidence for the skin health benefits of collagen, ceramides, and astaxanthin – all available from Care/of!

Helps maintain eye health

Turmeric and ginger may even help support eye health! The curcumin in turmeric has potent antioxidant properties, which may have therapeutic effects for the eyes. Furthermore, an animal study demonstrated the potential benefits of ginger for combating oxidative stress, which can in turn boost eye health.

May promote joint comfort

Consuming ginger and turmeric may have potential benefits to promote joint comfort. One study found that subjects who consumed a ginger extract saw significant improvements in joint comfort. Researchers in this study observed joint comfort for those who took the curcuminoid over the course of 6 weeks. More evidence exists for eggshell membrane supporting joint comfort and mobility in as little as 7-10 days.

May soothe your stomach discomfort

When you had a stomach ache as a little kid, did your parents ever give you ginger ale? You’re not alone. There’s much evidence – anecdotal and research-based – to suggest that ginger can help relieve stomach discomfort. For example, this study specifically looked into nausea and vomiting among pregnant people, and found ginger to be an effective treatment. Still, more research is needed.

How to use ginger and turmeric tea

Making ginger-turmeric tea couldn’t be easier! Just boil some water in a saucepan, and then add turmeric and ginger. (You can throw some cinnamon in there, too, to add to the flavor.) Then reduce the heat and let your concoction simmer. Pour it into a mug and enjoy.

Can you use ginger and turmeric tea every day?

When it comes to how much ginger and turmeric you should consume, there’s no specific recommendation. But it’s clear that consuming a moderate amount on a daily basis is perfectly okay, and it can actually be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Turmeric and ginger have both been used for centuries, and for good reason – their health benefits are plentiful. As this article has made clear, the benefits of turmeric and ginger are varied and significant. You can make turmeric and ginger part of your routine by adding them to tea, and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy turmeric and ginger tea every day.

Potential side effects and risks of ginger and turmeric tea

Both ginger and tumeric as herbs and spices are generally regarded as safe. Like anything else, too much ginger and turmeric tea can come with potential side effects.

Depending on the quality of the supplement, tea, or powder being used, some may have unwanted ingredients. Be sure to use high quality sources of tea that are organic to reduce exposure to potential toxins such as pesticides. Always talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements into your regimen.

Final takeaways

Ginger and turmeric are two popular roots that have been used for centuries to support human health. Modern-day consumers are finally catching on to their plentiful health benefits.

Ginger and turmeric can help relieve indigestion, boost your immunity, and soothe stomach discomfort. Furthermore, there’s good reason to believe that they can boost brain function, maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels (for those already within a normal range), boost skin health, and support eye health but more research is needed.

It’s perfectly safe to take turmeric and ginger every day. However, taking too much can result in some side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.

Care/of offers a top-notch turmeric supplement, a.k.a. The Golden Spice. Like all Care/of supplements, our turmeric is third-party tested, non-GMA, certified C.L.E.A.N, and contains no unnecessary fillers.