Ginger – An Inflammatory Herb
Ginger, you either love it or you hate it. It is aromatic, pungent and spicy; Asian stir fries tend to incorporate it in many dishes to add that extra zest and flavour, but many of us are unaware of the health benefits it provides as an anti-inflammatory herb.
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds known as gingerols. The substance is asserted to reduce the pain levels and enhance the mobility for many arthritis patients if consumed regularly. It was stated in two clinical studies that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced pain relief and swelling after incorporating ginger in their diet regularly. Hence, if you’re suffering from arthritis-related problems with aging knees, regularly spice up your meals with fresh ginger may help.
Studies have shown that patients who have taken ginger regularly experienced relatively low pain levels and reduced swelling in their knees. Inflammation was also lessened when treated with ginger.
Do you ever wonder how ginger work its anti-inflammatory magic? In an issue of Life Sciences, it was suggested that one of its constituents, 6-gingerol aids in the prevention of increase in free radical damage to lipids and reduce the depletion of glutathione, one of the body’s most important internally produced antioxidants. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects also suppress the pro-inflammatory compounds such as cytokines and chemokines.
One quick and easy way to incorporate ginger in our daily consumption is to simply combine freshly grated ginger with lemon juice, cane juice or honey and water. It not only warms up our bodies, but it also provides our bodies with amazing anti-inflammatory effects. It also aids in digestion and reduces incidence of gastric pain.
