SHARE RSS PRINT EMAIL Discover the health-promoting properties of ginger root. Discover the health-promoting properties of ginger root. Unmistakably pungent and aromatic, the spice of fresh ginger root adds a zing to many dishes, but if you’re only using it in that occasional pumpkin pie, you may be missing out on its health-promoting properties. Long used as a remedy for numerous ailments from colds to cancer, ginger has been the recent focus of research aimed at revealing its true therapeutic potential. Add a kick to your cooking and a boost to your health by using ginger root regularly. Sponsored Link Green Energy Insights See Goldman Sachs perspective on the Clean Technology market. goldmansachs/clean-technology Description and History The part of the plant recognized as ginger root isn’t actually a root, but a rhizome -- the horizontal underground stem yielding shoots above and roots below. Its beige skin is somewhat course with an inner aromatic flesh ranging from pale to bright yellow. Ginger tonic has been used in China and India for more than 5,000 years to treat many types of ailments. Ginger became an important trade product for the Roman Empire for its medicinal properties. Ginger is grown in Asia and tropical areas; India is the largest producer. Stomach Discomfort Ginger can relieve nausea and vomiting because of its ability to disrupt and expel gas in the intestine. Ginger appears to accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, which may help alleviate stomach issues. Ginger can safely alleviate nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. In a study published in the 2007 issue of the “Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand,” researchers found ginger to be more effective than vitamin B-6 in relieving nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. Cancer Ginger root has a very high level of antioxidants -- higher than many berries -- making it an excellent defender against cell damage and associated disease caused by free radicals. Ginger continues to be the focus of research investigating its role in cancer prevention and treatment of lymphoma, breast, liver, skin, bladder and colorectal cancers. Ginger’s antioxidant activity is one of several mechanisms thought to explain its possible anticancer effects. Others include its ability to decrease cancer cell proliferation and suppress mechanisms that initiate cancer cell activation. Inflammation Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. In a study published in the 2009 issue of the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,” researchers found ginger to be as effective as ibuprofen in relieving menstrual pain. Ginger has also been reported to be effective at reducing pain and swelling in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, rheumatoid arthritis and general muscle discomfort
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 08:32:30 +0000
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