Ginger is packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have strong benefits for your body and brain. Ginger contains the active ingredient gingerol, a bioactive compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger has nutrients including magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6. Ginger also contains beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin (active ingredient in turmeric as ginger is a relative of the same family) and salicylate.