Researchers at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences in India assessed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ginger in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. For the randomized and place-controlled study, they recruited a total of 69 participants with pulmonary tuberculosis.
They divided the participants into two groups: a placebo group and a treatment group. For the placebo group, the researchers gave the participants a standard antitubercular treatment during the study. On the other hand, they gave the treatment group 3 g of ginger extract every day for one month.
The team collected blood samples from the participants before and after the treatment to measure the concentrations of inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and oxidative stress parameter malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, they measured the levels of ferritin, an indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body.
The results showed that treatment with ginger extract every day resulted in reductions in the levels of TNF alpha, MDA, and ferritin. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine.
The findings of the study suggested that ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement for people with tuberculosis.
The health benefits of ginger
Ginger is not only used as a spice, but also as a folk medicine for thousands of years. This root plant was originally grown in Southeast Asia but is now widely available all over the world. Listed below are the health benefits ginger can offer:
- Ginger can fight inflammation: As mentioned in the Indian study earlier, ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which come from its compound called gingerol. Although inflammation is the body's natural and healthy response to an injury or illness, too much of this may do more harm than good. Chronic inflammation has been linked to diseases such as celiac and fibromyalgia. Foods like ginger are naturally high in antioxidants and can help minimize inflammation throughout the body.
- Ginger can help ease relieve pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can be used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Athletes who supplemented with ginger experienced lesser muscle pain after exercise, according to a study published in The Journal of Pain. Ginger can also be used to relieve menstrual pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger soothes the stomach: Drinking ginger tea or ginger ale can help soothe an upset stomach and help fight nausea. Drinking ginger tea after a heavy meal will help your stomach empty faster, preventing you from getting bloated.
- Ginger prevents diabetes: Ginger helps regulate blood sugar, keeps insulin in check, and promote metabolism, reducing your overall risk of diabetes.
- Ginger prevents heart disease: A study found that ginger can lower lipoproteins, one of the risk factors for heart disease.
- Ginger helps fight cancer: Ginger extract has been shown to be effective at blocking prostate cancer cell growth. Anti-inflammatories like ginger can also help ward off cancer. (Related: Ginger tea shown to naturally kill cancer, dissolve kidney stones, improve liver health and more.)
- Ginger boosts brain function: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can also prevent inflammation-related brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Ginger fights infection: Ginger contains potent anti-fungal and antimicrobial compounds that can help prevent cold or infections.
Read more news stories and studies on superfoods like ginger by going to Superfoods.news.
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