Study Backs Ginger for Diabetes Prevention

Spicy and sharp, ginger root, Zingiber officinale, adds a certain zest to all types of dishes from muffins to stir fries to brewed tea. Outside of the kitchen, ginger has been used historically as an herbal medicine and has a long tradition of use for the treatment of stomach problems like motion sickness, morning sickness, and gas. Modern studies have focused on the active components of ginger as an alternative treatment for Type 2 diabetes, and new findings provide convincing evidence that ginger can prevent many of the diseases long-term complications.

Effect on Type Two Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to respond to the blood glucose-regulating hormone insulin. Prolonged elevated blood glucose can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet creating havoc throughout the body. Scientists have mainly been testing the active components of ginger called gingerols and have already found it to exert powerful anti-inflammatory effects and to provide relief from the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The latest study assessed the effect of ginger supplements on glycemic index, lipid profile, and a number of markers of inflammation in patients with Type 2 diabetes.  A total of seventy Type 2 diabetics participated in the study. The researchers randomly divided them into two groups: half received two 800 mg doses of ginger per day, and half received two 800 mg doses of a placebo per day for a total of twelve weeks. At the start and end of the trial each participant was measured for blood glucose levels, blood lipids, and three markers of inflammation: C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factors. What did the results show? The participants who took the ginger supplements significantly reduced their fasting blood glucose, HA1C, insulin, and two of the markers of inflammation: C-reactive protein and prostaglandin E2. And while supplementation didn’t reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), it did reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides. Talk about impressive results for a relatively small dose of ginger!

The Secret to Ginger’s Success

What we know as ginger root is the thick, knotted, underground rhizome of the plant. If you have ever purchased fresh ginger you are familiar with its brownish, rough skin and irregular shape. When cut, the striated yellow flesh gives off a pungent scent due primarily to the release of the volatile oils or gingerols. Gingerol is a type of phytochemical and the major constituent of ginger, but the root also contains over 100 other active components that are under study. Phytochemicals provide a number of beneficial effects in the body and act as power anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. While the exact mechanisms of action are not yet fully known, gingerols may stimulate the muscles cells to uptake more glucose. It is also known that ginger and its metabolites accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract making it effective in the treatment of digestive upsets.

Including Ginger in Your Diet

The amount of ginger used in the study was 1600 mg, which is about a quarter of a teaspoon. You can choose to take supplements, but whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice. Fresh ginger contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger’s active anti-inflammatory compounds. Fresh ginger is readily available in the produce section of most supermarkets. When choosing ginger, make sure it is firm, smooth, and free of mold. The root can be stored unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or up to six weeks in the freezer. You will want to remove the skin with a paring knife first and then slice, mince, or julienne. Ginger has numerous culinary uses from drinks to main dishes to desserts. The root makes a great homemade ginger ale, a glaze for grilled fish, and a spicy topping to grilled peaches. Try adding freshly minced ginger to baked sweet potatoes, sautéed vegetables or combine it with soy sauce, olive oil and garlic to make your own salad dressing.

With all of its beneficial properties, it is worth including ginger in your diet for its mighty effects and many applications.