Ginger root is an ancient medicine dating back over 3000 years in India and China and in use in the early Roman Empire 2000 years ago. It is well known as a remedy for many common ailments but it is far more powerful in its healing abilities than most of us have realized.
Modern research at the University of Michigan has proven that gingerol, one of the powerful phenolic compounds found in ginger root, causes cell death (apoptosis) in all ovarian cancer cell lines studied. Additionally, gingerol induces autophagocytosis (self-digestion) in ovarian cancers. All of these cancer killing benefits occur with no chemotherapy side effects and in the case of ovarian cancer, it was more effective than the typically used chemotherapy drugs.
Ginger extract was proven to kill human prostate cancer cells while sparing healthy prostate cells. The ginger root extract was able to shrink prostate tumor size by up to 56% as published in the British Journal of Nutrition. The Journal of Clinical Oncology published a study showing that consumption of ginger root resulted in lower levels of colon inflammation and inflammation of the intestines. This reduction in inflammation reduces the risk of colon cancer. Ginger root extract suppresses colon cancer tumor growth in mice who were injected with colon cancer cells.
The potent anti-inflammatory powers of gingerol helps with many other conditions that are related to chronic inflammation including arthritis, muscular discomfort, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, numerous cancer types, and cardiovascular disease. Nausea due to many causes including morning sickness, chemotherapy induced nausea and motion sickness has been treated with ginger from the very beginning. Modern research has verified that its effects at reducing nausea are significant compared to placebo.
For acid reflux and heartburn, researchers compared the anti-ulcer and anti-Helicobacter plyori (a bacteria linked to ulcers) properties of ginger against conventional acid-blockers like Lansoprazole, or Prevacid. Ginger was six to eight times more effective than the drugs with no side effects.
Ginger is a very important herbal treatment for all types of digestive problems in Chinese Herbal Therapy. Chewing a fresh slice of raw ginger root before or after a meal can improve poor digestion and absorption of food.
An excellent source of ginger root extract is Solaray Ginger Root Extract. The extract has the powerful effect on cancer cells in particular. (As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.)
The list of health benefits given by ginger root continues!
Ginger Benefits Summary – 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
Thanks to Natural Society and Life Extension Magazine for their great information on these studies. Read on for more details.