Are Ginger and Turmeric “BFF” and could be your BFF too?

Are Turmeric and Ginger “BFF”?

Yes, they are best friend forever and best food forever!! Turmeric is a member of the ginger family!! Both have been consumed for thousands of years. Ginger has its origins in ancient China, where it was used as both a spice and a medicine. It was long considered an herbal remedy for motion sickness, nausea, pain and digestive distress. From there, it spread through Asia and on to Europe and is now a household staple for many. Turmeric has also been historically grown in southeast Asia, with India still being the primary producer. Both foods come from the part of the plant called the rhizome, a stem that grows underground and produces shoots off its sides, similar to a root system. Both plants actually grow beautiful flowers above the ground when they are ready to be harvested.

Health Benefits of Turmeric and Ginger

Immune-Boosting

Ginger is often recommended for a common cold, and the science is there to back it up. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that ginger affects airway mucus production to discourage viral attachment. When flu season comes around, it could be worth stocking up on turmeric, too. A study in International Immunopharmacology found that the same compounds that give turmeric its anti-inflammatory benefits may protect you from influenza and pneumonia. It may be worth taking ginger & turmeric immunity beverage drink or brewing some ginger-turmeric tea, golden milk before you are feeling under the weather. Self-love and Prevention is so important during this difficult time. Boosting immune system is a key for lasting health. It is also important to add black peppers with your turmeric drinks so it absorbs to your body more effectively!

Pain-Relieving

As was hypothesized by traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric and ginger can have pain-relieving effects for a variety of ailments. Curcumin, the superstar anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, has been found to help relieve the symptoms of painful inflammatory diseases, like arthritis and colitis. A study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that, for women with bad period symptoms, ginger can help. Students in their study who took a 500-mg capsule of ginger root powder three times a day for five days had significantly less pain with menstruation than those who didn't. The Journal of Pain found these benefits can even translate to enhanced athletic performance and relief from soreness after exercise. Consuming just 2 grams of ginger, heated or raw, daily for 11 days reduced pain and perceived effort for study participants.

Antioxidant-Rich

Ginger and turmeric are both excellent sources of protective compounds. The antioxidants found in ginger may help prevent heart disease and cancer, especially when paired with garlic. Turmeric packs even more of an antioxidant punch. One 2017 review found that turmeric may have close to seven times more antioxidants than ginger. There are several ways to assess antioxidant capacity, and each yields slightly different results. However, both turmeric and ginger are regarded as some of the most antioxidant-rich spices out there. To take it a step further, pair them with some of the Best Antioxidant-Rich Foods.

Anti-Inflammatory

Individually, ginger and turmeric both have impressive anti-inflammatory benefits. The compound in ginger called gingerol is responsible for its pungent flavor, and its protective properties. Gingerol has been found to improve inflammatory conditions from a common cold to inflammatory bowel disease. Being from the same family of plants, turmeric is no exception. Curcumin is, again, center-stage when it comes to anti-inflammation. Its effectiveness has led to curiosity about developing curcumin-based drugs for disease treatment.

Like many classic food pairings, ginger and turmeric truly are better together. A study in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases tested the effects of a ginger-turmeric mixture on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Though the study was done on rats, the anti-inflammatory tonic was more effective than the drug indomethacin, which is commonly used to manage arthritis symptoms. Ultimately, they found that ginger and turmeric together were effective for reducing arthritis severity and complications. These anti-inflammatory benefits also affect our endocrine system, whose hormones regulate many bodily functions. One study found that through these hormonal effects, ginger and turmeric may influence how fat is distributed around our bodies.

 

Heart-Healthy

Along with protecting your brain and muscles, these tuberous roots can help keep your heart healthy. High blood pressure can occur when plaque and platelets get stuck in your blood vessels. This increases the stress on your heart when it pumps blood, which increases your blood pressure. Ginger has been found to improve blood circulation, which helps prevent plaque and blood clots from getting stuck. Turmeric also has blood pressure-lowering effects, mostly related to reducing inflammation. And, some research has found that turmeric can reduce the cholesterol that is absorbed in your gut, which can protect from other heart conditions as well, such as coronary heart disease. More research is needed to establish a relationship between turmeric and cholesterol.

 

Cancer-Blocking

The journal JCO Global Oncology published a study analyzing which spices may play a role in preventing cancer. Ginger and turmeric quickly came to the top of the list. They both block the formation of the known carcinogens nitroamines and nitroamides. These are the same compounds that caused people to become suspicious of nitrites in cured meats. Turmeric apparently boasts some additional benefits for smokers as well. The root helped cigarette smokers excrete the carcinogenic compounds that were dangerous to their health while also increasing protective compounds, like antioxidants, in the body. In light of all of the research about environmental toxins, fresh herbs and spices are a great protective addition to your plate.

Stomach-Soothing

Ginger is a well-known home remedy for nausea, but how does the science stack up? Several studies have looked at why ginger soothes an upset stomach, and the consensus is that, in short, it works. Gingerol, the antioxidant compound in ginger, communicates with the serotonin (aka the "feel good" chemical) receptors in your brain to help relieve discomfort. This can have therapeutic implications for pregnant women and people on chemotherapy. One 2016 study even tested both of these populations and found promising results.

 

I want you to have more great days and feel good inside and out. I hope the information here helped you and decide to find more ways to boost immune system and have healthy lifestyle! We are here for each other.

With gratitude,

Ashley