Various cultures have stressed the numerous health benefits of ginger, since ancient times, from their own experience with the root. Ginger’s use, as a medicine, has been observed for thousands of years. It was only recently that science has been able to validate the amazing health benefits of this superfood. Ginger was traditionally used to treat various symptoms of cold, indigestion, and nausea among many other things. Recent research has proven it to be effective when fighting cancer; 10,000 times more effective than Chemotherapy to be precise.
A recent study highlighted that 6‑shogaol, a constituent produced when the ginger root is either cooked or dried, shows some powerful cancer-combating activity. (Cite: Ginger cancer treatment) The study even showed that the cancer-fighting tendency of this compound only harmed the cancer cells, while non-cancerous cells were effectively left unharmed. This is a crucial distinction from conventional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, which tend to affect even non-cancerous and healthy cells, thus greatly harming the overall health of the patient.
The major distinction between conventional cancer treatments and treatment using ginger is that treatments like chemotherapy fail to harm or kill cancer stem cells. While other cancer cells are often benign, cancer stem cells are essentially responsible for creating tumor-forming cells, thus leading to greater chances of the cancer coming back again. 6‑shogaol, on the other hand, has shown considerable promise in fighting these cancer stem cells, although further research is still required. The two types of cancer cells most susceptible to ginger have been observed to be the ovarian and prostate cancer cells.
Benefits of Ginger Tea
Along with this recently observed cancer-fighting ability of Ginger, it has numerous other benefits, which makes it highly useful. Ginger possesses powerful antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties, while also containing high quantities of vitamin C, magnesium, and other minerals. It has also been shown to help with digestive health, asthma, boosting immunity, cardiovascular diseases, and relieving pain, among many other uses.
Ginger tea, a beverage made by infusing ginger into a tea, is one of the best ways to make use of the numerous health benefits of the ginger root. Ginger tea is extremely effective in combating the onset of a cold, boosting digestive health, and boosting immunity. Another way to reap the health benefits of ginger is by drinking lemon ginger tea which boasts energy-boosting, immunity-boosting, and antioxidant properties. It can also help with improving skin and hair health, regulating blood sugar levels, improving cognition, and helping with fever.
While ginger tea has many amazing health benefits, the concept of moderation also applies here. In small doses, Ginger tea is extremely beneficial and helps with many health issues, but if taken in large doses, it can cause heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Some people can even have a ginger allergy or their stomach might be too sensitive for the powerful ingredients of ginger which might result in the above-mentioned side effects, even with small doses.
Edison Institute of Nutrition is internationally recognized and offers online nutrition courses around the world. If you’d like to learn more about our programs, call us at . You may also contact us online.
