Ginger is an herb (closely related to turmeric) consumed as a spice and food. Often used as herbal medicine, ginger is worth looking into for improved health, because it's low risk with some notable potential benefits!
A few weeks ago, this caught my attention "Ginger contains a compound that could be up to 10,000 times more effective than conventional chemotherapy in targeting the root cause of cancer." I needed to know more, but was pretty sure that it was hype...
An important 2015 study, explains how cancer stem cells (CSCs) cause a poor prognosis, while very few chemotherapeutic compounds show promise in killing these cells. The study went on to describe how they investigated the ginger-derived compound 6-shogaol's impact on CSCs, and found that it was effective in killing breast cancer cells through its action on CSCs at doses that were not toxic to noncancerous cells. This occurred by inducing autophagy (more on this process for clearing and using damaged cells here). The potential therapeutic benefit in breast cancer treatment are exciting!
The only problem with my research on ginger....I was overwhelmed by all the studies and hopeful conclusions, so lets just say this is not a comprehensive post, but a jumping off point...
Highlights of Benefits:
1. Cancer: The biologically active ingredients in ginger (i.e. 6-shogaol, zerumbone, 6-gingerol), have achieved a great deal of attention in other studies due to their potential anticancer activity in colon cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and bone cancer (osteosarcoma). In addition, ginger has the ability to interfere with the growth of new blood vessels, which are known to allow cancer to grow, as demonstrated in studies on these cancers: skin cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. Reading words in PubMed like "induced profound growth inhibition in all cell lines tested" is encouraging, for sure!
Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash
2. Cardiovascular Risk and Blood Sugar Levels: Ginger improves blood sugar markers, cholesterol/triglyceride profiles, and blood pressure. The 6-gingerol in ginger can protect cells that line the blood vessels from oxidative stress, so it may also prevent hardening of the arteries.
3. Pain and Inflammation: One of the active ingredients in ginger, can regulate inflammatory genes. Like NSAIDs (aspirin and Advil), ginger blocks the activities of COX enzymes, as well as the production of inflammatory chemicals in order to reduce pain. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not lead to digestive discomfort. It reduces serum C-reactive protein in human subjects, so it has many anti-inflammatory benefits, including reducing subjective pain reports. For example, when 2 grams are taken for a minimum of 5 days, it is known to reduce the pain of resistance exercise and prolonged running. Ginger even helps with menstrual cramps better than NSAIDs. Ginger has the benefits of NSAIDs without the drawbacks!
4. Stomach Discomfort and Nausea: In a small, but randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial ginger was shown to help with digestive symptoms in people who frequently have an upset stomach. Ginger reduces stomach lesions, possibly by inhibiting the growth of H-pylori and through reducing stomach acid secretion. By inhibiting serotonin function in the digestive track, ginger prevents over-activation of the vagal nerve that triggers nausea and vomiting. It is also known as an effective non-drug relief for morning sickness during early pregnancy. Ginger reduces nausea and vomiting that are side effects of medications, including chemotherapy!
How to Gain the Most Benefits...
Processing methods impact the chemical make up of ginger, while influencing the health benefits. This study, compared the antioxidant effect of fresh, dried, stir-frying and carbonized gingers, and demonstrated that antioxidant activity of dried ginger was the highest. Although the processing decreased concentrations of gingerols, it increased levels of shogaols. Both have benefits, so it is a good idea to include both fresh and dried ginger, but if needing to choose, the convenience and antioxidant activity make buying organic dried ginger from the spice section an ideal option!
Ginger is known to have very few side effects, but it is not recommended to take more than four grams of ginger per day as it may cause heartburn and could possibly interfere with blood-thinning medications. As a preventative treatment for nausea, typically, dosages of 1-3g are suggested. Taking 100 mg - 2g a day of dried organic ginger is recommended for fighting inflammation and its anticancer benefits.
Some convenient ways to add ginger include making a tea by steeping it in hot water with a squeeze of lemon, adding it to your Natural Calm Magnesium bedtime drink, and mixing it with extra virgin olive oil for a salad dressing. While, heating up coconut oil, ghee, or butter and blending one teaspoon of dried ginger into the oil before pan searing veggies, fish or chicken is a simple meal option.
How are you enjoying your ginger?!
These Associate Links will provide a good starting point:
Frontier Co-op Organic Ginger Root Powder (Keep all but a spice container of ginger in the freezer): https://amzn.to/2zhNFCj
Natural Calm Magnesium Powder: https://amzn.to/2zg6OV0
Wendy Dellis is a certified wellness coach. She joins years of training and work in the area of behavior change, experience as a fitness instructor and run club coordinator with a passion for adventure and people. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Jay, and two sons.
The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical or healthcare advice, but only topics for discussion. No physician-patient relationship exists; please consult your physician before making changes in diet or lifestyle.