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Anticancer Foods: Ginger Uses & Benefits

12 months ago

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Grated and ground ginger in two wooden spoons, ginger root, green leaves on the wooden board

Most people know ginger as an amazing culinary spice and an All-Star of classic Asian cuisine. Some people also consider Ginger to be one of the best natural remedies for digestive problems, a weak immune system, and inflammation. Let’s explore these and other ways this powerful root makes life a little better.

What Is Ginger?

Ginger is a Southeast Asian flowering plant. It is one of the healthiest and tastiest spices in the world. Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is related to turmeric, galangal, and cardamom.

The underground section of the stem known as “rhizome” is the most commonly used part of the plant. It is frequently referred to as ginger root or just ginger.

How Is Ginger Used?

In classic Asian cuisine, Ginger makes up one-third of the trio used as a foundation in many dishes. The combination of ginger, garlic, and scallions is so popular in Asian cooking is often referred to as “Asian Mirepoix” or the “Holy Trinity” of Asian cuisine. Seasoned chefs often referred to the combination by its acronym “GGS” (Ginger, Garlic, and Scallion).

In the West, ginger is used to flavor both foods and beverages. It is used to make ginger tea, ginger ale, and ginger snap cookies. It can be used in savory meat and vegetable dishes as well.

Ginger can be found in markets fresh, dried, freshly ground, and pickled. It is also sold in the form of a pill, capsule, and liquid extract. The root contains essential oils, which are used as a scent in soaps and other cosmetics.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Ginger?

Although ginger contains over 400 various compounds. Researchers believe its phenolic compounds, shogaols, and gingerols are responsible for the root’s health benefits. They are also responsible for its famous flavor and aroma. The body benefits from gingerol’s potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in a number of different ways.

Inflammation: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties might be useful to reduce joint discomfort brought on by arthritis-related inflammation. An older study discovered that using ginger extract reduced pain and required less pain medication in persons with knee osteoarthritis.
Digestion: Ginger proved to be incredibly effective against nausea. Ginger may help empty the stomach more quickly, which may reduce the symptoms of indigestion.
Blood Sugar: Adding ginger into your diet can improve your blood sugar levels and decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes according to research studies.

What Makes Ginger An Anticancer Food?

Ginger is also considered as an effective anti-cancer weapon. Ginger’s active ingredient known as gingerol has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having excess levels of free radicals in the body. Oxidative stress is a recognized by scientists as a main driver of cellular damage that leads to cancer.

Ginger could be particularly beneficial for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal cancers. Its strong antioxidant content is probably responsible for inhibiting the development of these cancer cells in laboratory tests. Other studies suggest it might also be beneficial in preventing ovarian and breast cancer.