Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
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Form: Powder
Food source: Ginger
Benefits of Ginger Root
- Cardiovascular health
- Gut health
- Relieve cramping
- Relieves bloating
- Aids digestion
- Blood sugar management
- Healthy joints
What is Ginger Root?
The root of the Ginger plant is known and used as a spice for its unique flavour profile in cooking around the world. It has also historically been used in Ayurvedic medicine and today, nutritionists value it for a range of health benefits, both as an anti-inflammatory and a digestive aid.
The main therapeutic compounds in Ginger are called 'gingerols' and 'shogaols'. These are acclaimed antioxidants, meaning that they ‘scavenge’ and neutralise ‘free radicals’ (unstable molecules) in the body. Left unchecked, these free radicals can cause a variety of problems, including oxidative stress and inflammation, which affects various systems and organs, including the heart and digestive tract.
Gingerol and shogaol have been shown to 'prostaglandins' and 'leukotrienes', and work through a pathway called ‘LOX’ and ‘COX’, which is the same pathway that many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines use. Our blood vessels are susceptible to stiffness and hardening - without enough antioxidants, they can become weaker and brittle. So the antioxidants in Ginger can help to maintain the collagen and elasticity of blood vessels. Antioxidants are also needed to help prevent cholesterol from oxidising - oxidised cholesterol is harmful because it becomes hard and contributes towards plaque formation.
Ginger can also help with the speed at which the stomach empties, and by increasing the rate of stomach emptying, we can decrease bloating that occurs after eating and reduce feelings of fullness and discomfort. Ginger contains an enzyme called 'zingibain' which helps with the digestion of protein and supports a comfortable digestion. Studies indicate that Ginger may decrease the pressure that might be on the oesophagus and reduce intestinal cramping, stimulating the emptying of the stomach.
Give this Immune-supporting Ginger Tea (Ve) a try.
