Can ginger help prevent colon cancer?

In yet another University of Michigan study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, Suzanna M Zick, N.D., M.P.H. and her research team studied 30 volunteers randomly assigned to 2g of ginger root supplements or placebo daily for 28 days for inflammation linked to colon cancer.

Four weeks later, inflammation markers were significantly lowered in those taking the ginger. And note that the doses were low compared to those recommended by the authors of the prostate study.

Affects multiple factors involved in inflammation

Researchers who've studied the healing properties of ginger discovered it contains zingibain — an enzyme with exceptionally strong anti-inflammatory properties.

This inflammation squelching may be one reason ginger helps fight cancer cells. It could also explain why some studies find that ginger is a boon to arthritis sufferers and many other inflammation-mediated diseases.

Ginger is thought to help fight diverticulitis, gallbladder inflammation, and heart disease… and to promote blood flow to your brain to keep it healthy and young.

Ginger especially inhibits two enzymes that play a key role in rampant inflammation — the cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX). Anti-inflammatory drugs can block COX but completely miss LOX. As a result, they only address part of the problem. And — oops! — the drugs cause serious side effects that can lead to death.

Ginger, on the other hand, treats a broader range of inflammation because it deals with both the COX and LOX enzymes. It doesn't shut down inflammation entirely, but appears to turn it on and off as appropriate.

Addresses the pain caused by inflammation, too

Why take aspirin or Tylenol when you can take ginger for pain — without the potentially dangerous or even deadly side effects?

Studies comparing ginger's efficacy against pain to aspirin and other pain drugs show that ginger requires smaller doses to get the same level of relief. It has no known side effects.

Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia are just two conditions that could benefit from ginger's pain remediation.

Ginger for your heart. . .

As for the often-recommended doctor advice to take aspirin for heart health, one word: Don't do it. Studies show aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to stomach upset, bleeding ulcers, joint discomfort, and a potentially compromised immune system. Furthermore, regular aspirin and NSAID use results in a higher risk of death.

A cardiology clinic in an Israeli hospital now prescribes all its patients one-half teaspoon of ginger daily instead of aspirin.6

As long ago as 1980, researchers at Cornell already knew that ginger stopped life-threatening platelet aggregation, hardening of the arteries, and high cholesterol.

So why haven't you been told this?

Probably because conventional medicine would rather sell you on expensive anti-cholesterol drugs with deadly side effects!

Back to ginger's best-known benefit. . .

In China, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for over 2,000 years.

Perhaps the most distressing and feared side effects of chemotherapy are nausea and vomiting. Besides being so disagreeable, they can lead to loss of needed nutrients, metabolic imbalance, and damage to the esophagus.

A number of clinical trials show ginger helps reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy7, as well as the nausea linked to surgery, motion sickness, and morning sickness. It may also help people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Disease or IBS.

The actual studies on motion sickness are mixed, though some people swear by it. Studies do indicate a positive effect for pregnancy-related nausea, but you should discuss this with your doctor prior to using.

Ginger is thought to affect receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin in your digestive tract, an action similar to conventional anti-nausea drugs.

Cautions...

Given its broad healing properties and zesty flavor, it's hard to see how you can go wrong by adding it to your diet, at least in some measure.

Do beware of the following: Don't take it if you have a bleeding disorder, are taking heart or blood thinning meds, aspirin or NSAIDS. It can alter the effects of some prescription drugs so consult your doctor if you're on any. And never give ginger to children under 2.

How to buy and use ginger

For superior flavor and the highest levels of the compound gingerol and other anti-inflammatory compounds, choose fresh ginger, available in the produce section of your grocer. Look for a root with firm smooth skin, no mold, and as few twists and joints as possible. If it's wrinkled, it's already drying out and will be woody.

Ginger can be either young or mature. Mature ginger is widely available and requires peeling. Young ginger is typically only available in Asian markets and needs no peeling.

Peel with a paring knife or potato peeler. Then you can slice, mince or julienne it. Its intensity of flavor depends on when you add it during cooking. For stronger flavor, add it close to the end… for a more subtle taste, add it at the beginning.

Brew it as a tea to induce sweating… it's great to run off a fever and to boost your immune system. For fresh ginger tea, steep five or six thin slices of ginger root in hot water. Add lemon if desired.

Fresh ginger keeps for about three weeks in your fridge if unpeeled, or for up to six months in a freezer.

Combine it with the pungency of garlic for a wonderful flavor and a terrific anti-viral cure for colds and flu.