Ginger: Over 14 Bio-Active Compounds to Fight Numerous Diseases, Including Cancer

Ginger: Over 14 Bio-Active Compounds to Fight Numerous Diseases, Including Cancer
In the same family as cardomom, galangal, and turmeric, ginger has been used as a culinary spice for centuries, but it also has astonishing medicinal qualities due to over 14 bio-active compounds that have been shown to slow aging, stop Osteoperosis, reduce arthritis, kill ovarian, lung, gastric, and leukemia cancer cells, protect against radiation, and even prevent blood clotting and heart attacks.

Among 115 constituentsof fresh and dried ginger, gingerols are the main active ingredient. Aside from gingerols, there are paradol, shogaol, dehydro, gingerdione, hexahydrocurcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, gingerenone A, 1,7-bis-(4′ hydroxyl-3′ methoxyphenyl)-5-methoxyhepthan-3-one, and methoxy. Depending on the variety of ginger, the active compounds will vary slightly. Fresh ginger has the most volatile oils, as well as vitamin B6 and C, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus and potassium.

In even minute quantities, ginger has been shown to have beneficial effects on the body. The suggested serving size, however, since different strains have been found to have varying levels of the active compounds, is 4.8 grams a day. ( Schwertner, Rios, and Pascoe 2006).

Ginger can induce fever to help the body sweat out toxins, reduce inflammation in the body, and even acts as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. But as outlined by Mike Barrett’s ‘ Health Benefits of Ginger‘ article, the benefits don’t stop there. Ginger is great for:

Cancer protection Heartburn/acid reflux/GERD Boosting the immune system Pain Cough Sore throat Stuffy Nose or Nasal Congestion Upset stomach Nausea Toothache Headaches Inflammation Sore throat Swelling Diseases caused by or fueled by inflammation such as arthritis, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, numerous cancer types, cardiovascular disease, and more

You can even grow your own gingerwith organic seeds, purchased from a trusted, non-GMO seed-source. It grows well in pots, with loose, potting soil that won’t retain moisture and place the pots in light shade, where the growing environment will mimic that of its native land in Asia.

You can find ginger in bread, rice dishes, a side for sushi, cookies, crackers, stir-fry, beer, and a thousand other delicious preparations. An absolute must-add to your diet in order to stay healthy, it is used the world over, from Pakistan to the Caribbean, Japan and China to Jamaica and the Philippines. People have been experiencing the many health benefits of ginger for ages; now it’s your turn.

About Christina Sarich:
	Christina Sarich is a humanitarian and freelance writer helping you to Wake up Your Sleepy Little Head, and See the Big Picture. Her blog is Yoga for the New World. Her latest book is Pharma Sutra: Healing the Body And Mind Through the Art of Yoga.

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