Not just great in stir-fries, ginger is one herb
that can do more than add flavor and spice to just about any dish, it also
exhibits antioxidant effects and the ability to lessen the formation of
inflammation in the body. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds
called "gingerols" that work their magic on many types of inflammation in the
body. A study in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences
indicates that ginger offers free radical protection through one of its many
active constituents, called 6-gingerol. 6-gingerol has been shown to
significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a highly reactive nitrogen
molecule that quickly forms a very damaging fee radical called "peroxynitrite".
Another study in the November 2003 issue of Radiation Research found that mice given ginger for five days prior to being exposed to radiation, not only avoided an increase in free radical damage to fats in the body, but also experienced a far smaller depletion of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. Since the brain contains high levels of fats and is negatively impacted by radiation exposure and free radicals, ginger shows promise in protecting the brain.
According to Dr. Krishna C. Sricastava, ginger is superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in alleviating inflammation. This is important since physicians sometimes recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to treat brain disease linked to inflammation. Unlike NSAIDs that work on only one level of inflammation (blocking the substances that cause inflammation), ginger works on at least two mechanisms:
- Ginger blocks the formation of prostaglandins and leukotriences, chemicals that are linked to the development of inflammation in the body; and
- Ginger also has antioxidant properties that actually break down inflammation and acidity in the body.
"The Brain Wash" by Michelle Schoffro Cook
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