Ginger

Ginger is one of the most common condiments.

It’s a wonder that it benefits us in so many ways. Its root has been used for thousands of years.

But did you know that ginger can benefit the prostate?

Prostate enlargement – as well as prostate cancer – are serious problems for older men.

The likelihood of having prostate disease increases as we age. And although it’s scary to deal with the
problem, it’s much scarier to know how modern medicine cures it.

Good thing that we have a natural alternative.

Prostate cancer statistics

Our prostate’s health is important. Without it, we cannot produce seminal fluid, the main carrier of
sperm cells. Prostate gland health is a major concern because so many experience problems with it.
Cancer is one of these problems.

Prostate cancer is a major disease among men. It is second only to skin cancer. The 5-year survival rate
may be relatively high, but it drops to 28% if cancer spreads.

The 2017 report of the American Cancer Society reveals that there are about 161,360 new cases of
prostate cancer…and about 26,730 deaths from the disease.

Conventional treatments like surgery actually do more damage than good.

In some cases, surgery turns a minor problem into something more serious. Prostatic surgery can lead to
complications.

However, there are some powerful herbal remedies which can improve your prostate’s health. One of
these is ginger.

The nutritional value of ginger

Ginger has been used to treat numerous illnesses. This includes arthritis, colds, hypertension, nausea,
and migraines. Today, scientists are discovering more evidence of its medicinal properties.

The ginger root is well known for its potassium and manganese content. Potassium is essential for
maintaining normal blood circulation, muscle, and nerve function.

Manganese helps to absorb beneficial vitamins and minerals. The American Dietetic Association
Complete Food and Nutrition Guide reveals that ginger is a good source of phosphorus, magnesium,
calcium.

This common ingredient has vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc. These are powerful
antioxidants that protect your prostate from harmful free radicals. Free radicals speed up tissue aging
and cancer development.

Vitamin C and zinc stimulate the immune system and protect the prostate from infection and
inflammation.

Did you know, for example, that incidents of prostate cancer are lower in Japan? That’s because they
always have ginger and green tea in their diet. These are natural lipoxygenase inhibitors.

Is ginger good for prostate cancer?

A 2013 systematic review claims that the ingredient has a well-documented anticancer potential. Its
functional ingredients like gingerols, shogaol, and parasols are valuable anticancer ingredients.
Researchers found that these substances control certain proteins that help kill prostate cancer cells. This
magical ingredient also suppresses the spread of cancer. They stimulate the production of phagocytic
immune cells that directly fight cancerous tumors.

Another study explored the benefits of ginger extract in prostate cancer. The 2012 study published in the
British Journal of Nutrition administered ginger extract to mice with prostate cancer.

Researchers claim that ginger extract has a significant effect in stopping the growth of cancer cells. They
also claim that ginger induces death of prostate cancer cells (cell death is also known as apoptosis).

Prostate tumor growth regressed by up to 60 percent in their animal subjects. Most importantly, the
ginger extract did not result in any toxicity in normal, rapidly dividing tissues such as gut and bone
marrow.

The authors write:

“Remarkably, daily oral feeding of 100 mg/kg body weight of ginger extract inhibited growth and
progression of PC-3 xenografts by approximately 56 percent in mice, as shown by measurements of
tumor volume. “

A more recent study published in 2017 investigated the anticancer properties of ginger phytochemicals
in docetaxel-resistant human prostate cancer cells.

Studies have shown that 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-dehydrogingerdione, 6-shogaol, and 10-shogaol, are
bioactive compounds from ginger, yet few have reviewed their activity in chemoresistant cells.

Their results found that ginger phytochemicals, including 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 10-shogaol can
significantly inhibit resistant human prostate cancer cells growth and reverse drug resistance protein
expression.
Ginger has many anticancer components

Scientists believe that it doesn’t just have a single chemical to fight cancer. More research is needed to
investigate the molecules involved. These experts believe that it is not the action of a single chemical.

Instead, they believe that the components of ginger work together to fight cancer. It is a synergistic
interplay. whole GE has been shown to inhibit proliferation of breast(28) and colon cancer cells

Anti-inflammatory effects

Ginger also fights inflammation. It contains various anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit cytokines.

Cytokines are molecules that cause pain and swelling. A series of experiments have demonstrated this
activity in both live specimens and cell cultures.

Another study also discovered that 6-gingerol in ginger has analgesic properties. This substance also
helps decrease swelling by inhibiting the oxygen supply of prostate cancer cells. Without oxygen, cell
respiration will not occur.

It also contains various antioxidants. These substances prevent the oxidative stress of our cells.
Inflammation occurs when our cells experience stress. Oxidative stress also speeds up cell aging.

How much ginger should you eat to prevent prostate cancer?

The evidence is solid. Ginger helps fight prostate cancer. It may also help to reduce your prostate cancer
risk. In addition, ginger protects our prostate from injury and inflammation, aiding prostate health.

But how much should we eat to reap the benefits?

Experts recommend that we consume at least 3 1/2 grams. If we eat this amount on a regular basis, we
can definitely experience its beneficial effects. But just like any natural way of fighting disease, we
shouldn’t overdo it. Too much consumption also has side effects.

Ginger dietary supplements are made from dried or fresh ginger root or from a steam process of the oil.
You can find ginger extracts, tinctures, capsules, oils, and tea.

Conclusion

The investigations into ginger as a potential prostate cancer treatment continue, yet research has shown
that bioactive compounds have anti-cancer in ginger.

Research has shown by the age of 60, 50% of men will have some signs of BPH (benign prostatic
hyperplasia).

While it’s important to note that an enlarged prostate doesn’t necessarily mean you will be diagnosed
with prostate cancer, it could be a result of BPH. This stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and can
result in painful and embarrassing symptoms, including a frequent and urgent need to urinate.

How ginger can help fight prostate cancer

Alejandro Miranda-Sousa, M.D., is a Board-certified urologist at Urology Experts, a premier three-

location practice in Southwest Florida. Recently named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. and
a Diplomate of the American Board of Urology, Dr. Miranda-Sousa has written and co-written several
award-winning clinical and research papers. Today, he specializes in urinary incontinence, bladder stone
prevention, urologic oncology, laser surgery and much more. It is also Dr. Miranda-Sousa’s passion to use
the most advanced technology and surgical techniques in all areas of his practice.

How ginger can help fight prostate cancer

Over the years, many articles have been written about the health benefits of consuming ‘superfoods.’
From aiding in digestive health, all the way to helping fight many cancers. These foods contain essential
amino acids, healthy fat acids as well as phytonutrients that act as antioxidants — substances that shield
our bodies from cell damage and help prevent disease. Ginger, a commonly used condiment, is classified
as a ‘superfood.’

Natural remedy
Traditionally, ginger has been used in treating digestive disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. Ginger
exhibits a similar effect as stimulated serotonin receptors do in providing digestive relief. As a
carminative herb, it reduces intestinal gas and provokes gut motility. Ginger has been known to aid
expectant mothers experiencing “morning sickness” as it reduces nausea, alleviates motion sickness and
reduces fever.

The importance of prostate health

Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer are serious problems primarily for older men, as the likelihood
of getting the disease increases with age. Prostate health is important as without it men cannot produce
seminal fluid, the main carrier of sperm cells. Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer and affects
one in six men in the U.S. The 2017 report of the American Cancer Society estimates 161,360 new cases
of prostate cancer this year.

Gingers effects on cancer cells

Ginger root is well known for its potassium and manganese content. Potassium is essential for
maintaining normal blood circulation, muscle and nerve function, while manganese helps absorb
beneficial vitamins and minerals. Ginger contains vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and zinc, all strong
antioxidants that protect the prostate from harmful free radicals. Free radicals speed up tissue aging and
cancer development. Vitamin C and zinc stimulate the immune system, and protect the body from
infection and inflammation.

Ginger is effective in blocking 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that promotes cancer development. It helps
reduce the risk of cancer and even helps shrink tumors in the prostate. In a number of studies, ginger
has been determined to affect prostate cancer cells by:

Weakening the development of cancer cells

Disrupting the growth cycle of cancer cells

Controlling naturally produced compounds to trigger self-destruction of cells

Killing off cancer cells by cutting off energy production and stimulating the release of enzymes that break
down cancer cells

Ginger should not be used alone in treating or preventing prostate cancer. If you are experiencing
symptoms or would like to know more about preventing prostate cancer, you should seek out a board-
certified urologist to determine the best course of treatment.
Additional health benefits

Aside from ginger’s potential use in fighting cancer, it has many other health promoting properties such
as

treating arthritis, colds, hypertension, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, nausea and migraines. It helps

suppress inflammation and aids in the support of the natural pain relief process. With its anti-
inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, ginger has become one of the most
powerful ‘superfoods’ sought out today.

Regular consumption

Including ginger into your daily consumption pattern supports healthy liver detoxification as well as aids
in digestion. Incorporating it into juices, smoothies, salads or as many prefer, hot tea will allow you to
experience all the benefits ginger has to offer. But, keep in mind, consuming too much can have side
effects such as stomach upset, heartburn and gas, so it is best to experiment to determine how much
you can tolerate daily.

Ginger has been known to display anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities,
indicating its promising role as a chemopreventive agent. Here, we show that whole ginger extract (GE)
exerts significant growth-inhibitory and death-inductory effects in a spectrum of prostate cancer
cells.Aug 18, 2011

Ginger is most known for its ability to help treat nausea and indigestion and also for its anti-
inflammatory properties. But some research suggests that ginger extract may also boost your
testosterone levels. Most studies hinting at this have been done on mice. However, a study from 2012 in
infertile humans found that ginger was able to increase testosterone levels by 17 % and increase levels of
other key sex hormones too.

According to the findings of a 2012 study, taking a daily ginger supplement for 3 months increased
testosterone levels by 17.7 percent in a group of 75 adult male participants with fertility issues. The
authors suggested that ginger may also improve sperm health in other ways

Objective: Ginger has always been known as one of the most famous medicinal herbs in eastern Asia
(China and India). In this study we examined the effects of antidepressants-like activity of Ginger on the
protection of central nervous system against oxidative damages.

Material and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=30) were allocated into three groups, control (n=10) and test
groups (n=20) that subdivided into groups of 2 that had been exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) for 8 weeks, one of the test groups received Ginger rhizome powder (1.5 g/kg/day. body weight)
for 8 weeks as well. In the second and eighth weeks, we used forced swimming test in order to evaluate
the antidepressant effect of Ginger powder on the rats exposed to EMF.

Results: In the second week results revealed EMF exposure increase immobility but decrease loco-motor
function of swimming and climbing in comparison to control group (P < 0.05) whereas at the end of 8th
week, rats that had been fed with Ginger powder (1.5 g g/kg/day .body weight) showed decrease in
immobility score and increase in swimming (P < 0.001), but not in climbing scores significantly. (P =0.18).

Conclusion: Ginger powder could act as serotoninergic antidepressant medicine in order to decrease
depression presentation in exposed subjects to EMF.

11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger

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Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.

It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

Here are 11 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.

1. Ginger Contains Gingerol, a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China.

It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardomon and galangal.

The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called
ginger root, or simply ginger.

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been
used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed
foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is
gingerol.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It
has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (1Trusted Source).

BOTTOM LINE:

Ginger is a popular spice. It is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties.

2. Ginger Can Treat Many Forms of Nausea, Especially Morning Sickness

Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea (2Trusted Source).

For example, it has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, and there is some evidence that it may
be as effective as prescription medication (3Trusted Source).

Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).

But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.

According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of
ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea (6Trusted Source).

However, ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes in this study.

Although ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant.
Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are currently no studies to
support this.

BOTTOM LINE:

1-1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea. This applies to sea sickness,
chemotherapy-related nausea, nausea after surgery and morning sickness.

3. Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.

In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in
people performing elbow exercises (7Trusted Source).

Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression
of muscle pain (8Trusted Source).

These effects are believed to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory properties.

BOTTOM LINE:

Ginger appears to be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain, and may reduce
exercise-induced muscle soreness.

4. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects Can Help With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common health problem.

It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.

In a controlled trial of 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, those who took ginger extract had less
pain and required less pain medication (9Trusted Source).
Another study found that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce pain
and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied topically (10Trusted Source).

BOTTOM LINE:

There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, which is a
very common health problem.

5. Ginger May Drastically Lower Blood Sugars and Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors

This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.

In a recent 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered
fasting blood sugar by 12% (11Trusted Source).

It also dramatically improved HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels), leading to a 10%
reduction over a period of 12 weeks.

There was also a 28% reduction in the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, and a 23% reduction in markers for oxidized
lipoproteins. These are both major risk factors for heart disease.

This graph shows what happened:

Photo Source: Suppversity.

However, keep in mind that this was just one small study. The results are incredibly impressive, but they
need to be confirmed in larger studies before any recommendations can be made.

BOTTOM LINE:

Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in
patients with type 2 diabetes.
6. Ginger Can Help Treat Chronic Indigestion

Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the
stomach.

It is believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion.

Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach in people with this condition.

After eating soup, ginger reduced the time it took for the stomach to empty from 16 to 12 minutes
(12Trusted Source).

In a study of 24 healthy individuals, 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal accelerated emptying of
the stomach by 50% (13Trusted Source).

BOTTOM LINE:

Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with
indigestion and related stomach discomfort.

7. Ginger Powder May Significantly Reduce Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a woman's menstrual cycle.

One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.

In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3 days of
the menstrual period (14Trusted Source).

Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.
BOTTOM LINE:

Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual
period.

8. Ginger May Lower Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL lipoproteins (the "bad" cholesterol) are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.

In a 45-day study of 85 individuals with high cholesterol, 3 grams of ginger powder caused significant
reductions in most cholesterol markers (15Trusted Source).

This is supported by a study in hypothyroid rats, where ginger extract lowered LDL cholesterol to a
similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (16Trusted Source).

Both studies also showed reductions in total cholesterol and blood triglycerides.

BOTTOM LINE:

There is some evidence, in both animals and humans, that ginger can lead to significant reductions in
LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.

9. Ginger Contains a Substance That May Help Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a very serious disease that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer.

The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large amounts in raw
ginger (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
In a study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory
signalling molecules in the colon (19Trusted Source).

However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk of colon cancer did not confirm these findings
(20Trusted Source).

There is some, albeit limited, evidence that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer, breast
cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed (21Trusted Source, 22, 23Trusted Source).

BOTTOM LINE:

Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects against cancer.
However, this needs to be studied a lot more.

10. Ginger May Improve Brain Function and Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.

They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.

Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit
inflammatory responses that occur in the brain (24Trusted Source).

There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60 middle-aged
women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory (25Trusted Source).

There are also numerous studies in animals showing that ginger can protect against age-related decline
in brain function (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).

BOTTOM LINE:

Studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain. It can also improve
brain function in elderly women.
11. The Active Ingredient in Ginger Can Help Fight Infections

Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections.

In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria (29Trusted Source,
30Trusted Source).

It is very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis
and periodontitis (31Trusted Source).

Fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections
(32Trusted Source).

What Are the Health Benefits of Ginger Tea?

Motion sickness

Morning sickness or chemotherapy

Blood pressure and heart health

Weight and blood sugar control

Pain relief

Immune support and cancer prevention

How to make ginger tea

Side effects

Takeaway

Overview

Earthy with a kick, ginger has been used for millennia to spice food and treat ailments.

Ginger is native to Asia and is the flowering plant of the Zingiberaceae family. Its root, or stem, adds
flavor to many types of cuisine, but is also an ancient herbal remedy for a host of ailments. Drinking
ginger tea may help with everything from motion sickness to cancer prevention.
Here are just some of the known and suspected benefits of ginger tea.

Motion sickness

Folk medicine suggests that ginger tea can help calm motion sickness symptoms like dizziness, vomiting,
and cold sweats. Most researchTrusted Source has not been able to show any effectiveness; motion
sickness medication works best.

One older study did show that ginger helped decrease motion sickness. If you suffer from queasiness in
moving vehicles, trying ginger probably can’t hurt.

Nausea from morning sickness or chemotherapy

Some experts believe the active components in ginger — volatile oils and phenol compounds called
gingerols — can help relieve nausea caused by pregnancy, chemotherapy, or surgery. (Check with a
doctor before using ginger after surgery, as it may interfere with clotting.)

Researchers suggestTrusted Source that ginger might be a worthwhile alternative to traditional anti-
nausea drugs in people who are pregnant or undergoing chemotherapy and can’t have or tolerate the
standard drugs.

Blood pressure and heart health

ResearchTrusted Source has suggested that ginger consumption can be protective against heart disease.
The pungent herb may help:

lower blood pressure

prevent heart attacks

prevent blood clots

relieve heartburn

lower cholesterol
improve blood circulation

Weight and blood sugar control

A 2012 studyTrusted Source from Columbia University involving 10 overweight men found that drinking
hot ginger tea (in this case, ginger powder dissolved in hot water) increased their feelings of fullness and
reduced hunger.

A review of the researchTrusted Source suggests that ginger may be effective in managing obesity.
However, most of the experiments have been rat studies, which suggest that ginger may help prevent
obesity and obesity-related complications.

Ginger may help improve blood sugar control, reduce A1C, insulin, and triglycerides among people with
type 2 diabetes, some researchTrusted Source suggests.

Pain relief

Ginger has been used to treat inflammation for centuries and this practice now has a body of scientific
evidence behind it. It’s been shown in several studies to help relieve pain from osteoarthritis of the knee
in particular.

Ginger tea may also help alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, sore muscles, and other types of pain.

Immune support and cancer prevention

It’s believed that the antioxidants in ginger can help strengthen your immunity and reduce stress.
Inhaling the steam from ginger tea may also help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues
from the common cold or environmental allergies.

Research has even shown that ginger may help prevent cancer. In laboratory research ginger has been
shown to fight several different types of cancer cells, including pancreatic cancerTrusted Source and
colon cancerTrusted Source.

How to make ginger tea at home

Here is an easy-to-follow recipe for making your own ginger tea. You’ll need:

4 to 6 thin slices of peeled, raw ginger (add more slices for stronger ginger tea)

2 cups of water

juice from half of a lime or lemon, and honey or agave nectar to taste (optional)

First, wash and scrub the ginger root. Then, peel the ginger and slice thinly. Fill a medium pot with 2 cups
of water. Place the ginger slices in the water and let boil gently for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how
strong and spicy you like your tea.

Remove from heat. Add lime or lemon juice and honey (or agave) to taste, if desired.

MORE HEALTH MARCH 13, 2017

GINGER: THE HERB THAT FIGHTS AGING

Putting ginger in your food will add a ton of flavor and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles!

Have you ever tried drinking ginger tea when you’re sick? Ginger root has been used to treat various
ailments like nausea, the common cold, and headaches for over 5,000 years. It’s an extremely powerful
herb that originates from Asia and is grown in many different parts of the world. While its health
benefits are well-known do you know how great ginger is for your skin?

3 WAYS GINGER REVIVES YOUR SKIN

It slows down the aging process: Ginger contains gingerol, an antioxidant that protects your skin from
free radical damage and prevents accelerated collagen degradation. Always try to use fresh ginger root in
your cooking, as ground ginger loses some gingerol when it gets processed.

It reduces inflammation: When inflammation is present in the body, it can cause breakouts, premature
wrinkles, and dryness. It’s been scientifically proven that ginger reduces inflammation, so having a dose
of it every day will help your skin stay glowing and gorgeous!

It boosts circulation: Ginger is a warming spice that gets your blood pumping. This helps your cells get
more oxygen, which is like giving your skin a breath of fresh air for a more radiant complexion!

can also make ginger tea with milk. Boil your ginger root slices in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes, then
remove from heat and add 2 cups of milk. Simmer the milk and ginger for five minutes. Serve in your
favorite mug.

Side effects

Drinking ginger tea can have side effects, but you’re unlikely to experience problems unless you consume
very large amounts.

People most often report gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea as ginger-related side effects. Since ginger
may lower blood pressure and may have a blood thinning effect, people on blood thinners or blood
pressure drugs, should consult their doctor before consuming extra ginger.

Does Ginger Tea Have Bad Side Effects?

Side effects

Benefits

Bottom line

Overview

Native to southern China, ginger grows in warm climates worldwide. The spicy, aromatic root of the
ginger plant has been used by many cultures in cooking and in medicine.

Most people use it as a spice or eat it with sushi, but ginger can also be made into tea. All you need to do
is steep a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in a pint of boiling water, and you’ve got yourself two tasty
servings!

Side effects, real and rumored

Ginger tea doesn’t seem to have serious side effects. For one thing, it would be difficult to drink enough
of the tea to expose yourself to anything irritating or harmful. In general, you don’t want to consume
more than 4 grams of ginger a day — that’s quite a few cups!
Many people think ginger can increase bile production, but there is no scientific evidence of this. Still, it’s
a good idea to check with your doctor before you use ginger tea if you have a history of gallbladder
problems.

One possible minor side effect of drinking ginger tea is heartburn or stomach upset, similar to how you
feel when you eat chilies or other spicy foods. You could mistake this irritation for a ginger allergy.

However, you might have an allergy to ginger if you experience a rash or discomfort in your mouth or
stomach after drinking ginger tea.

Ginger may help lower blood pressure, so you might experience lightheadedness as a side effect. Ginger
also contains salicylates, the chemical in aspirin that acts as a blood thinner. This can cause problems for
people with bleeding disorders.

But again, you’d have to consume much more than the recommended 4 grams of ginger a day to
experience that effect.

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The health claims

Some say ginger tea can cure coughs and other respiratory problems. Studies show that ginger can
reduce blood pressureTrusted Source and may be as effective as some typically used medications.

Gingerol, a component of ginger, has been shown to suppressTrusted Source tumor growth in the lab.
Many users claim ginger tea alleviates arthritis pain and muscle aches.
Ginger tea is also traditionally used for stomach problems, most famously for preventing or stopping
nausea. It may help with nausea due to chemotherapy or surgery. Using ginger to relieve morning
sickness during pregnancy is controversial.

Be sure to check with your doctor before taking anything to ease nausea if you’re pregnant, undergoing
cancer therapy, or facing surgery.

The bottom line

Too much of anything — even something natural — is bound to cause problems. But if you’re generally
in good health and you like the zing that ginger provides, drink up and don’t worry.

GINGER NAMESAKES

It may be good for you, but there is no evidence that ginger tea was a favorite of either Ginger Rogers or
Ginger Spice.

There is no proven link between consuming ginger and having a child with ginger hair. However, the
gingerol in ginger can actually suppressTrusted Source hair growth!

GINGER GOOD

Ginger and ginger tea are both good for stopping nausea and upset stomach, including symptoms caused
by pregnancy and chemotherapy. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement,
regardless of dosage.

Does Ginger Tea Have Bad Side Effects?

Side effects

Benefits

Bottom line

Share on Pinterest

Overview

Native to southern China, ginger grows in warm climates worldwide. The spicy, aromatic root of the
ginger plant has been used by many cultures in cooking and in medicine.

Most people use it as a spice or eat it with sushi, but ginger can also be made into tea. All you need to do
is steep a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in a pint of boiling water, and you’ve got yourself two tasty
servings!

Side effects, real and rumored

Ginger tea doesn’t seem to have serious side effects. For one thing, it would be difficult to drink enough
of the tea to expose yourself to anything irritating or harmful. In general, you don’t want to consume
more than 4 grams of ginger a day — that’s quite a few cups!

Many people think ginger can increase bile production, but there is no scientific evidence of this. Still, it’s
a good idea to check with your doctor before you use ginger tea if you have a history of gallbladder
problems.

One possible minor side effect of drinking ginger tea is heartburn or stomach upset, similar to how you
feel when you eat chilies or other spicy foods. You could mistake this irritation for a ginger allergy.

However, you might have an allergy to ginger if you experience a rash or discomfort in your mouth or
stomach after drinking ginger tea.

Ginger may help lower blood pressure, so you might experience lightheadedness as a side effect. Ginger
also contains salicylates, the chemical in aspirin that acts as a blood thinner. This can cause problems for
people with bleeding disorders.

But again, you’d have to consume much more than the recommended 4 grams of ginger a day to
experience that effect.

HEALTHLINE PARTNER SOLUTIONS

Get Answers from a Doctor in Minutes, Anytime

Have medical questions? Connect with a board-certified, experienced doctor online or by phone.
Pediatricians and other specialists available 24/7.

The health claims

Some say ginger tea can cure coughs and other respiratory problems. Studies show that ginger can
reduce blood pressureTrusted Source and may be as effective as some typically used medications.

Gingerol, a component of ginger, has been shown to suppressTrusted Source tumor growth in the lab.
Many users claim ginger tea alleviates arthritis pain and muscle aches.

Ginger tea is also traditionally used for stomach problems, most famously for preventing or stopping
nausea. It may help with nausea due to chemotherapy or surgery. Using ginger to relieve morning
sickness during pregnancy is controversial.

Be sure to check with your doctor before taking anything to ease nausea if you’re pregnant, undergoing
cancer therapy, or facing surgery.

The bottom line

Too much of anything — even something natural — is bound to cause problems. But if you’re generally
in good health and you like the zing that ginger provides, drink up and don’t worry.

GINGER NAMESAKES

It may be good for you, but there is no evidence that ginger tea was a favorite of either Ginger Rogers or
Ginger Spice.

There is no proven link between consuming ginger and having a child with ginger hair. However, the
gingerol in ginger can actually suppressTrusted Source hair growth!

GINGER GOOD

Ginger and ginger tea are both good for stopping nausea and upset stomach, including symptoms caused
by pregnancy and chemotherapy. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement,
regardless of dosage.
How ginger can help fight prostate cancer

Over the years, many articles have been written about the health benefits of consuming ‘superfoods.’
From aiding in digestive health, all the way to helping fight many cancers. These foods contain essential
amino acids, healthy fat acids as well as phytonutrients that act as antioxidants — substances that shield
our bodies from cell damage and help prevent disease. Ginger, a commonly used condiment, is classified
as a ‘superfood.’

Natural remedy

Traditionally, ginger has been used in treating digestive disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. Ginger
exhibits a similar effect as stimulated serotonin receptors do in providing digestive relief. As a
carminative herb, it reduces intestinal gas and provokes gut motility. Ginger has been known to aid
expectant mothers experiencing “morning sickness” as it reduces nausea, alleviates motion sickness and
reduces fever.

The importance of prostate health

Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer are serious problems primarily for older men, as the likelihood
of getting the disease increases with age. Prostate health is important as without it men cannot produce
seminal fluid, the main carrier of sperm cells. Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer and affects
one in six men in the U.S. The 2017 report of the American Cancer Society estimates 161,360 new cases
of prostate cancer this year.

Gingers effects on cancer cells

Ginger root is well known for its potassium and manganese content. Potassium is essential for
maintaining normal blood circulation, muscle and nerve function, while manganese helps absorb
beneficial vitamins and minerals. Ginger contains vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and zinc, all strong
antioxidants that protect the prostate from harmful free radicals. Free radicals speed up tissue aging and
cancer development. Vitamin C and zinc stimulate the immune system, and protect the body from
infection and inflammation.

Ginger is effective in blocking 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that promotes cancer development. It helps
reduce the risk of cancer and even helps shrink tumors in the prostate. In a number of studies, ginger
has been determined to affect prostate cancer cells by:
Weakening the development of cancer cells

Disrupting the growth cycle of cancer cells

Controlling naturally produced compounds to trigger self-destruction of cells

Killing off cancer cells by cutting off energy production and stimulating the release of enzymes that break
down cancer cells

Ginger should not be used alone in treating or preventing prostate cancer. If you are experiencing
symptoms or would like to know more about preventing prostate cancer, you should seek out a board-
certified urologist to determine the best course of treatment.

Additional health benefits

Aside from ginger’s potential use in fighting cancer, it has many other health promoting properties such
as

treating arthritis, colds, hypertension, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, nausea and migraines. It helps

suppress inflammation and aids in the support of the natural pain relief process. With its anti-
inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, ginger has become one of the most
powerful ‘superfoods’ sought out today.

Regular consumption

Including ginger into your daily consumption pattern supports healthy liver detoxification as well as aids
in digestion. Incorporating it into juices, smoothies, salads or as many prefer, hot tea will allow you to
experience all the benefits ginger has to offer. But, keep in mind, consuming too much can have side
effects such as stomach upset, heartburn and gas, so it is best to experiment to determine how much
you can tolerate daily.

Enhancing and protecting testosterone production is one target for many scientists because of its crucial
role as a primary sex hormone in males. Several in vivo trials have utilized different dietary supplements
and medicinal plants to enhance testosterone production in males. Since 1991, various in-vivo, as well as
basic research studies, have discovered a link between ginger (Zingiber officinale) and testosterone.
However, such a link has not yet been collectively reviewed. This review systematically discusses and
summarizes the effect of ginger and ginger extracts on testosterone. To achieve this contribution, we
searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for English language articles (full texts or
abstracts) from November 1991 through August 2018 using the keywords “ginger” and “Zingiber
officinale” versus “testosterone”. Additionally, the references from related published articles were also
reviewed, only if relevant. In conclusion, the mainstream of research that links ginger to testosterone
demonstrated that ginger supplementation, particularly in oxidative stress conditions, enhances
testosterone production in males. The mechanisms by which this occurs mainly by enhancing luteinizing
hormone (LH) production, increasing the level of cholesterol in the testes, reducing oxidative stress and
lipid peroxidation in the testes, enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, normalizing blood
glucose, increasing blood flow in the testes, increasing testicular weight, and recycling testosterone
receptors. However, the effect of ginger on testosterone is not yet confirmed in humans. Therefore,
clinical studies in this context of research are imperative.

Keywords: ginger, Zingiber officinale, gingerol, testosterone

Go to:

1. Introduction

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering medicinal plant whose root, or rhizome (plant stem) is
commonly used as a spice [1]. Additionally, it is widely used in folk medicine because of its many health
benefits in various diseases, including chronic diseases such as diabetes [2,3], cancer [4,5,6], ulcer [7,8],
Alzheimer [9], cardiovascular disease [10,11], and depression [12]. The beneficial effect of ginger in such
diseases is mainly due to its antioxidant [13,14], antimicrobial [15], and anti-inflammatory properties
[16].

The sharp fragrance and flavor of fresh ginger root result from certain bioactive volatile-oils (e.g.,
gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone) that comprise approximately 1–3% of its weight [17]. 6-gingerol is
considered as the major pungent and the main bioactive compound in fresh ginger [18]. In addition,
ginger contains several antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein,
lycopene, quercetin, genistein, and tannin [19]. Moreover, ginger contains essential elements such as
manganese, copper, selenium, and zinc [19]. Besides, ginger has been found to contain low amounts of
toxic elements such as cadmium, lead, and nickel [20].

Enhancing testosterone production in human males and other male species is still the ultimate goal for
many scientists in the field. Such an intention is due to the crucial function of testosterone as the major
sex hormone in males [21]. Testosterone plays an important role in developing male reproductive organs
and promoting other sexual characteristics such as the growth of body hair and increased bone and
muscle mass [22]. In addition, testosterone is involved in general health and well-being [23]. Insufficient
levels of testosterone in men are linked with a wide range of disorders/diseases such as infertility [24],
diabetes [25], osteoporosis [26], and bone loss [27]. Therefore, several in vivo studies have investigated
various dietary supplements as well as medicinal plants on the level of testosterone in males.
Since the beginning of 1991, various in vivo and basic research studies have found a link between ginger
and testosterone. However, whether systematically or narratively, such a link has not yet been
collectively discussed. Here, we systematically review the effect of ginger on the testosterone level in
males. To achieve this contribution, we searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for
English language articles (published in full texts or only abstracts) from November 1991 through August
2018 using the keywords “ginger” and “Zingiber officinale” versus “testosterone”. Additionally, the
references from related published papers were also reviewed, only if relevant.

Go to:

2. Effect of Ginger on Testosterone

Until now, almost all studies that have found a direct link between ginger and testosterone were in vivo
studies. Table 1 summarizes the direct studies conducted on ginger and its extracts or derived
compounds and their reported effects on serum testosterone. Almost all of these studies were
conducted on diabetic rat models. As shown in the table, diabetic and hypertensive rat models
supplemented with ginger and its extracts had a higher serum testosterone level compared to controls.
While ginger-derived compounds (zingerone, geraniol, and 6-gingerol), when taken separately, did not
affect serum testosterone level in diabetic rats.

Table 1

A summary of the studies conducted on ginger and its extracts or derived compounds and their reported
effects on testosterone.

AffecterDose Duration Population Effect on Serum Testosterone Ref.

Aqueous extract of ginger 600 mg kg−1 8 days Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (+)
[28]

Methanolic Zingiber officinale roots 100 and 200 mg kg−1 65 days Alloxan-induced diabetic rats
(+) [29]

Water extracts of Zingiber officinale roots 150 and 300 mg kg−1 65 days Alloxan-induced
diabetic rats (+) [29]

Ginger 4% of the diet 2 weeks Hypertensive male rats (+) [30]

Zingerone 20 mg kg−1 8 weeks Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (±) [31]

geraniol 200 mg kg−1 8 weeks Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (±) [31]

6-gingerol 75 mg kg−1 8 weeks Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (±) [31]

Fresh ginger roots 1.5 g/15 g of diet 30 days Alloxan induced male diabetic rats (+)
[32]

Open in a separate window

(+) Increase, (−) decrease, (±) no effect.

The other set of studies that reported the direct link between ginger and testosterone were reproductive
toxicity studies. Table 2 summarizes all of these studies, which were conducted on ginger and its derived
compounds, and their reported protective effects on serum testosterone level. Also, to date, almost all
of the reproductive toxicity studies are rodent studies.

Table 2

A summary of the reproductive toxicity studies conducted on ginger and its derived compounds and
their reported protective effects on testosterone level.

Toxican Population Effect of Toxican on Testosterone Ginger Affecter (Mode of Treatment):

Dose/Duration Protective Effect of Ginger on Testosterone Ref.

Aluminium chloride Albino Wistar male rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i001.jpg Fresh ginger (Orally): 40 mg kg−1 body weight, for 60
days. An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [33]

Lead Male Sprague Dawley rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i001.jpg Fresh ginger (Orally): 0.5 and 1 gm kg−1 body weight,
for 2, 4, and 6 weeks. An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [34]

Lamotrigine Adult Wistar albino rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i001.jpg Ginger powder (Orally): 100 mg kg−1 daily, for 4 weeks.
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [35]

Cyclophosphamide Wistar male rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i003.jpg Water ginger extract (Intraperitoneally): 300 or 600 mg

daily, for 6 weeks. An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [36]

Busulfan Male Sprague Dawley rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i003.jpg Alcoholic extract of ginger (Orally): 50, 100 and 150 mg
kg−1 body weight, for 48 days. An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [37]

Carbendazim Male Sprague Dawley rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i001.jpg 6-Gingerol-rich fraction from ginger (Orally): 50, 100 and
200 mg kg−1, for 14 days. An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [38]

Sodium metabisulfte Male Wistar rats An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i001.jpg Water ginger extract (Orally): 500 mg kg−1 daily, for 28
days. An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg [39]

Open in a separate window

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i002.jpg Increase, An external file that holds a picture,

illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i001.jpg decrease, An external file that holds a picture,

illustration, etc.

Object name is biomolecules-08-00119-i003.jpg no effect.

In general, reproductive toxicity studies were designed to investigate the influence of ginger in
ameliorating the testosterone level mainly in toxican-induced male rats. These toxicans were, most of
the time, chemical compounds (e.g., aluminum chloride, sodium metabisulfite), metals (e.g., lead), or
drugs. Examples of the drugs used in this context, which induce reproductive toxicity, are lamotrigine
(antiepileptic drug), cyclophosphamide (anti-cancer drug), busulfan (anti-cancer drug), and carbendazim
(fungicide drug).
As a general trend, the studied toxicans reduced the level of testosterone in the experimental animals,
and ginger supplementation counteracted this reduction. The ginger doses that are used in the
reproductive toxicity studies vary from ~40 to ~600 mg daily, and the duration of supplementation
ranged from ~2 to ~8 weeks.

Go to:

3. Mechanistic Studies

In men, more than 95% of testosterone is produced by the testis, while the remainder is produced by
other organs, mainly the adrenal glands [22]. The testis contains two main types of cells: Leydig cells and
Sertoli cells. The synthesis of testosterone occurs in the Leydig cells, while the Sertoli cells utilize the
produced testosterone for spermatogenesis. Chemically, similar to other androgens, testosterone is
derived from cholesterol [40]. The in vivo system study conducted by Kamtchouing et al. in 2002 showed
that supplementation of ginger at 600 mg kg−1 for eight days increases the level of testicular cholesterol
[28], which could be a seminal factor behind the increased testosterone production after ginger
administration.

Ginger root is rich with several potent antioxidant compounds such as gingerols, zingerone, zingiberene,
glucosides-6-gingerdiol, flavonoids, and volatile oils [17]. These antioxidants protect both the
reproductive organs from oxidative stress, an imbalance between prooxidants (reactive oxygen species
such as superoxide ion, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide) and antioxidants to the favor of the
former [41], and lipid peroxidation. Ginger roots were found to enhance the activity of certain
antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase
(GPx) in different male reproductive organs such as testis, prostate, and epididymis [32]. In addition,
ginger has been found to attenuate the cell damage markers such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the
testis [32]. Accordingly, the reduction in oxidative stress and enhancement of the antioxidant defense
mechanism against prooxidants in testes cells may enhance the biosynthesis of testosterone.

The evidence above explains why the majority of studies that demonstrate the effect of ginger on
testosterone were conducted on diabetic rat models. Various studies have shown that free radical
generation, and hence the level of cellular oxidative stress, in diabetic conditions is higher than the
normal conditions [42,43,44], which may negatively affect cellular function and cellular biosynthesis [45].
Moreover, in fact, normal Leydig cell function is affected primarily by luteinizing hormone (LH) [46],
which plays a major role in testosterone synthesis. It has been shown that hyperglycemia induces
abnormal changes in the Leydig cells leading to a change in the pituitary-testicular axis, including a
decrease in LH level, and this subsequently decreases the synthesis of testosterone [47]. Ginger has been
found to increase LH production in diabetic rat models [46], which consequently improves the synthesis
of testosterone.

Further, in hypertensive rats, the level of reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid reactive
substances (TBARS), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, is increased in testes and epididymis [30].
Excessive formation of TBARS may cause overutilization of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione
(GSH), a potent synthetic antioxidant. The decrease in GSH level reduces the detoxification process for
prooxidants in the testes, which negatively affects the testosterone production [30]. It has been shown
that dietary supplementation of ginger roots prevented the decrease in glutathione S-transferase and
GSH level thereby resulting in a reduction in prooxidants, which may subsequently enhance the synthesis
of testosterone [30].

Furthermore, in diabetic conditions, other than its potential antioxidant effects in the testes, ginger roots
have been found to have a direct effect on blood glucose [32]. The study conducted on alloxan-induced
diabetic rats by Ghlissi et al. in 2013 showed that 1.5 g of fresh ginger per 15 g of rat diet, for 30 days,
significantly reduced the level of blood glucose [32]. In addition, Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
treated orally with 500 mg kg−1 of ginger extract daily had lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C)
compared to a control group [48]. In fact, several studies have introduced the antihyperglycemic effect of
dietary ginger on blood glucose [49,50,51]. On the other hand, studies have shown that, in diabetic
conditions, the amelioration of blood glucose enhances testosterone production [52,53]. Accordingly,
ginger potentially increases testosterone production in hyperglycemic conditions by normalizing blood
glucose level.

It has been shown that the reduction in blood flow to the testes decreases the production of
testosterone, which may lead to hypo-spermatogenesis [54,55]. The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine
monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathway has been found to play a major role in male sexual function by
inducing the production of NO, which is known as a potent vasodilator [56,57]. It is well-known that the
vasodilation effect of NO increased blood flow in the blood vessels [58,59]. Ghareib et al. concluded that
6-gingerol, which is a potent bioactive compound in ginger, is able to stimulate cGMP and enhance the
production of NO [60]. Accordingly, dietary ginger root may enhance testosterone production by
boosting the production of NO and increasing the blood flow in the testis.
Testicular weight is an important anatomical indicator of the fertilization ability of males [61,62]. Various
studies have measured testicular weight as a marker for reproductive capability following dietary
supplements. Testicular weight is directly proportional to the level of testosterone produced. Male rats
supplemented with ginger or ginger extracts, for at least one week, had a higher testicular weight
compared with a control group; Hence, they had a higher testosterone level, given that it is well-known
that testicular weight is proportional directly with the level of testosterone produced [29,32].

Nutritionally, ginger contains amounts of vital nutrients that may enhance testosterone production such
as manganese. The study conducted by Koch et al. (2017) indicated that ginger roots contain high
amounts of manganese [20]. It has been shown that manganese supplementation stimulated LH
secretion in male rats, which may consequently enhance testosterone production [63].

This study has some limitations. Thus far, all studies that have found a direct link between ginger or its
derived compounds and testosterone were in vivo system studies, and no human studies were
conducted in this specific research context. Therefore, the results presented in this study were reliant on
only in vivo system studies.

Go to:

4. Conclusions and Future Perspectives

To date, the mainstream of research linking dietary ginger to testosterone has revealed that ginger or
ginger extracts have an impact on testosterone as testosterone production was enhanced upon ginger
supplementation.

The mechanisms through which ginger enhances testosterone production are mainly by increasing LH
production, increasing the level of cholesterol in testes, reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
in the testes, enhancing the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes, normalizing blood glucose,
enhancing nitric oxide production and increasing blood flow in Leydig cells, increasing testicular weight,
and recycling testosterone receptors.