For the Love of Ginger

Here's a post by Mrs N, an American who lives and blogs in Japan. She said I could share it on my blog. I imagine you can guess why I got excited when I first read it! (You can read more of Mrs N's thoughts at Simply...Life.)

I am a nut for ginger. 

I love the taste, but did you know that ginger has amazing health benefits?

ginger combats heart disease

Here are a few other things I found out a while ago while researching the health benefits of ginger:

*Ginger essential oil helps ease sore muscles. Place freshly grated ginger in a cotton bag and toss the bag into your bathtub filled with hot water. Let sit for a few minutes to release the oils in the ginger and then enjoy a relaxing soak.

*Ginger tea can relieve period cramps. 

*Crystalized or pickled ginger works better than store-bought medicines for motion sickness according to Brigham Young University research.

*Ginger works great as a body scrub.  Mix 4 ounces Epsom salt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped ginger; microwave at 15-second intervals until warm. Apply scrub all over, then rinse. The ginger gives you a healthy glow, while the lime's vitamin C smooths skin.

And here is another whole list of ginger benefits! I found this list here.

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 ofbreast 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

 

Did you know that you can grow ginger at home? A ginger plant is easy enough to get started. Just go to the store, buy a fresh piece and plant it. The ginger found in grocery stores is native to the moist forests of tropical Asia, so keep the plant warm and add extra peat moss or compost to the potting soil to help the soil mix hold more water. You can begin harvesting as soon as five months after planting. No need to unearth the whole plant; just poke into the soil with a knife and take what you need. For more information -Google it!