11/07/2022
-RELIEVING
As was hypothesized by traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric and ginger can have pain-relieving effects for a variety of ailments. Curcumin, the superstar anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, has been found to help relieve the symptoms of painful inflammatory diseases, like arthritis and colitis.
-RICH
Ginger and turmeric are both excellent sources of protective compounds. The antioxidants found in ginger may help prevent heart disease and cancer, especially when paired with garlic. Turmeric packs even more of an antioxidant punch.
-INFLAMMATORY
Individually, ginger and turmeric both have impressive anti-inflammatory benefits. The compound in ginger called gingerol is responsible for its pungent flavor, and its protective properties. Gingerol has been found to improve inflammatory conditions from a common cold to inflammatory bowel disease. Being from the same family of plants, turmeric is no exception. Curcumin is, again, center-stage when it comes to anti-inflammation. Its effectiveness has led to curiosity about developing curcumin-based drugs for disease treatment.
-HEALTHY
Along with protecting your brain and muscles, these tuberous roots can help keep your heart healthy. High blood pressure can occur when plaque and platelets get stuck in your blood vessels. This increases the stress on your heart when it pumps blood, which increases your blood pressure. Ginger has been found to improve blood circulation, which helps prevent plaque and blood clots from getting stuck. Turmeric also has blood pressure-lowering effects, mostly related to reducing inflammation. And, some research has found that turmeric can reduce the cholesterol that is absorbed in your gut, which can protect from other heart conditions as well, such as coronary heart disease. More research is needed to establish a relationship between turmeric and cholesterol.
-BLOCKING
The journal JCO Global Oncology published a study analyzing which spices may play a role in preventing cancer. Ginger and turmeric quickly came to the top of the list. They both block the formation of the known carcinogens nitroamines and nitroamides. These are the same compounds that caused people to become suspicious of nitrites in cured meats. Turmeric apparently boasts some additional benefits for smokers as well. The root helped cigarette smokers excrete the carcinogenic compounds that were dangerous to their health while also increasing protective compounds, like antioxidants, in the body. In light of all of the research about environmental toxins, fresh herbs and spices are a great protective addition to your plate.
-SOOTHING
Ginger is a well-known home remedy for nausea, but how does the science stack up? Several studies have looked at why ginger soothes an upset stomach, and the consensus is that, in short, it works. Gingerol, the antioxidant compound in ginger, communicates with the serotonin (aka the "feel good" chemical) receptors in your brain to help relieve discomfort. This can have therapeutic implications for pregnant women and people on chemotherapy.
Last but not least.....
-BOOSTING
Ginger is often recommended for a common cold, and the science is there to back it up. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that ginger affects airway mucus production to discourage viral attachment. When flu season comes around, it could be worth stocking up on turmeric, too. A study in International Immunopharmacology found that the same compounds that give turmeric its anti-inflammatory benefits may protect you from influenza and pneumonia. It may be worth brewing some ginger-turmeric tea the next time you are feeling under the weather.
