Ginger – Nature’s most well-known herb to calm the digestive system
For centuries ginger has been used as a food and herbal medicine in Asia and the Far East. This long and established history of medicinal use of ginger in humans led to scientific assessment of the effectiveness of ginger as an alternative medicine. Most research papers mention that one of the key benefits of ginger is gastrointestinal motility – contraction of the muscles that mix and propel contents in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Top Benefits of Ginger:
- Reduces Bloating – Ginger can help reduce bloating by breaking down the proteins that cause them. It can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating.
- Reduce nausea, vomiting and motion sickness – For generations women have praised the power of ginger to ease morning sickness.
- Preventing chronic diseases – A 2017 study of 4,628 people found that daily ginger consumption may protect against hypertension and few other chronic diseases
Ginger root vs powder vs paste:
When it comes to ginger, there are three common forms that you’ll find at the grocery store: fresh ginger root, dried ginger powder and ginger paste.
Fresh ginger root is the most commonly used form of ginger in cooking. It has a sharp, slightly sweet flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Fresh ginger root can be grated, sliced or minced and added to recipes. It can also be simmered in water to make ginger tea.
Dried ginger powder is made from ground up dried ginger root. It has a strong flavor can be added to stir-fries, soups and curries for a bit of extra flavor.
Ginger paste is made by grinding up fresh ginger root into a smooth paste. It can be used in the same way as fresh ginger root and is a convenient way to add ginger to recipes.
When it comes to health benefits, all three forms of ginger are believed to offer similar benefits. However, fresh ginger root is the best form of ginger to use if you’re looking to get the maximum benefit from this spice. One of the most popular ways to eat ginger is in the form of ginger tea. To make ginger tea, simply simmer a piece of fresh ginger in water for 10 minutes.
Here are a few links of the supplements with great reviews
Trusted quality. This product is Non-GMO Project Verified.
Gluten-free and vegan. No salt, yeast-derived ingredients, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
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Organic Ground Ginger Powder, 1.5 Pounds (24 Ounce), Great Flavor and Highly Aromatic, Fine Loose Powder for Better Mixing without Settling, Best for Cooking, Baking, Tea & More
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Turmeric – why is curcumin one of the most searched natural supplement?
Turmeric has become the wellness industry’s new miracle supplement. Curcumin, found in Turmeric, has received worldwide attention for its multiple health benefits, which appear to act primarily through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. A large number of people experience inflammation-related health conditions and curcumin has become of the most researched supplements by scientist’s, to understand its true benefits
Top Benefits:
A natural anti-inflammatory compound – Scientists now believe that chronic inflammation can play a role in diseases like Cancers, heart diseases and various degenerative systems. Curcumin a natural anti-inflammatory compound can help
Increase the antioxidant capacity of the body – Oxidative damage (free radicals harming our body) is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals
Help prevent cancer – A key research has shown that curcumin reduces angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors). In a 30-day study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40% (ref)
Help increase brain functions – Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and may help fight various degenerative processes in our brain
Turmeric Supplements:
There are many different turmeric supplements on the market. It is important to choose a supplement that is made from high-quality ingredients and that contains a minimum of 95% curcuminoids. Some of the best turmeric supplements on the market include:
Swanson Ultra High Potency Curcumin Phytosome – The power lies in its unique phytonutrients called curcuminoids, which are not only antioxidants but also act in specific ways to nourish and defend the gastrointestinal system, the liver and more. Turmeric Phytosome with Meriva represents the pinnacle of turmeric science. Preliminary research shows that Meriva is absorbed up to 10 times better than standard, non-complexed turmeric.
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Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine 95% Curcuminoids 2600mg with Black Pepper for Best Absorption, Made in USA, Best Vegan Joint Support, Turmeric Supplement Pills by Natures Nutrition
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How to use:
Ingesting curcumin by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor bioavailability, which appears to be primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination. There are several components that can increase bioavailability. For example, piperine is the major active component of black pepper and, when combined in a complex with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000% (ref)
Garlic – The secret ingredient to every meal is love. And also garlic. (Michael Sorrentino)
Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years for culinary, medicinal and spiritual purposes. Historical records indicate that the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, prescribed garlic for a wide range of conditions and illnesses like respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion and athletic performance enhancement.
Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years for culinary, medicinal and spiritual purposes. Historical records indicate that the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, prescribed garlic for a wide range of conditions and illnesses like respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion and athletic performance enhancement.
4 key benefits:
- Garlic can help treat and prevent cancer – epidemiological and animal studies have shown that consumption of garlic and its allyl sulfur compounds reduces the incidence of cancer
- Antimicrobial effects: Diallyl sulfide, a compound in garlic, was several times more effective than two popular antibiotics in fighting the Campylobacter bacterium, according to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
- Lung cancer: People who ate raw garlic at least twice a week, during the 7 year study period had a 44 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. A group of Researchers from China published this study in the journal Cancer Prevention Research
- Garlic can help prevent and treat the common cold – Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the risk of becoming sick as well as duration of sickness. It may also reduce the severity of symptoms
- Garlic can help lower blood pressure – Allicin, the main active compound in garlic, is thought to be largely responsible for garlic’s blood-pressure-lowering properties
- Garlic can help improve cholesterol levels – the best available evidence suggests that garlic, in an amount approximating one half to one clove per day, decreased total serum cholesterol levels by about 9% in the groups of patients studied (Reference PubMed)
Different ways to use garlic:
There are many different ways to incorporate garlic into your diet. You can add it to stir-fries, soups, and salad dressings, or roast it and add it to vegetables. You can also take garlic supplements or make a garlic infusion by simmering garlic cloves in water for 10 minutes.
Here are a few links of the supplements with good reviews
Garlic powder – Garlic powder is made from real, dehydrated garlic, which is then ground to various levels of fineness:
Homtiem Black Garlic 8.82 Oz (250g.), Whole Black Garlic Fermented for 90 Days, Super Foods, Non-GMOs, Non-Additives, High in Antioxidants, Ready to Eat for Snack Healthy, Healthy Recipes
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Garlic oil – Garlic oil is the volatile oil derived from garlic. One method of preparation is using steam distillation
Gya Labs Garlic Essential Oil (10ml) – Potent & Garlicky Scent
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Conclusion:
In these days and age when processed and junk food cannot be avoided, having some knowledge of some of these natural products is extremely beneficial. There is a lot of scientific research that can be read online on these natural products, in prevention and cure of chronic diseases. My intent is to bring awareness on these natural plants and herbs to help with a healthy lifestyle.