Since ancient times, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used as a natural remedy in oriental medicine. It is ideal for the fight against different diseases, minor ailments such as nausea and also as an agent to improve appetite. In recent decades, many of its essential properties have been proven, for example antioxidant activity and anticancer properties, the latter gaining much attention recently.
Table of Contents
Ginger a medicinal plant used since ancient times.
Ginger is aromatic and spicy and is used in Asian frying. It is available year-round in the produce section of most supermarkets. The color of ginger varies from yellow, white to red.
There are different varieties. The brown skin can be thick or thin, this will depend on whether the plant is mature or young when harvested.
Being a plant with anticancer properties, conclusions that have been reached recently, already has a long history. Before ginger was brought to the lab to dissect and study its medicinal benefits, this root already had a great reputation for providing relief in many conditions.
In herbal medicine, ginger is used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal upset (elimination of gas) and as an intestinal spasmolytic, meaning that it relaxes and calms the intestinal tract.
Also, it is used for motion sickness, and has been shown to be superior to Dramamine, a drug used for motion sickness. A short list of your benefits may include:
- It reduces pain and inflammation, making it valuable in managing arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
- It has a warming effect and stimulates circulation.
- It inhibits rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold.
- It inhibits bacteria such as Salmonella, which cause diarrhea, and protozoa, such as Trichomonas.
- In the intestinal tract, it reduces gas and painful spasms.
- It can prevent stomach ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Studies of the anticancer properties of ginger.
A study was conducted by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Center, and it was found that ginger has anti-cancer properties as it prevents the growth of cancer cells and improves the effects of other treatment alternatives.
Investigations, studies and experimentations that have been carried out with this powerful root in cases of prostate cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer, giving concentrates of it in the study subjects, conclude with amazing results.
It not only destroys cancer cells, but also affects the reduction of a few imperative signal molecules within cancer cells responsible for the metastasis and spread of this aggressive tumor.
The active ingredients that ginger contains are said to carry anti-cancer characteristics, although it is not yet fully defined. Gingerols, paradoxes and shogaols are considered to be the substances that play the crucial role in the anticancer influences of ginger.
Gingerols in ovarian and Correctol cancer.
The aforementioned substances, gingerols, paradoxes and shogaols, are phytochemicals that are found in the root of the ginger plant in low concentrations.
For example, gingerols are the main active component in this plant and are responsible for its distinct taste. They appear to inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.
There are studies, research projects and presentation that revealed chemotherapeutic protection of ginger in colorectal carcinomas.
Laboratory experiments showed that gingerols, active phytonutrients in ginger root, killed cancer cells from ovary through the induction of both apoptosis (destruction or cell death programmed or caused by the body itself), and autophagocytosis (absorption and destruction of an individual’s cells by their own white blood cells).
Ginger extracts have been shown to have antioxidant anti-inflammatory effects on cells. Here’s the part we should all be interested in.
Doctor examined the effect of whole ginger extract containing 5% gingerol on a number of different ovarian cancer cells. Whole ginger is the operative word, meaning no special equipment is needed to reap the full benefits of the root.
Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in the prevention of cancer.
A state of inflammation is known to be a major contributing factor in both the development and progression of cancer. Research shows that key indicators of inflammation are reduced in the presence of ginger. Safeguarding your health can save you a lot.
While experts will still be experimenting with this plant for years to come, you can start taking advantage of this aromatic plant now.
Instructions for using ginger as an anticancer medicine.
The results of the study presented earlier in the text indicate that you should consume this plant constantly in your diet so that it can prevent cancer, as well as to improve your health and lifestyle in general.
Scientists have mentioned that people can use ginger as a supplement that will be of great help during the period of chemotherapy. Evaluation of data in studies shows that humans would only have to consume about 3 ½ ounces of whole ginger extract in their daily diet to achieve the beneficial effects.
However, the recommended daily dose should not exceed 4 grams of ginger. For pregnant women, the recommended daily dose is up to 1 gram of ginger.
Health risks of consuming ginger.
Natural ginger is safe for most people and causes little to no known side effects. However, being a plant with anti-cancer properties does not make it exempt from some side effects for some people who consume it.
For example, the symptoms of acid reflux can be exacerbated in some people who have it. The efficacy and side effects of ginger supplements vary by brand and formulation.
It is the total diet or general eating pattern that is most important in preventing disease and achieving good health. It is best to eat a diet with a variety that focuses on individual foods as the key to good health.