Ginger has been part of natural medicine for centuries. In fact, this powerful root has been used for treatment of many diseases owing to its numerous medicinal properties. Even modern science has recognized the health benefits ginger provides.
Ginger Contains Anti-Cancer Compounds
Ginger contains gingerols, paradols, and shagaols, all of which are anticancer compounds, as found in a study published in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology. A number of other studies have also confirmed that ginger is extremely efficient in destroying cancer cells in prostate, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. Moreover, some believe that the anticancer properties of ginger may be even stronger than chemotherapy.
Ginger Kills Prostate Cancer Cells
An American study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that ginger extract (zingiber officinale Roscoe) can stop the development of prostate cancer cells in humans when ingested at a daily dose of 100mg per kg of body weight. The results showed that ginger extract reduced prostate cancer growth in about 56% of subjects. The researchers estimated that eating 100g fresh ginger a day will give the same results in an adult weighing 70kg.
The study also revealed that ginger did not affect the other cells in the body, such as the bone or stomach cells, which also divide rapidly.
The researchers concluded: “the present study is the first report to describe identification and detailed evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of whole GE (ginger extract) in the therapeutic management of human prostate cancer.”
All things considered, ginger may prove to be a more effective prostate cancer treatment than chemotherapy as chemotherapy also affects healthy cells in the body.
Ginger Kills Ovarian Cancer Cells
Angiogenesis describes the onset of cancer. Provided angiogenesis is stopped at an early stage, it means that cancer can also be prevented effectively.
A study published by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that cancer cell growth can be inhibited by the active ingredients in ginger root which have anti-angiogenic properties. In fact, the study revealed that ginger is extremely beneficial for prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer.
In trials presented to the American Cancer Association, researchers from the University of Michigan showed that ginger effectively destroys cancer cells. In addition, ovarian cancer cells don’t become resistant to this type of therapy as with chemotherapy.
All in all, ginger may actually prove more beneficial for ovarian cancer patients than chemotherapy because it gives fewer side effects, is less toxic and it doesn’t incur drug resistance.
Ginger and Colorectal Cancer
At the 2003 Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research conference, researchers showed substantial evidence that ginger protects against colorectal cancer. And this is not the only study to prove the anticancer properties of ginger.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that ginger is not only beneficial for prevention of colorectal cancer, but that this root can also destroy already existing colorectal cancer cells. This actually makes ginger a therapeutic option for those struggling with colorectal cancer.
Why Ginger Shows a Potential to Be Better than Chemotherapy
There’s mounting evidence suggesting that ginger is highly beneficial for prevention of several types of cancer including ovarian, prostate, and colorectal cancer. One of the greatest advantages ginger brings is that it provides a natural and less invasive treatment than chemotherapy. This means that ginger destroys cancer cells only while it leaves the healthy cells intact. Plus, it’s not toxic.
The only possible setback is that ginger extract still can’t be used as eligible anticancer treatment because further research needs to be done on humans. Namely, most of the studies so far have been done in vitro or on mice.
How to Use Ginger as a Medicine
As the cancer-fighting properties of ginger are undeniable, the most you can do to reap its health benefits is to make it an integral part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. The recommended daily allowances for ginger are 4g per day, except for pregnant women, who should limit their intake to 1g per day.