What are the benefits of ginger?

Ginger is an herb that is used as a spice and also for its therapeutic qualities. The underground stem (rhizome) can be used fresh, powdered, dried, or as an oil or juice. Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family, as are cardamom, turmeric and galangal.

This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It highlights the history of ginger, its therapeutic benefits, and some important precautions you should be aware of before taking the herb.

According to the National Library of Medicine, part of the NIH (National Institutes of Health), ginger is widely used throughout the world for treating loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting after surgery, nausea resulting from cancer treatment, fratulance, stomach upset, colic, morning sickness and motion sickness.

Some people find ginger helps them with the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection ,bronchitis, cough, menstrual cramps, arthritis and muscle pain.

In some parts of the world, ginger juice is applied to the skin to treat burns.

Ginger is also used as a flavoring by the food and drinks industry, as a spice and flavoring in cooking, and for fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

Ginger contains a chemical that is used as an ingredient in antacid, laxative and anti-gas medications.

According to Kew Gardens, England's horticultural royal center of excellence, ginger has a long history of usage in South Asia, both in fresh and dried form.

History of ginger

Fresh ginger rhizome (subterranean stem)

The University of Maryland Medical Centre  writes that ginger has been used in China for over 2,000 years to help digestion and treament of diarrhea , nausea and stomach upsets.

The Mahabharata (circa 4th century BC), one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, describes a stewed meat meal which includes ginger. Ginger has also been a key plant in Ayurvedic medicine, a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent.

Approximately 2000 years ago, ginger was exported from India to the Roman empire, where it became valued for its therapeutic as well as culinary properties.

Ginger continued to be traded in Europe after the fall of the Roman empire, where its supply was controlled by Arab traders for hundreds of years. During medieval times it became a popular ingredient in sweets.

During the 13th and 14th centuries ginger and black pepper were commonly traded spices. By the sixteenth century one pound in weight of ginger in England would cost the equivalent of one sheep.

What are the therapeutic benefits of ginger?

Below are examples of some scientific studies on ginger and its current or potential uses in medical treatment.

Inflammation of the colon

A study carried out at the University of Michigan Medical School found that Ginger Root Supplement administered to volunteer participants reduced inflammation markers in the colon within a month.

The study was published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.

Experts say that inflammation of the colon is a precursor to colon cancer. Co-researcher Suzanna M. Zick, N.D., M.P.H., explained that by reducing inflammation in the colon a person reduces their risk of developing colon cancer.

Zick said "We need to apply the same rigor to the sorts of questions about the effect of ginger root that we apply to other clinical trial research. Interest in this is only going to increase as people look for ways to prevent cancer that are nontoxic, and improve their quality of life in a cost-effective way."

Muscle pain caused by exercise

A study involving 74 volunteers carried out at the University of Georgia found that daily ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%..

Patrick O'Connor, a professor in the College of Education's department of kinesiology, and colleagues carried out two studies on the effects of 11 days of raw and heat-treated ginger supplementation on exercise-induced muscle pain.

The volunteers consumed the ginger supplements for 11 consecutive days. On the 8th day they performed 18 extensions of the elbow flexors with a heavy weight. The aim was to induce moderate muscle injury to the arm. Each participant's arm function, inflammation, and pain levels were assessed before exercise and three days afterwards.

The researchers noted that the pain-reducing effect was not enhanced by heat-treating the ginger.

The study was published in The Journal of Pain.

Nausea caused by chemotherapy 

Ginger supplements administered alongside anti-vomiting medications can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea symptons by 40%, a PhaseII/III study carried out at the University of Rochester Medical Center found.

Lead researcher, Dr Julie Ryan, presented the study findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Orlando, Florida, in 2009.

Dr. Ryan explained that about 70% of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy experience nausea and vomiting. The vomiting is usually easy to control with effective medications. However, the nausea tends to linger.

Dr. Ryan said "By taking the ginger prior to chemotherapy treatment, the National Cancer Institute-funded study suggests its earlier absorption into the body may have anti-inflammatory properties."

Ovarian cancer

A study found that exposing ovarian cancer cells to a solution of ginger powder resulted in their death in every single test.

The cancer cells either died as a result of apoptosis (they committed suicide) or autophagy (they digested/attacked themselves).

The researchers, from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center added that the ginger solution also prevented the cancer cells from building up resistance to cancer treatment.

The study findings were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in Washington D.C., 2006.

Asthma symptoms

A team at Columbia University carried out a study to determine what effects adding specific components of ginger to asthma medications might have on asthma symptoms.

Team leader, Elizabeth Townsend, PhD, explained "In our study, we demonstrated that purified components of ginger can work synergistically with β-agonists to relax ASM (airway smooth muscle)."

The scientists took ASM tissue samples and exposed them to acetylcholine, a compound that causes bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways).

They then mixed the β-agonist isoproterenol (asthma medication) with three different components of ginger:

• 6-gingerol
• 8-gingerol
• 6-shogaol

Contracted ASM tissue samples were exposed to each of the three mixtures as well as isoproterenol on its own.

The team found that ASm tissues exposed to isoproterenol combined with the purified ginger components exhibited greater relaxation than those treated with just isoproterenol.

Ginger component 6-shogaol had the greatest impact in enhancing the effects of isoproterenol.

Dr. Townsend said "Taken together, these data show that ginger constituents 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol and 6-shogaol act synergistically with the β-agonist in relaxing ASM, indicating that these compounds may provide additional relief of asthma symptoms when used in combination with β-agonists. By understanding the mechanisms by which these ginger compounds affect the airway, we can explore the use of these therapeutics in alleviating asthma symptoms."

The study findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Liver damage caused by acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, known more commonly as "Tylenol" in the USA and "paracetamol" elsewhere, is a popular painkiller and antipyretic (reduces fever). However, acetaminophen is also associated with a higher risk of chemically-driven liver damage (hepatotoxicity), especially among patients with liver disorders.

Scientists at the National Research Centre in Egypt wanted to determine whether ginger pretreatment might reduce the incidence of acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats.

The researchers wrote in the Journal of Dietary Supplements "Our results demonstrated that ginger can prevent hepatic injuries, alleviating oxidative stress in a manner comparable to that of vitamin E. Combination therapy of ginger and acetaminophen is recommended especially in cases with hepatic (liver) disorders or when high doses of acetaminophen are required."

High blood pressure (hypertension)

A study reported in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology found that cassumunar ginger extract was more effective than prazosin hydrochloride in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive laboratory rats.

The researchers, from Chiang Mai University in Thailand wrote "The cassumunar ginger extract exhibited the maximum decrease of mean arterial blood pressure at 39.83 ± 3.92%, which was 3.54-times that of prazosin hydrochloride."

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

Ginger can help reduce the symptoms of pain in primary dysmenorrhea (period pains), researchers from the Islamic Azad University in Iran reported in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association.

Seventy female students were divided into two groups:

• The ginger group - they took capsules containing ginger
• The placebo group - participants took capsules containing placebo

The participants took their capsules for three days at the beginning of their menstruation cycles.

The researchers found that the 82.85% of the women taking the ginger capsules reported improvements in pain symptoms compared to 47.05% of those on placebo.

Migraines

A study performed at the VALI-e-ASR Hospital in Iran and published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that ginger powder is as effective in treating common migraine symptoms as sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is a common medication for migraine treatment (Imitrex, Treximet, Imigran, Imigran).

The double-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 100 participants. They all suffered form acute migraine without aura. They were randomly selected to receive either sumatriptan or ginger powder.

The study authors concluded "Efficacy of ginger powder and sumatriptan were similar. Clinical adverse effects of ginger powder were less than sumatriptan. Patients' satisfaction and willingness to continue did not differ. The effectiveness of ginger powder in the treatment of common migraine attacks is statistically comparable to sumatriptan. Ginger also poses a better side effect profile than sumatriptan."

Precautions

According to the University of Maryland Center, the use of herbs can interact with other herbs or medications.

Therefore it's important to talk to your doctor before taking ginger.

You should not take ginger if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin or aspirin).

Side effects of consuming ginger are rare, but may include:

• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Stomach upset
• Mouth irritation

Written by Christian Nordqvist

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php

Apples walk away with most health accolades, and spinach leads the healthy veggie brigade. Compared to them, celery is somewhat unsung, but once you read its incredible–and nearly endless–list of health benefits, you will quickly join its growing list of lovers.

• Celery is a great choice if you are watching your weight. One large stalk contains only 10 calories! So, add celery to your shopping list and enjoy it in your salads, soups and stir-fries.
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• Celery reduces inflammation. If you are suffering from joint pains, lung infections, asthma, or acne, eating more celery will bring much-needed relief.
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• It helps you calm down: Celery for stress-relief? Oh yes! The minerals in celery, especially magnesium, and the essential oil in it, soothe the nervous system. If you enjoy a celery-based snack in the evening, you will sleep better.
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• It regulates the body’s alkaline balance, thus protecting you from problems such as acidity.
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• Celery aids digestion: some say celery tastes like “crunchy water,” and that is the reason it is so good for your digestive system.  The high water content of celery, combined with the insoluble fiber in it, makes it a great tool for easy passage of stool. Note: because celery has diuretic and cleansing properties, those with diarrhea should avoid eating it.
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• It contains “good” salts. Yes, celery does contain sodium, but it is not the same thing as table salt. The salt in celery is organic, natural and essential for your health.
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• It cares for your eyes. One large stalk of celery can deliver up to 10 percent of your daily need for Vitamin A, a group of nutrients that protects the eyes and prevents age-related degeneration of vision.
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• Celery reduces “bad” cholesterol: There is a component in celery called butylphthalide. It gives the vegetable its flavor and scent. Guess what: this component also reduces bad cholesterol! A Chicago University research shows that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points!
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• It lowers blood pressure: An active compound called phthalides in celery has been proven to boost circulatory health. Raw, whole celery reduces high blood pressure.
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• It can amp up your sex life: and this is not just hearsay. Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, Director of the Smeel and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, says two pheromones in celery–androstenone and androstenol–boost your arousal levels. They are released when you chew on a celery stalk.
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• Celery can combat cancer: Two studies at the University of Illinois show that a powerful flavonoid in celery, called luteolin, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, especially in the pancreas. Another study suggests that the regular intake of celery could significantly delay the formation of breast cancer cells.
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Useful Tips:

Choose celery with upright stalks that snap when bent. The leaves should be fresh and crisp.  When selecting celery, remember this rule of thumb:  The darker the color, the stronger the flavor.

Freshly chopped celery retains its nutrients much better than if you chop and store it even for a few hours.

Steamed celery not only retains its flavor, but also most of its nutrients–up to 99 percent of them, in fact!

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/11-super-health-benefits-in-just-1-celery-stalk.html

15 health benefits of eating apples

Many of us forget that sometimes, the simplest answers are the best. Better health could be as easy as reaching for the fruit bowl for some apples next time you need a snack.

What makes apples so great?

In 2004, USDA scientists investigated over 100 foods to measure their antioxidant concentration per serving size.Two apples—Red Delicious and Granny Smith—ranked 12th and 13th respectively. Antioxidants are disease-fighting compounds. Scientists believe these compounds help prevent and repair oxidation damage that happens during normal cell activity. Apples are also full of a fibre called pectin—a medium-sized apple contains about 4 grams of fibre. Pectin is classed as a soluble, fermentable and viscous fibre, a combination that gives it a huge list of health benefits.

1. Get whiter, healthier teeth

An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.

2. Avoid Alzheimer’s

A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.

3. Protect against Parkinson’s

Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fibre foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.

4. Curb all sorts of cancers

Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

5. Decrease your risk of diabetes

• Top 20 flat tummy foods
• Our best healthy apple recipes
• 6 reasons to eat more apples

Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.

6. Reduce cholesterol

The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates intolower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

7. Get a healthier heart

An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

8. Prevent gallstones

Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fibre to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.

9. Beat diarrhea and constipation

Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fibre found in apples can help. Fibre can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.

10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fibre in your diet.

11. Avert hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a swollen vein in the anal canal and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. They are caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas. Part and parcel with controlling constipation, fibre can prevent you from straining too much when going to the bathroom and thereby help alleviate hemorrhoids.

12. Control your weight

Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To manage your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fibre. Foods high in fibre will fill you up without costing you too many calories.

13. Detoxify your liver

We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits—like apples.

14. Boost your immune system

Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.

15. Prevent cataracts

Though past studies have been divided on the issue, recent long-term studies suggest that people who have a diet rich in fruits that contain antioxidants—like apples—are 10 to 15 per cent less likely to develop cataracts.

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/get-healthy/health-after-40/15-health-benefits-of-eating-apples

The Incredible Health Benefits to You of Traditionally Fermented Foods

By Nancy Lee Bentley

Self-serve olive bars are becoming so popular in many Washington supermarkets that storeowners are now offering expanded "antipasto" bars, heaped high with pickles, pickled peppers, mushrooms, artichokes and other tangy pickled and marinated foods, according to The Seattle Times.

This growing trend in both health/natural and regular commercial supermarkets across the country is theoretically good news for health-conscious consumers looking to increase their digestive, cardiovascular and immune health, since these traditionally lacto-fermented foods are some of the oldest and healthiest on the planet. Yet, the key phrase you absolutely must watch for if you want to achieve the amazing health benefits is traditionally lacto-fermented, as not all of these tasty condiments are created equal.

The Wonderful Health Benefits of Traditionally Lacto-Fermented Foods

Olives, pickles, grass-fed cheese, wine, yogurt, sauerkraut and the seasoned, aged sausages the French call "charcuterie" are some of this category's most popular delicacies.

Though the term "fermented" sounds vaguely distasteful, the results of this ancient preparation and preservation technique -- produced through the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins by microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and molds -- are actually delicious. Even more so, they are so beneficial to overall health that some of these "functional foods" are now considered to be "probiotics," increasing your overall nutrition, promoting the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, and aiding digestion and supporting immune function, including an increase in B vitamins (even Vitamin B12), omega-3 fatty acids, digestive enzymes, lactase and lactic acid, and other immune chemicals that fight off harmful bacteria and even cancer cells.

Beware the BIG Difference Between Healthy Fermented Foods Versus Commercially Processed

Fermentation is an inconsistent process --almost more of an art than a science -- so commercial food processors developed techniques to help standardize more consistent yields. Technically, anything that is "brined" in a salt stock is fermented, but that's where the similarity ends, as each type of fermented food has specific, unique requirements and production methods.

Refrigeration, high-heat pasteurization and vinegar's acidic pH all slow or halt the fermentation and enzymatic processes. "If you leave a jar of pickles that is still fermenting at room temperature on the kitchen counter, they will continue to ferment and produce CO2, possibly blowing off the lid or exploding the jar," explains Richard Henschel of Pickle Packers International, which is why, of course, all "shelf-stable" pickles are pasteurized.

It's probably not surprising that our culture has traded many of the benefits of these healthy foods for the convenience of mass-produced pickles and other cultured foods. Some olives, such as most canned California-style black olives, for instance, are not generally fermented, but are simply treated with lye to remove the bitterness, packed in salt and canned. Olive producers can now hold olives in salt-free brines by using an acidic solution of lactic acid, acetic acid, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, a long way off from the old time natural lactic-acid fermenting method of salt alone.

Some pickles are simply packed in salt, vinegar and pasteurized. Many yogurts are so laden with sugar that they are little more than puddings. Unfortunately, these modern techniques effectively kill off all the lactic acid producing bacteria and short-circuit their important and traditional contribution to intestinal and overall health.

How to Make Sure You are Getting the Incredible Health Benefits of Lacto-Fermented Foods

As fermented foods expert Sally Fallon asks in Nourishing Traditions, with the proliferation of all these new mysterious viruses, intestinal parasites and chronic health problems, despite ubiquitous sanitation, "Could it be that by abandoning the ancient practice of lacto-fermentation, and insisting on a diet in which everything has been pasteurized, we have compromised the health of our intestinal flora and made ourselves vulnerable to legions of pathogenic microorganisims?" Like the $2.97 gallon jars of dill pickles Vlasic sells at a loss at Walmart, are we undermining our health and even economic well-being by our insistence on "more, faster and cheaper?"

You can still find some healthy traditional varieties. The stronger-flavored, traditional Greek olives you are most likely to find on olive bars are not lye-treated and are still alive with active cultures. So are "overnights," the locally-crocked fresh pickling cukes made in local delis every few days, as well as the pickles, sauerkraut and other fermented foods you make yourself at home. Generally, the more tangy and stronger the flavor (not counting any added jalapeño or other hot pepper flavorings), the more likely that the food will still have active and beneficial lactobacteria.

So how can you be sure if you are getting the benefits of these active, fermentation cultures? For one thing, you can make your own. Olives, sauerkraut, miso, crèmefraîche -- these are some of the recipes and ingredients I created to be right in line with Dr. Mercola's dietary program that you will find in his book, "Dr. Mercola's Total Health Program."

In addition to being good for individual metabolic types, reducing carbohydrates and cholesterol, strengthening digestion and immune systems, and even proactively helping us fight off and prevent disease, these foods are a lot simpler, easier to prepare and enjoy than you might think.

So in "Dr. Mercola's TOTAL HEALTH Program," we've demystified the process for you, providing an entire chapter, in fact, devoted to simple, health-enhancing "Raw, Sprouted and Fermented Foods." This means double dividends for you: foods that taste good and are actually incredibly good for you, as well.

Check out "Dr Mercola's TOTAL HEALTH Program,'' including the Table of Contents and List of Recipes, as it is a sure way to make your New Year a happy and healthy one. Dr. Mercola guarantees the book or your money back for the rest of your life for a reason -- it WILL improve your health while pleasing your taste buds. Now, please pass that relish tray!

By Dr. Mercola

The preceding article on the very important topic of the benefits of traditionally fermented foods is by Nancy Lee Bentley. The more I study health, the more I have come to appreciate how crucially important the bacteria in your gut are. The website Green Med Info1 has assembled an amazing list of more than 200 studies, which together explore more than 170 diseases which can be helped or treated with probiotics. The conditions include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Atopic dermatitis
• Diarrhea
• Allergic rhinitis
• And even the common cold!

Eating sugar nourishes pathogenic bacteria, yeast and fungi in your gut. One of the major results of eating a healthy diet, low in sugar, is that you cause your beneficial gut bacteria to flourish, and they secondarily perform the real "magic" of restoring your health. You may have noticed that probiotics are now featured in articles about all sorts of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.

As explained by Russian neurologist Dr Natasha Campbell-MicBride, a woman's gut flora can also influence the health of her child. If your child's gut flora is compromised from birth, he may have an increased risk for adverse vaccine reactions.

Fortunately, you can easily screen for this imbalance, and if it is found, all immunizations should be avoided until it is corrected with strategies that are comprehensively described in Dr. McBride's book, Gut and Psychology Syndrome. This bookshould be, in my opinion, required reading for ALL parents and parents-to-be. The simple and inexpensive screening she suggests could prevent a lifetime of suffering for you and your child. All in all, the research into probiotics indicates that probiotic supplementation is probably more important than taking a multi-vitamin; in fact, its true importance for your health is likely right up there with vitamin D.

Fermented foods are the most potent source of beneficial bacteria, and these probiotics are some of the best chelators available, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins and heavy metals. According to Dr. McBride, the GAPS Nutritional Protocol restores your own detoxification system in about 90 percent of people, and the fermented/cultured foods are instrumental in this self-healing process. Making your own fermented vegetables is inexpensive and less complicated than you might think. To learn how, please review the following interview with Caroline Barringer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hy87TnyNCPk

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/03/fermented-foods-part-two.aspx

What are the health benefits of cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of wild trees that belong to the genus "Cinnamomum" - native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia.

There are two main types of cinnamon:

• Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon), most commonly used in the Western world.
• Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon), which originates from southern China, is typically less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon.

Cinnamon has been consumed since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where it was very highly prized (almost considered to be a panacea). In medieval times doctors used cinnamon to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis and sore throats.

Modern research indicates that this spice may have some very beneficial properties.

This Medical News today information article on cinnamon includes information on its potential health benefits, provides a nutritional profile of the spice, as well as details on some risks associated with its consumption.

Health benefits of cinnamon

According to the U.S. national Library of Medicine, Cinnamon is used to help treat muscle spasms, vomiting,diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite, and erectile dysfuntion (ED).

Cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to Diabetes UK.¹However high quality research supporting the claim remains scarce.

Fungal infections - according to the National Institute of Health², cinnamaldehyde - a chemical found in Cassia cinnamon - can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.

Cinnamon sticks or quills.

Diabetes - cinnamon may help improve glucose and lipids levels³ in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetics Care.

The study authors concluded that consuming up to 6 grams of cinnamon per day "reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL Cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes." and that "the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases."

In addition, a certain cinnamon extract can reduce fasting blood sugar levels in patients , researchers reported in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Alzheimer's disease - Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer's. According to Prof. Michael Ovadia, of the Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University, an extract found in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that can inhibit the development of the disease.

HIV - a study of Indian medicinal plants revealed that may potentially be effective against HIV⁴. According to the study authors, "the most effective extracts against HIV-1 and HIV-2 are respectivelyCinnamomum cassia (bark) and Cardiospermum helicacabum (shoot + fruit)."

Multiple Sclerosis - cinnamon may help stop the destructive process of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a neurological scientist at Rush University Medical Center. Cinnamon could help eliminate the need to take some expensive and unpleasant drugs.

Lower the negative effects of high fat meals - Penn State researchers revealed that diets rich in cinnamon can help reduce the body's negative responses to eating high-fat meals. 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069.php

TURMERIC OVERVIEW

Turmeric might just be one of the most versatile spices on the planet. Whether you're familiar with it or not, you've probably eaten it at some point or another because turmeric is one of the main ingredients in both curry and mustard. It not only helps to give them their unique flavors, but it's also responsible for giving them both their yellow color. For this reason, turmeric is also used in textile dyes. Beyond its abilities as a culinary spice and a coloring agent, turmeric has been used for hundreds of years in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is a known anti-inflammatory and scientific research has been conducted regarding its use in treating several medical conditions including high cholesterol, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis and scabies.

Turmeric is harvested from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to India [source: Curcuma Longa]. To create turmeric, the roots of the Curcuma Longa plant, known as rhizomes, are boiled, dried and then ground into a powder. Eastern cultures have been incorporating turmeric into their diets and taking advantage of its medicinal properties for centuries. In recent years, the rest of the world has begun to take notice; time and resources are being put toward unlocking the secrets behind turmeric's healthy benefits in labs around the globe.

While there is still a lot to learn, it has been determined that turmeric has also proven to be a strong antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals throughout the human body. Aside from that, it's also shown promise in the fight against Alzheimer's and many different forms of cancer. For centuries, it's even been a home remedy for diarrhoea and bladder infections [source: Curcuma Longa].

Read on to find out about how turmeric works in your body.

TURMERIC AT WORK IN YOUR BODY

OK, so we've established the fact that turmeric is about as versatile as a spice can get. Now let's look at how it works in your body. One of the main components in turmeric is curcumin, which just happens to be an incredibly powerful antioxidant.

When we breathe, cells use the oxygen we take in and then they spit out free radicals. This is a process called oxidation and it's the same thing that causes iron to rust. Now imagine that happening inside your body. The thing with free radicals is that they have unpaired electrons, which makes them highly unstable. A molecule with unpaired electrons is either going to get rid of an electron, or steal one from somewhere else to become stable [source: Health Check Systems]. The problem with this is that it can cause a damaging chain reaction. In order for one free radical to become stable, another molecule has to become unstable and so on and so on. This is where antioxidants like curcumin come into play.

Curcumin and other antioxidants neutralize free radicals. They literally hunt them down and stabilize them. This can help in a couple different ways. If a chain reaction has already begun, antioxidants have the ability to put a stop to it or they can prevent it from ever getting started in the first place. Keep in mind that oxidation is a natural process. There's nothing we can do to stop it. In fact, it's necessary to sustain life. However, by taking antioxidants like curcumin in moderation, we can slow down its degenerative side effects.

Aside from containing powerful antioxidants, turmeric also happens to be an anti-inflammatory. Our bodies produce two prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, known respectively as COX-1 and COX-2. While COX-1 is important in our bodies and necessary for proper blood clotting, COX-2 is only associated with inflammation [source: Mother Nature]. Aspirin prevent inflammation by blocking production of both prostaglandins, but turmeric only blocks production of COX-2. It is easy to see how this would be beneficial. Turmeric allows us to stop inflammation without affecting other important body functions.

Read on to find out more about turmeric's exciting health benefits.

Hair Removal

While dying your face yellow might seem like a possible and not-so-pleasant side effect, some people have used turmeric to remove facial hair. Reportedly, the process is pretty simple -- you make a paste from turmeric and sugar, apply it over the region of facial hair you wish to remove and let it sit for a few hours. Afterward, you just scrub it off, and voilà, the hair will be gone [source: Singh].

TUMERIC HEALTH BENEFITS

Turmeric happens to have powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibiotic properties [source: Monda]. It can be made into a paste and applied directly to the skin to help heal sprains, open wounds and other injuries. As a result of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been used for years to treat patients with many different types of arthritis. And some contend that it not only prevents heart failure but also can repair damage that has already been done. On top of all that, people use it to treat acne as well as other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, has been known to help "clean" the liver, which in turn improves liver function. As a result, the liver is able to get rid of more LDL cholesterol. And yes, that's the bad kind [source: WHFoods]. The same principles applied here could mean that turmeric can be helpful with treating digestive illnesses. Furthermore, many believe its ability to speed up metabolism can assist with weight loss.

Surprisingly, turmeric can also provide relief from diarrhea and it reportedly cures bladder infections. Research regarding its effect on cancer is ongoing; it's shown promise in the area of slowing the spread of cancerous cells. Indian men who ingest turmeric regularly rarely develop colon cancer. New studies are also showing that turmeric may be able to prevent Alzheimer's and slow down the disease's progression in patients who already have it [source: WHFoods]. Studies are currently underway to determine whether or not turmeric can also be used in the fight against HIV and cystic fibrosis. Is there anything this spice can't do?

The number of health benefits linked to turmeric is truly extraordinary. We'll talk about some of them more in depth a little later. For now, let's focus on the side effects.

Here Comes the Bride

In India, it is customary for a bride, and sometimes the groom, to be covered in a paste made of turmeric. The paste, called Haldi, is applied to the face and arms. The purpose is to beautify the skin and ensure a good complexion for the special event [source: Turmeric].

TUMERIC SIDE EFFECTS

Most remedies come with side effects. You have to exchange your stuffy nose for drowsiness or your depression for headaches and diarrhoea. With turmeric, you don't really have to worry about that. Taken in moderation, there are very few negative side effects, if any.

With that being said, if you were to take too much turmeric your body might react adversely, but you'd have to take massive amounts in order for that to happen. There is also a possibility that you could be allergic to turmeric, so be careful if you're trying it for the first time. You might want to rub some on your skin and see if a rash develops before ingesting it. An allergic reaction isn't the only possible negative side effect. For persons being chemically treated for diabetes and high blood pressure, turmeric could increase the strength of your medication, which could be dangerous. Also, turmeric can interact with other medications, dietary supplements and herbs. So be sure to check with your doctor of pharmacist before inserting turmeric into your daily regimen.

Though the FDA has yet to weigh in on the use of turmeric, a similar commission based out of Germany has stated that turmeric is only dangerous for people with biliary obstruction [source: Mother Nature]. It has also been advised that people with gastrointestinal problems like ulcers and gallstones should shy away from turmeric and if you have a sensitive stomach, it may upset you. Studies have also shown that extraordinary amounts of turmeric can damage white and red blood cells. However, the amount of turmeric you would have to consume to make this happen is great, making it very unlikely.

While more research needs to be done regarding turmeric and its possible side effects, you might want to stay away from it if you have blood-clotting issues or if you're pregnant [source: Tattva's Herbs]. There is no hard evidence to support negative effects in regards to either condition, but the anti-inflammatory nature of turmeric means it could adversely affect blood-clotting disorders and the effects on pregnancy and nursing are completely unknown.

Biopiracy

In 1995, the University of Mississippi Medical Center was awarded a patent for turmeric. They were the only ones allowed to sell the spice specifically for the purpose of healing wounds. India fought the patent claiming that it had been using turmeric for that purpose for more than 2,000 years, a fact that was confirmed by ancient documents. In 1997, the patent was revoked, but the issue of biopiracy -- the misappropriation of traditional medicine -- remains [source: IAHF].

TURMERIC FOR BLADDER INFECTIONS

If you've ever had a bladder infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be. What you probably didn't know is that turmeric might help.

Bladder infections usually involve frequent urination, a burning sensation while you urinate and the urge to urinate when you really don't have to. These symptoms could be accompanied by a fever and, in some cases, blood will appear in your urine. Bladder infections are caused by bacteria, most commonly the bacteria Escherichia coli, or E. coli [source: Livestrong]. You've probably heard of this before. It is the same bacteria often associated with food poisoning.

When bacteria get into the bladder, they multiply very quickly. As a result, the bladder becomes inflamed. Luckily, as we've already discussed, turmeric happens to be a very effective anti-inflammatory and in the case of bladder infections, researchers believe it is able to stop the production of NF kappa-B, which is the main culprit responsible for inflammation in the bladder [source: WHFoods]. This unique ability makes turmeric a useful treatment for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis as well.

Curcumin's role as a powerful antioxidant also helps fight bladder infections. When our bodies get infected, oxygen molecules are damaged and they turn into free radicals [source: MC2Supermix]. They move throughout our bodies causing damage by stealing electrons from other molecules. This causes a nasty chain reaction. As we discussed earlier, antioxidants help stabilize these free radicals and keep them from doing harm. Antioxidants can also be preventative, which means that eating turmeric might just keep you from getting a bladder infection in the first place.

Absorption Problems

Turmeric isn't easily absorbed. When making a paste to treat injuries or wounds, it is a good idea to mix turmeric with a component known to help absorption. An example would be bromeline, something commonly found in pineapples. The same goes for cooking. Turmeric will be better absorbed if you use black pepper to facilitate the process [source: Pure Inside Out].

TURMERIC FOR DIARRHEA

Having intestinal issues is never fun, but turmeric could help. Eastern cultures have been using the spice to relieve diarrhea for hundreds of years.

Diarrhea can be caused by a couple different factors. In most cases, it is directly related to the fluids involved in digestion. A balance of fluids in our digestive tracks help break down food and turn it into energy for our bodies. Some of these fluids are created naturally inside our bodies, while others are ingested. If for some reason our bodies excrete too much of these fluids or don't absorb enough of what we consume, diarrhea will result [source: Mama Herb]. Turmeric's ability to aid in digestion provides relief by helping to balance out these fluid levels in our bodies.

Sometimes bacteria in our intestines can cause diarrhea. Salmonella is one of the worst culprits. Lucky for us, turmeric's antiseptic properties can provide relief [source: Hub Pages]. Not only will the spice fight bacteria that have already set up shop, but it can be taken preventatively as well. A diet with even moderate doses of turmeric can help keep your system working properly.

Aside from eating curry, there are a few other ways to take turmeric. The simplest method involves mixing a single teaspoon of the spice with a glass of warm water [source: IBS Tips]. Some people prefer mixing it with milk or yogurt. Of course, if you're lactose intolerant, these could just make the problem worse. There are also pill supplements and a number of herbal teas that contain turmeric.

Read on to find out how turmeric is helping in the fight against cancer.

Turmeric in Tandem

A recent study showed that turmeric combined with Taxol, or Paclitaxel, used as chemotherapy for breast cancer, has very promising results. Not only does the spice seem to make the chemotherapy more powerful, but it diminishes the procedure's side effects as well [source: MacGregor].

TURMERIC AND CANCER

Perhaps one of turmeric's most exciting benefits is its potential ability to prevent cancer and even slow down the spread of cancer that has already developed. People who regularly include the spice in their diet have much lower occurrences of cancer.

In the case of colon cancer, turmeric's role as a powerful antioxidant is probably most significant. Cells throughout our bodies are constantly being turned over but in the colon, this process happens much faster and much more often. If free radicals get into the colon, they can disrupt this turnover and cause damage resulting in colon cancer. Turmeric's antioxidant properties prevent this from happening.

In the case of patients who already have cancer, turmeric could potentially be of help. Some reports indicate that turmeric has been capable of slowing down the spread of tumors in mice. As cancer cells spread and a tumor grows, transcription factors control the process. Curcumin, one of the main components in turmeric, actually shuts down many of these transcription factors. It can't stop them completely, but it slows down the process considerably. Turmeric's ability to inhibit COX-2 and NF kappa-B, as we discussed earlier, also comes into play [source: WHFoods]. Both of these inflammatory agents help contribute to cancer growth. Keeping them at bay could also help slow the formation of cancer cells.

Turmeric also looks promising as a treatment for lung and prostate cancer as well as childhood leukemia. Studies have shown that turmeric can completely stop the replication of leukemia cells in a cell culture [source: WHFoods]. While more time and resources are needed to unlock the full potential of turmeric, early results are encouraging.

The Numbers

There is still a lack of hard evidence to support claims that turmeric can prevent cancer, but many researchers are confident that it can. Considering the numbers, it's possible those researchers are right. The four most common types of cancer in the U.S. are colon, breast, prostate and lung cancer. In India, these types of cancer occur 10 times less frequently [source: Science Daily].

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