Report on the Health Benefits of Ginger and Its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

This report summarizes the extensive research on ginger (Zingiber officinale) and its significant health benefits, emphasizing its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The information is sourced from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and credible medical journals to ensure accuracy and integrity.

Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Antimicrobial Properties

   Studies demonstrate that aqueous and organic solvent extracts of fresh ginger exhibit strong in-vitro antimicrobial activity, contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by supporting infection prevention and control.

2. Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention

   Research indicates ginger’s potential role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, aligning with SDG 3 by promoting brain health and reducing the burden of chronic illnesses.

3. Management of Metabolic Disorders

   Clinical trials reveal ginger’s effectiveness in improving blood lipids, body weight, and metabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, supporting SDG 3 and SDG 2: Zero Hunger through improved nutrition and health outcomes.

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

   Ginger has been shown to reduce inflammation in various diseases, contributing to better health and well-being (SDG 3).

5. Obesity and Weight Management

   Evidence suggests ginger ameliorates obesity and inflammation by regulating molecular pathways, which supports SDG 3 by addressing non-communicable diseases.

6. Colorectal Cancer Prevention

   Systematic reviews highlight ginger’s potential as an anticolorectal cancer agent, further promoting SDG 3 through cancer prevention strategies.

7. Menstrual Pain Relief

   Clinical trials confirm ginger’s efficacy in reducing menstrual pain, enhancing women’s health and supporting SDG 5: Gender Equality.

8. Arthritis Symptom Management

   Ginger’s benefits in managing arthritis symptoms contribute to improved quality of life, aligning with SDG 3.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Ginger’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health benefits support disease prevention and management.
  • Its role in neurodegenerative disease prevention and cancer risk reduction enhances global health outcomes.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • Improvement in metabolic profiles and nutrition through ginger consumption contributes to ending malnutrition.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • Ginger’s effectiveness in alleviating menstrual pain supports women’s health and empowerment.

Conclusion

The comprehensive body of evidence underscores ginger’s multifaceted health benefits, which significantly contribute to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals. Continued research and integration of ginger-based interventions can enhance global health, nutrition, and gender equality efforts.

References

• Akullo, JO, et al. (2022). Effect of aqueous and organic solvent extraction on in-vitro antimicrobial activity of two varieties of fresh ginger and garlic.
• Anh NH, et al. (2020). Ginger on human health: A comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.
• Arcusa R, et al. (2022). Potential role of ginger in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Aregawi LG, et al. (2024). Preventive and therapeutic effects of ginger on bowel disease: A review of clinical trials.
• Asghari-Jafarabadi M, et al. (2022). The effect of ginger on improving blood lipids and body weight; A systematic review and meta-analysis.
• Ballester P, et al. (2022). Effect of ginger on inflammatory diseases.
• Ebrahimzadeh A, et al. (2022). The effect of ginger supplementation on metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetes.
• Fan-Yang H, et al. (2019). Dietary ginger for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
• Ginger. (2025). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
• Ginger root, raw. (2018). USDA Food Data Central.
• Kim S, et al. (2018). Ginger extract ameliorates obesity and inflammation.
• Khandouzi N, et al. (2015). Effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar and other markers in type 2 diabetes.
• Maharlouei N, et al. (2019). Effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles.
• Nachvak SM, et al. (2022). Ginger as an anticolorectal cancer spice.
• Rad HA, et al. (2018). Effect of Ginger and Novafen on menstrual pain.
• Rath L. (2023). Does ginger help arthritis?

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on the health benefits of ginger, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and neuroprotective effects, which directly relate to improving health and well-being.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Ginger as a nutritious food item contributes to food security and nutrition, supporting healthy diets.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and medicines.
   • Target 3.b: Support research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition and address nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Indicators Related to SDG 3 Targets
   • Prevalence and control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (e.g., fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c levels).
   • Levels of inflammatory markers and metabolic profiles (e.g., blood lipids, body weight, apolipoproteins).
   • Incidence and management of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
   • Access to and use of herbal medicines like ginger as complementary therapies.
2. Nutrition Indicators Related to SDG 2 Targets
   • Nutrient content and dietary intake of ginger as a food source.
   • Impact on weight management and metabolic health among overweight and obese individuals.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: healthline.com