Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Ginger

The health benefits of ginger as a powerful root vegetable are numerous. The following information on ginger will give you yet another natural non-toxic herb which will help your body achieve and maintain optimal health. New studies are showing very important health benefits of ginger with various cancer cells and probably many more studies to come.


Ginger and the Immune System
  • strong antioxidant
  • Antimicrobial (kills bacteria - including salmonella) - internally and topically as an antiseptic
  • two natural antibiotics are found in ginger
  • contains anti-inflammatory agents
  • helps eliminate congestion
  • contains zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs
  • ginger root tea eases some throat pain
  • kills cold viruses
  • inhibits production of cytokines which cause pain and swelling
  • combats chills and fever
  • ginger inhibits 5-LO enzymes, the only food for prostate cancer cells , prostate cancer cells die in one to two hours without this enzyme
  • gingerol (an extract of ginger) inhibits pancreatic cell growth
  • beneficial to prevent constipation-related cancer
  • an effective ani-tumor agent in leukemia cells
  • an extract of ginger causes lung cancer cell death
  • gingerols inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease and the development of gastric and colon cancer
  • ginger extract raises significantly the thymus index, spleen index, percentage of phagocytosis, and thus improves the immunologic function relating to tumors
  • gingerol inhibits cell adhesion, invasion, motility and activities of breast cancer cell lines
  • gingerol induces viability reduction (killed) gastric cancer cells
  • a ginger extract causes apoptosis (cell death) of breast carcinoma cells
  • ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factor in ovarian cancer cells
  • 6-shogaol (component of ginger) induces cell death in colorectal carcinoma cells
  • compounds of ginger inhibits proliferation (stops growth) of ovarian cancer cells
  • a component of ginger suppresses metastasis (stops the spread) in any type of cancer cell including leukemic, skin, kidney, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells - one of the most exciting and powerful health benefits of ginger!
Ginger and Circulation
  • stimulates circulation
  • may help prevent heart attacks
  • has natural blood thinning properties
  • lowers blood cholesterol levels
  • cleanses and stimulates blood
  • prevents internal blood clots
  • may prevent TIA’s (mini strokes)
  • therapeutic properties for hypertension
Ginger and Digestion
  • cleanses colon
  • reduces colon spasms and cramps
  • helps clear gas
  • relieves indigestion
  • excellent for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness
  • stimulates production of digestive juices
  • helps bowel disorders
Ginger and other Body Systems
  • lungs: helps with respiratory problems, eases asthma symptoms
  • helps eliminate hot flashes
  • relieves headaches
  • promotes menstrual regularity
  • helps with morning sickness
  • helps reduce inflammation of arthritis
  • supports kidney health
  • topical gingerol provides protection against UVB-induced skin disorders
  • reduces the severity of post chemotherapy nausea
Ginger and its Nutrients
  • high in potassium
  • manganese which builds resistance to disease, protects lining of heart, blood vessels and urinary passages
  • silicon which promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
  • helps assimilate calcium
  • also contains Vit. A, C, E, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene
Other Facts and Health Benefits of Ginger
  • was listed in U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820-1873
  • British research has found ginger to be as effective as drugs at relieving nausea after surgery
  • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis studied at Denmark’s Odense University got relief from pain and swelling after taking ginger daily for three months
  • gingerol promotes healing of inflammation and minor burns
  • may prevent transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) know as mini strokes
  • Israeli researchers found that standardized ginger extract has dramatic effects on cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing oxidation of LDL which contributes to cholesterol deposits on artery walls
Ginger Recipes/Uses
  • Suggested use is 1/3 tsp. ground ginger or 1 tsp. fresh ginger root in food or drink up to three times daily
  • Motion Sickness - drink tea or juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger one-half hour before traveling
  • Add in juicer to fresh raw fruit or vegetable juice
  • Add to smoothies - See My ‘Ginger Berry Smoothie’ Here in Easy Healthy Smoothie Recipes
  • Add fresh to Asian stir fry dishes, marinades, fruit salad dressings
  • Add ground ginger to breads, cookies, spice cakes, pumpkin pie

Many health benefits of ginger you have read about here are based on clinical studies (google 'ginger cancer', etc. at www.PUBMED.org) and very powerful and impressive for a food. There is no question that ginger has many more special health qualities that we haven’t yet recognized. Enjoy it as one of the power foods to boost our immune system and support great health!
 
Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
 
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).