The ginger root, or rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant, has a documented history of use in traditional health practices across Asia for centuries. This culinary spice provides a distinctively warm and pungent flavor and is now found in many commercial preparations, including ginger candy. Ginger candy is an easy way to consume the root’s beneficial compounds. The primary therapeutic properties of ginger are attributed to its active phenolic compounds, mainly the non-volatile gingerols and their dehydrated counterparts, shogaols. These compounds are responsible for the root’s characteristic spiciness and its effects on the digestive and nervous systems.
Combating Nausea and Motion Sickness
Ginger candy is widely used for its anti-nausea effects, which stem from its influence on the digestive tract and neurochemical pathways. The active components, gingerols and shogaols, interact with the gastrointestinal system to manage acute sickness. One mechanism involves suppressing vasopressin release, a hormone that spikes during motion sickness and is associated with nausea onset. By preventing this hormonal surge, ginger helps reduce the severity of the nausea sensation.
Ginger affects the stomach’s electrical rhythm, helping to prevent or correct gastric dysrhythmias, which are irregular contractions linked to motion sickness. For motion sickness, ginger may prolong the time before nausea begins and shorten the recovery time after motion stops. This action is helpful for people traveling by car, boat, or plane who experience acute queasiness.
Ginger is an accepted non-pharmaceutical remedy for pregnancy-related nausea, often called “morning sickness.” It is also explored as an adjuvant treatment for patients experiencing nausea following surgery or as a side effect of chemotherapy. Studies suggest that consuming between 1 to 2 grams of ginger may help reduce these symptoms. Ginger candy offers a portable and convenient way to receive these active compounds during illness.
Soothing General Digestive Discomfort
The benefits of ginger candy extend beyond acute sickness to manage general digestive discomfort. The compounds in ginger stimulate gastrointestinal motility, which is the rate food moves through the stomach and intestines. By accelerating gastric emptying, ginger prevents food from lingering too long, which commonly causes feelings of fullness, bloating, and indigestion.
This effect involves stimulating antral contractions, the movements that push food from the lower stomach into the small intestine. This enhanced movement helps mitigate symptoms of functional dyspepsia, a condition characterized by chronic upper abdominal discomfort. Ginger also has carminative effects, helping reduce the formation and accumulation of intestinal gas. The compounds can act as an anti-spasmodic, relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and allowing trapped gas to pass more easily.
Important Consumption Considerations
While ginger candy is a simple way to consume the root, consumers must remember it is a confection, and the sugar content can be high. Individuals managing conditions like diabetes or watching calorie intake should check the nutrition label for added sugars, as some products contain significant amounts. The therapeutic benefit is tied solely to the ginger content, not the sugar.
The quantity of active ginger compounds in the candy can vary widely between brands. Since ginger candy is often sold as a food product, its label may not specify the milligram amount of active gingerols or shogaols. High doses, specifically more than five grams daily, may increase the risk of minor side effects. These side effects can include heartburn, mild stomach discomfort, or a burning sensation in the mouth. People taking blood-thinning medication should consult a healthcare professional, as high intakes of ginger may slow blood clotting.