All about GINGER--a good reason to consider taking it

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Ginger is an antioxidant: Ginger is a strong antioxidant, which is

why it is used in preventing rancidity of meat products. It has

shown to prolong the shelf life of fresh, frozen and precooked meat.

As an antioxidant, it helps prevent free radical damage and helps

inflammation.

GINGER AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:

Numerous ingredients in ginger have shown to be potent inhibitors of

inflammatory prostaglandin and leukotrienes. This may explain its

use in inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, headaches

and body aches. Ginger is also a powerful antioxidant and contains

an enzyme " protease " , which contains a powerful action on

inflammation as bromelain (from Pineapple) and papain (from papaya).

In an animal model study, ginger extract reduced the carrageenan-

induced inflammation in a rat's paw. Ginger also contains

antihistaminic and anti-toxicity activities. Allergies and toxicity

can many times, be a trigger for inflammation. In a study on seven

patients of Rheumatoid arthritis, all the patients that were given

ginger reported substantial improvement in pain relief, increased

joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness. In another

study with 28 patients of rheumatoid arthritis, 18 patients of

osteoarthritis and 10 patients of muscular discomfort; powdered

ginger was given in doses of 500-1000 mg per day for three months to

two and a half years. Based on clinical observation, 75% patients

of rheumatoid arthritis, and osteo arthritis experienced relief in

pain and swelling.100% of the patients of muscular discomfort

experienced relief in pain and swelling. Patients taking higher

doses experienced faster results.

In other study by Srivastava and Mustafa, ginger was reported to be

beneficial for migraine headaches.

BLOOD THINNING EFFECT:

Ginger is a potent blood thinner. The blood thinning effect is due

to its platelet aggregation inhibiting effect. It also inhibited

thromboxane and prostaglandins and reduced platelet lipid

peroxidation, which makes it one of the superior blood thinning

agents.

ANALGESIC EFFECT:

Ginger has shown to exhibit analgesic effects in experimental

animals by inhibiting the release of substance P. This is a very

similar action to capsaicin from cayenne or red pepper.

ANTISPASMODIC ACTION and ANTI-ULCER activity:

Ginger increases intestinal motility and at the same time, has

proven to be a powerful antispasmodic. This is why it is used as a

gastrointestinal tonic. Ginger has also shown to stop serotonin-

induced diarrhea. Many patients taking selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac or Paxil suffer with the side effects

of diarrhea. Ginger may come to their rescue. Time and time again,

it has shown to have anti-ulcer properties. It can prevent ulcers

due to alcohol, indomethacin, aspirin and other common ulcerogenic

compounds. Indomethacin and aspirin are used as non-steroidal

antiinflammatory agents and are known to cause ulcers. Almost 2000

people die every year from gastric bleeding due to these drugs.

Ginger is considered a much safer alternative because of its

valuable properties.

http://www.ayush.com/articles/ginger.htm