| Ginger -- Supporting Digestive Health
Ginger is the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber, which is found in southern China, India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Used all over the world for it's rich spicy flavor, the important active health-related components of ginger root are gingerols and shogaols.
Ginger root is most commonly known for its positive effects on gastrointestinal comfort, in particular helping to alleviate indigestion, nausea, and motion-sickness discomfort. Ginger has shown to act by stimulating the intestines and promoting the production of saliva, digestive juices, and bile. This action lessens intestinal wall irritation and helps food move through more smoothly and comfortably.
This stimulation mechanism may also help protect the stomach from the damaging effects of alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) and may help prevent ulcers.
Ginger has also shown to have a direct anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) effect is also thought to interact with the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system to slow feedback from the stomach to the brain where the feelings of nausea are realized.
Ginger -- Supporting Cardiovascular Health, Joint Comfort & More
Ginger is thought to support cardiovascular health by boosting the pumping action of the heart and making blood platelets less sticky and less likely to aggregate and form clots.
Ginger has also shown promise with regard to joint and other tissue comfort by inhibiting the activation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and cyclooxygenase-2 expression.
Notes:
1. If you're currently being treated with coumadin or other blood-thinning agents, it is recommended to avoid large doses of ginger and consult a health care practitioner.
2. If you are currently being treated for gall stones, ginger is not recommended without the consent of your health care professional.
3. If you are currently pregnant, consult your health care practitioner before beginning to take ginger. |
