7 surprising benefits of eating more ginger

Give your pantry and fridge a quick scan. Do you see powdered or fresh ginger? If not, it's time to plan a trip to the grocery store—stat! That’s because this medicinal marvel, long touted in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda as a healing spice, actually has a significant amount of science to back it up. And it isn’t just motion sickness that it treats. Ginger can also knock out PMS pain, headaches, bloating, and so much more.

The best part: Both fresh and powdered ginger (what you'd find in your spice cabinet) deliver these health perks, so pick what's most convenient for you. And you don't have to consume a megadose to feel the results either—experts, including integrative medicine pioneer Andrew Weil, M.D, recommend consuming around 2 grams of ginger per day, which works out to about 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, or 3/4 teaspoon powdered ginger.

Here, 7 of the most compelling reasons to start embracing this potent, flavor-packed root on the regular.

It Boosts Immunity

Watch out, colds. Not only does ginger contain sesquiterpenes, chemicals that combat rhinovirus (the most common cause of colds), sipping ginger tea can also reduce congestion and other cold and flu symptoms, according to Cardiff University researchers. What’s more, ginger is also full of immune-boosting antioxidants, and acts as a natural pain and fever reducer.

Eat more ginger: Brew up a soothing cup of Cardamom-Ginger Chai Tea. 

It Eases Arthritis Pain

“There is some evidence that ginger may be helpful for reducing joint pain and inflammation in arthritis sufferers,” says registered dietitian Danielle Capalino, MSPH, RD, author of Healthy Gut, Flat Stomach. That’s because ginger contains gingerols, potent anti-inflammatory substances that can inhibit the formation of inflammatory cytokines. In one study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, ginger extract significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Eat more ginger: Kick your stir-fry up a notch with this Sesame Asparagus With Ginger And Garlic. 

It Soothes Sore Muscles

Hit the ginger before you hit the gym. Research has found that ginger, which acts as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, can ease post-workout muscle soreness. In a study published in The Journal of Pain, participants who took two grams of ginger a day (1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, or 3/4 teaspoon powdered ginger) experienced a 25% reduction in exercise-induced muscle pain 24 hours after a workout compared to a placebo. Runners can also benefit: In another study, endurance athletes who took powdered ginger (like you'd find in your spice cabinet) had lower markers of inflammation.

It Banishes Stomach Bloat

You know ginger as a nausea fighter, but that’s not its only stomach perk: “Ginger gets your digestion going and can keep your belly from uncomfortable or embarrassing bloating,” says Capalino. Known as a carminative herb (meaning it gets rid of excess gas), compounds in ginger stimulate gastric juices and digestive organs to boost digestion. Plus, it contains the enzyme zingibain to help break down proteins.

It Sidelines Period Pain

“The most surprising benefit of ginger is that you can use it to alleviate menstrual pain,” says Capalino. In fact, ginger is shown to work as well as OTC pain meds. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine found that ginger was as effective as ibuprofen in relieving period pain.

It Can Even Combat Migraines

Migraines are the worst, but ginger might keep you from landing in the ER. The key could be ginger’s ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, thus keeping blood vessels from swelling and creating pressure. One study found that taking ginger powder was just as effective at treating migraines as sumatriptan, a common migraine medication. What’s more, ginger helps quell the queasy stomach that often accompanies a migraine headache.

It May Preserve Your Memory

Ginger may buffer your brain against Alzheimer’s. The neurodegenerative disease is linked to sticky deposits of amyloid proteins in the brain, yet a laboratory study suggests ginger may protect brain cells from these plaques, delaying the onset and progression of the disease. The effects have yet to be studied on humans, but because eating ginger is pretty much risk-free, it's worth incorporating into a brain-healthy diet.

This article originally appeared on RodalesOrganicLife.com