The Health Benefits of Ginger

GingerHealthBenefitsJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

 

 

Highly valued and utilized for over 5,000 years in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicines, ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae botanical family, which also includes turmeric and cardamom. In more recent times, this widely cultivated aromatic spice has been appreciated more for its culinary flavor than for its medicinal uses. As interest in traditional and functional medicine has seen a resurgence, consumers are becoming more aware of the health benefits of natural remedies. Ginger, with its numerous nutrients and bioactive compounds, has been and continues to be widely researched and is considered a safe and effective natural remedy for numerous applications.

Scientific research has shown that gingerols, the main bioactive components of ginger, have remarkable pharmacological and physiological properties. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), at least 115 constituents have been identified, including high levels of total antioxidants surpassed only by pomegranates and some types of berries. Ginger is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, beta carotene, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc, all of which contribute to overall wellness.

Ginger’s many health promoting properties include:

Anti-nausea – Ginger has a long tradition of safety and effectiveness in relieving stomach discomfort, gastrointestinal distress, seasickness, motion sickness, morning sickness and chemo-therapy induced nausea and vomiting. Ginger’s ability to alleviate these symptoms is perhaps its most common and well established use.

Anti-inflammatory – Similar to OTC medications, such as NSAIDs, Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties stem from its ability to suppress COX-2, an enzyme responsible for formation of the prostaglandins, key to the development of inflammation, swelling and pain. Ginger has been shown to be effective for alleviating joint pain, menstrual pain and headaches.

Cardio-protective effects – Because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects, evidence supports ginger’s role in protecting cardiovascular function. Ginger appears to help reduce cholesterol and improve lipid metabolism, helping to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Immune boosting effects – Ginger’s antiviral properties help to warm the body, boosting circulation and helping to promote healthy sweating, useful during bouts of colds or flu. Research has shown that dermicidin, produced by the body’s sweat glands and secreted in sweat, provides protection against invading microorganisms including E. coli, staph and fungi.

Respiratory supportUtilized for centuries to treat respiratory illnesses, ginger helps to thin bronchial mucus, which helps to clear up clogged airways and acts as an expectorant, triggering the production of hydrating secretions that lubricate the respiratory tract. Ginger has been shown to be capable of inhibiting airway contraction and inflammation, while at the same time activating an enzyme that relaxes the airways, providing relief from asthma symptoms.

Kidney healthAs ginger acts as a warming circulatory stimulant, it is believed to aid the kidneys in clearing the body of harmful toxins and may also help to protect against normal kidney function deterioration.

Anti-parasitic – Research has shown that ginger may be effective in destroying common and host intestinal parasites when taken as a tea or a supplement. There’s good reason why sushi, a contributor to parasitic infections in Japan and the U. S., is traditionally eaten with ginger.

Cancer fighting properties – Numerous research studies are focusing on the cancer-preventive and potential cancer therapeutic effects of ginger. Promising research suggests that ginger may be effective in inhibiting the growth of colorectal and ovarian cancer cells. A recent study showed that ginger has cancer destroying effects in concentrations that are non-toxic to healthy cells.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality products that contain ginger and its many beneficial compounds:

Ginger

 

Ginger by Herb Farm – This Certified Organic liquid formula provides optimally extracted ginger compounds in support of heart, circulatory and digestive health.

 

 

Ginger ForceGinger Force by New Chapter – This full spectrum of beneficial ginger compounds, formulated via supercritical extraction, delivers a pure and highly potent whole food supplement in support of a healthy inflammatory response and cardiovascular and intestinal health. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation. 15% OFF

 

GingerMaxGingerMax by Integrative Therapeutics – This highly concentrated, standardized ginger oil supplement helps to settle digestive upset and inhibits nausea and vomiting. One softgel provides 100 mg of ginger root extract in support of joint health and free radical protection. Gluten, dairy and preservative free.

 

 

Advanced Bio-Curcumin® with Ginger & TurmeronesAdvanced Bio-Curcumin® with Ginger & Turmerones by Life Extension – The highly absorbable formula provides standardized ginger extracts, BCM-95® Bio-Curcumin® extract, turmeric oil and phospholipids in support of a healthy inflammatory response and whole body wellness. One softgel provides 60 mg of gingerols. 15% OFF

 

References:
The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
Ginger. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72
Six reasons to never leave home without ginger. http://www.naturalnews.com/037609_ginger_stomach_aches_nausea.html#
Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of ginger root. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228476601_Chemical_composition_and_antioxidant_properties_of_ginger_root_Zingiber_officinale