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Harm of ginger for the body
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

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Almost all products can be harmful to health, especially if you have chronic diseases, problems with the functioning of certain organs, or a tendency to allergies.
Ginger root is no exception. This root has recently begun to be used in our country for the treatment and prevention of diseases; previously, it was mainly used as a seasoning for dishes.
Ginger has many beneficial properties, however, despite the many positive reviews, one should not forget about contraindications.
Ginger should not be consumed by people with intestinal and stomach diseases, liver diseases (in acute or chronic stages), gallstone disease, and various bleedings.
It is worth mentioning separately the use of ginger by pregnant women, as it can be both useful and harmful for them. In the first three months of the "interesting situation", the use of ginger is beneficial for the woman, as it helps reduce the symptoms of toxicosis and has a positive effect on overall well-being.
At later stages, ginger root can cause pressure surges, which is extremely dangerous during pregnancy.
Nursing women should also be wary of the root, as its use can cause anxiety in the baby and tummy problems.
Ginger root tea is often recommended for colds, but it is important to remember that drinking it at high temperatures is extremely dangerous, as ginger can cause a higher rise in temperature.
It is worth noting that ginger can be harmful even in the absence of contraindications, for example, when overusing such a drink. In high doses, it causes dry skin, rashes, and itching.
Harm of ginger for the body
Ginger has a strong effect on internal organs, especially on mucous membranes, which makes this root dangerous for ulcers and gastritis.
In addition, the substances in the root worsen the condition of the liver (especially in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis), can provoke the movement of stones in the gallbladder, and increase body temperature.
The harm of ginger to the body is observed in combination with certain medications.
Ginger root does not affect the action of most medications, but medications for lowering blood pressure, stimulating the work of the heart muscle, and normalizing heart rhythm are contraindicated to be taken simultaneously with ginger, as it significantly enhances their action.
Also, ginger should be consumed with caution by patients with diabetes who are taking hypoglycemic agents.
Ginger root slows down blood clotting, so it should not be taken simultaneously with medications that have the same effect on bleeding.
Harm of green coffee with ginger
Everyone knows about the great benefits of green coffee and ginger, however, this drink can be harmful and cause various disorders.
If you have heart and vascular diseases, digestive organs, or kidneys, you should not abuse coffee, especially with ginger.
Harm from ginger with green coffee is also observed in case of any chronic diseases, pregnancy or breastfeeding, epilepsy, glaucoma, as well as individual intolerance or tendency to allergic reactions.
Harm of ginger root
Ginger root contains essential oils and bitters, which can negatively affect the body in case of certain diseases of the digestive system (non-specific colitis, ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, diverticula).
Regular consumption of ginger root drink increases the risk of developing hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood).
Harmful effects of pickled ginger
Pickled ginger root has a specific, unique taste. This seasoning is served with sushi - a traditional Japanese dish of raw fish - its main purpose is to cleanse the mouth and prepare the receptors for a new taste, but it should not be overused, like any other seasoning. If you eat too much of this hot dish, you may experience indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea.
The harm of ginger is especially evident in chronic diseases – it can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.
Harm of ginger for weight loss
Ginger is recommended for use during weight loss in various forms (with tea, infusions, fresh root). Nutritionists recommend including it in the diet, first of all, because it helps remove excess fluid, improves metabolism and has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole, but in addition to the benefits, ginger can also be harmful, especially with certain diseases or taking medications.
A doctor's consultation about the possible use of ginger root during a diet is necessary for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, digestive organs, gallstone disease, high blood pressure, as well as any chronic processes.
Harmful effects of candied ginger
The harm of ginger is observed not only when consumed fresh or pickled. Since it has a rich composition, negative health effects can be observed even after such a delicacy as candied ginger (root boiled in sugar syrup).
First of all, candied fruits are prohibited for diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, gallstones, ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa or duodenum. Despite the fact that the heat-treated root has a lesser effect on the body, the consequences can be quite severe.
As with fresh and pickled ginger, candied fruits should not be eaten at high temperatures, during weight loss (as they are very high in calories), with hypertension, heart rhythm disturbances, or when taking medications for arrhythmia, to lower blood pressure or blood sugar.
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Harmful effects of canned ginger
Canned ginger, along with its benefits, can be harmful. First of all, it should not be abused, as it can cause poisoning, indigestion, bowel disorder, etc.
The ability of the substances contained in the root to increase body temperature, reduce blood clotting, provoke sharp jumps in blood pressure, and strongly affect the mucous membrane of the digestive tract can cause negative consequences for human health.
The harm of ginger is manifested in the increased effect of some drugs (for lowering sugar, antiarrhythmic, lowering blood pressure, for stimulating the work of the heart muscle, reducing blood clotting), it can also provoke the movement of stones in the gallbladder, which is dangerous because the latter get stuck in the bile ducts and the need for urgent surgical intervention.
Harm of ginger for children
Ginger is contraindicated in any form for children under 2 years old; an older child can be given ginger tea with honey and lemon, which will replenish the body with vitamins and microelements, help strengthen the immune system, and cope with colds, but it is important not to abuse this remedy.
A child's body is just forming and the work of some organs and systems is imperfect, and the rich composition of ginger can cause more severe consequences than in an adult. Children are especially susceptible to allergic reactions.
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Harm of ginger for women
Ginger root is used not only to strengthen health, but also for youth and beauty of skin and hair. Ginger root in dry or fresh form is used to prepare masks (for face, hair, body) and in case of individual intolerance or allergic reaction, serious consequences are possible - redness, rash on the skin, itching, ulcers, so you should be careful with this exotic spice.
Ginger is also harmful in cases of hypertension, ulcers, various gastrointestinal disorders, and gallstones.
Harm of ginger during pregnancy
During the research, specialists have proven the obvious harm of ginger, starting from the second trimester of pregnancy and ending with the period of breastfeeding. With increased uterine tone, the use of the root increases the risk of spontaneous abortion.
The benefits and harms of ginger depend mainly on the state of the body; in case of the above-mentioned diseases, it is better not to take risks and refuse to use this spice or consult a doctor.
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