Using Ginger to Its Fullest
Ginger has long been revered worldwide, especially in China and India. Even as early as 200 BCE, ginger was widely cultivated on huge estates in areas of Southeast Asia—and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is ginger an excellent palate cleanser (just ask sushi lovers) and a flavorful addition to many dishes, but it also boasts impressive digestive, immune, and healthy inflammatory response benefits—and it’s more popular than...
Ginger has long been revered worldwide, especially in China and India. Even as early as 200 BCE, ginger was widely cultivated on huge estates in areas of Southeast Asia—and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is ginger an excellent palate cleanser (just ask sushi lovers) and a flavorful addition to many dishes, but it also boasts impressive digestive, immune, and healthy inflammatory response benefits—and it’s more popular than ever.^ This should be no surprise considering that immune support has been in high demand the last few years. As we ramp up towards cold, dark days and holiday gatherings, this trend is likely to continue—so let’s get to the root of ginger’s benefits.*
Strong Support for GI Function
Ginger has two significant classes of active compounds known as “pungent principles”—gingerols (abundant in raw ginger) and shogaols (more concentrated in dried ginger). While ginger root is well known for helping with motion sickness and gastrointestinal (GI) upset, research indicates both sets of compounds contribute to these benefits by interacting with receptors in the GI tract involved in nausea. Plus, ginger can also speed up gastric emptying to help prevent occasional bloating and indigestion. The use of ginger preparations for GI support has even been formally approved in Canada and the European Union, confirming what traditional herbalists have known for hundreds of years.*
Bountiful Immune Benefits
Additional evidence suggests that both gingerols and shogaols contribute to ginger’s ability to support a healthy immune system. Gingerols in particular appear to work by modulating immune-signaling molecules called cytokines. Both compounds have also been shown in preclinical studies to support a healthy inflammatory response.^ The bottom line is that each class of compounds has unique actions, so you might want to get more than just the root in your diet. You can try incorporating the spice—and even ginger’s leaves and shoots—into many delicious dishes to round out your ginger intake.*
Supplements Can Offer Targeted Benefits
However you consume it, ginger offers plenty of benefits—but if you’re specifically looking to support your immune system, Source Naturals® incorporates ginger into several immune formulations. Our Wellness Formula® combines many traditionally used botanicals, including ginger, with a high potency of vitamin C and 30 other nutrients to give you advanced, comprehensive support when you need it most. Our Wellness ZincMunity™ utilizes both of ginger’s primary benefits. The ginger in the formula not only supports digestion, which encourages optimal zinc absorption, but it also works alongside zinc and other nutrients to support the immune system. With such a spectrum of benefits, ginger is a spicy and warming botanical that isn’t just for delicious treats—it makes a great addition to your winter health regimen.*
^Not all inflammation is associated with disease states. Inflammation is also the body’s healthy immune response to life’s normal stressors such as strenuous exercise or an occasional high-fat/high-calorie meal. The body’s inflammation response to life’s occasional, normal stressors is important for optimal health.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease.
Resources:
Ruchi Badoni Semwal, et al. Phytochemistry, 2015, 117: 554-568, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.07.012