Often used as a herb or spice for its unique flavour, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the popular ingredients in kitchens across the world. However, even before its uses in cooking were explored, this plant had made its way as a traditional medicine in various Asian countries. This is because the bioactive compounds in this root offer an array of health benefits supported by science.
KEY BENEFITS OF GINGER
The bioactive compounds in ginger, like gingerol have been shown to:
+ improve testosterone and fertility
+ support the immune system and the natural defences of the body
+ help manage inflammatory responses
+ have antioxidant properties
+ support muscle recovery
+ help maintain mobility of joints
+ contribute to heart health
+ contribute to vitality / energy
+ have stimulating and tonic properties that contribute to the resistance against fatigue
+ help support digestion
+ help prevent feelings of sickness and vomiting associated with travelling
THE SCIENCE BEHIND GINGER
Clinical studies show that Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help with testosterone and male fertility, muscle recovery, heart health, brain health, weight management, blood sugar levels, digestive health and the immune system.
Let’s delve into some of the science below:
TESTOSTERONE & FERTILITY
Modern day science has found ginger can improve testosterone and tackle various low testosterone causes. Studies suggest that consistent ginger intake has been able to improve the bioavailability of testosterone in the blood. For example:
+ A study of 75 infertile men aged 19-40 found that ginger supplementation for 3 months resulted in a significant rise in testosterone (+18%) and an improvement in sperm count (+16%) and sperm motility (+47%).
+ A review found that numerous test tube and animal studies have revealed ginger extract helps increase testosterone production.
+ A review of clinical studies found that ginger has protective effects against male infertility.
+ A review found that ginger significantly improves the biological parameters of sperm (number, total motility, survival rate and normal morphology) and also increases all specialized fertility indicators of sperm.
+ An animal study found that a dose of 15mg of ginger was effective in improving male reproductive performance.
MUSCLE RECOVERY
Studies show that ginger can help muscles recover from workouts. For example:
+ A controlled study involving 20 adults found that 4g of ginger supplementation accelerated recovery of muscle strength following intense exercise.
+ A controlled study involving 74 volunteers found that ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced pain by 25%.
+ A controlled study involving 27 participants performing arm training and taking a 2g dose of ginger 24h and 48h after exercise, found that arm pain was reduced 13% by the second day.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
If your only experience with ginger has been leaving it on your plate after finishing your sushi, you may be missing out on what could be one of nature’s strongest anti-inflammatories. The intensity of ginger comes from its bioactive compounds, the most potent being gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that ginger possesses analgesic and pharmacological properties mimicking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For example:
+ A review of clinical studies found that the compounds in ginger help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory markers.
+ A review of clinical studies concluded that the bioactive compounds in ginger display promising results in reducing some of the main symptoms of some inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and cancer.
+ A review of clinical studies found that ginger and its active compounds have been shown to effective in alleviating inflammation, especially in inflammatory bowel diseases.
+ A review of clinical studies found that studies have demonstrated that ginger can prevent and treat several types of cancer, such as colorectal, prostate, breast, cervical, liver, and pancreatic cancer.
+ A controlled study involving 261 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee found ginger extract had a statistically significant effect on reducing symptoms of OA of the knee.
+ A meta-analysis found ginger and its active constituents was modestly efficacious and reasonably safe for treatment of patients with joints disorders.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in a wide array of chronic illnesses and other health issues including infertility. Oxidative stress is caused by an excess of free radicals, which are volatile and harmful substances in the body that cause damage to cells and tissues. Several studies have found ginger has high antioxidant activity and can help support immune health by fighting toxins that enter the body to lessen our risk of health problems and diseases. For example:
+ A review of clinical studies found that in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that ginger and its bioactive compounds, such as 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and oleoresin, possess strong antioxidant activity.
+ A study found that ginger has a potential role of being an effective antioxidant and can protect against radiation.
+ A review of clinical studies found that Ginger and its active compounds exhibited antiaging effects in various types of age-related and degenerative diseases through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
HEART HEALTH
A series of studies has shown that ginger can decrease the levels of blood lipids and blood pressure contributing to protection from cardiovascular diseases. For example:
+ A review of clinical studies found that ginger exhibited cardiovascular protective effects by attenuating hypertension and ameliorating dyslipidemia, such as in the improvement of HDL-C, TC, LDL, TG and VLDL.
+ A review of clinical studies found that the biological activities, health benefits, and cardioprotective properties of ginger/ginger constituents show new avenues in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
+ A review of clinical studies found that very high doses of ginger in supplement form may improve blood cholesterol levels and that ginger supplements could improve blood pressure and help maintain blood glucose levels.
+ A cross-sectional study involving 4628 adults found that ginger has a potential preventive property against some chronic diseases, especially hypertension and coronary heart disease.
BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL
Ginger is a natural energy booster and can give you the kick you’re looking for. Studies show it helps balance blood glucose levels, which can support sustained energy, reduce fatigue, and help with overall mood. For example:
+ A meta-analysis of 14 trials involving 473 subjects found ginger supplementation reduced body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, hip ratio, fasting glucose and insulin resistance index, and increased HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, sometimes called “good” cholesterol.
+ A review of clinical studies found convincing evidence to support the efficacy of ginger in obesity management.
+ A controlled study involving 50 patients with type 2 diabetes found ginger consumption significantly reduced serum levels of fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin.
DIGESTION
Studies show that Ginger may help aid digestion and relieve nausea and vomiting. For example:
+ A review of clinical studies found that ginger can help break up and expel gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion, providing relief from any discomfort.
+ A review of clinical studies found that ginger has been effective in those that examined digestive function.
+ A controlled study involving 80 naval cadets unaccustomed to sailing in heavy seas had remarkably fewer symptoms of nausea after ginger root ingestion.
+ A review of clinical studies demonstrated that ginger is an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and Chemotherapy.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ginger is more than just a culinary spice. Packed with bioactive compounds like gingerol, it offers an impressive array of health benefits, including improving the bioavailability of testosterone in the blood.
BOOST, our testosterone formula contains Ginger, in addition to essential vitamins, minerals and botanicals, including Zinc, Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali, Fenugreek, Fadogia Agrestis and Tribulus Terrestris, in doses that make a difference to support testosterone levels naturally. So you can feel like your masculine self again.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or are taking any other medications before you try any remedies or supplements.
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