Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Ginger is from the Ginger (Zingiberaceae) family.
Parts Used ;Root Rhizome
Health Benefits of Ginger
Cardiovascular System
Ginger helps to prevent Atherosclerosis (by lowering serum Cholesterol levels, inhibiting abnormal Blood Clotting and improving Blood Circulation).
Ginger improves Blood Circulation.
Ginger prevents abnormal Blood Clotting by inhibiting Platelet Aggregation (due to the Gingerol content of Ginger)
Ginger increases the contraction strength of the Heart and improves Energy production in the Heart (due to its ability to increase the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) by the Heart).
Ginger helps to prevent Thrombosis.
Digestive System
Ginger improves the function of the Digestive System.
Ginger stimulates the flow of Bile from the Gallbladder (i.e. it functions as a cholagogue).
Ginger (tea) alleviates Colic.
Ginger cleanses the ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Colon.
Ginger may be useful for the treatment of Crohn's Disease (due to its ability to inhibit the excessive production of (pro-inflammatory) Leukotriene B4 that occurs during Crohn's Disease).
Ginger alleviates Diverticulosis.
Ginger helps to prevent Gastric Ulcers.
Ginger temporarily alleviates Gastritis.
Ginger temporarily alleviates Flatulence.
Ginger temporarily alleviates Indigestion.
Ginger enhances gastrointestinal motility and alleviates Abdominal Cramps in Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients.
Ginger helps to protect the Stomach from the toxic effects of Alcohol (ethanol) and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS).
Ginger may be useful for the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (due to its ability to inhibit the excessive production of (pro-inflammatory) Leukotriene B4 that occurs during Ulcerative Colitis).
Ginger (1,000 mg per day) prevents Vomiting (due to the Shogaol content of Ginger).
Excretory System
Ginger induces Perspiration.
Immune System
Ginger (weakly) inhibits many types of Detrimental Bacteria.
Ginger reduces Fevers. research
Ginger inhibits Inflammation (by suppressing the production of inflammatory Eicosanoids such as Prostaglandin E2 and Leukotriene B4).
Ginger stimulates the death (apoptosis) of Leukemia cells (due to the Gingerol content of Ginger). research
Metabolism
Ginger possesses Antioxidant properties (primarily due to the Shogaol and Zingerone components of Ginger). research
-Ginger scavenges Hydroxyl Free Radicals.
-Ginger inhibits some types of Oxidation (e.g. Lipid Peroxidation).
-Ginger scavenges Superoxide Free Radicals.
Ginger increases the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
Ginger helps to lower serum Cholesterol levels: research
-Ginger lowers LDL Cholesterol levels and inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol.
-Ginger lowers VLDL Cholesterol levels.
Ginger stimulates the body's production of Energy.
Ginger is speculated to be useful for the treatment of Hepatitis C (due to its ability to lower elevated Tumor Necrosis Factor-a levels). peer-reviewed research
Ginger facilitates weight loss in people afflicted with Obesity (due to the ability of Ginger to increase the body's Basal Metabolic Rate which results in greater activation of Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptors on Brown Adipose Tissue resulting in greater thermogenesis).
Ginger lowers elevated serum Triglycerides levels (by up to 27%). research
Musculoskeletal System
Ginger alleviates Cramps.
Ginger alleviates the Pain and Inflammation associated with Osteoarthritis (by inhibiting the inflammatory eicosanoids that contribute to the Pain and Inflammation associated with Osteoarthritis).
Ginger alleviates the Pain, Inflammation and stiffness associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Nervous System
Ginger alleviates Migraine (including the Nausea that often accompanies Migraine).
Ginger (1,000 mg per day taken as four divided doses of 250 mg each) temporarily alleviates Nausea (including the Nausea associated with Morning Sickness in women during Pregnancy and the Nausea experienced by persons undergoing Chemotherapy). research
Ginger temporarily diminishes the sensation of Pain.
Ginger (1,000 mg consumed approximately 25 minutes prior to travelling) is more effective than prescription drugs for alleviating Travel Sickness. .
Ginger alleviates Vertigo.
Oral Health
Ginger (fresh Ginger Root) alleviates Toothache.
Orthodox Medical Procedures
Ginger (1,000 mg consumed prior to anaesthesia) reduces the incidence of post-
Surgery Nausea and Vomiting caused by the anaesthetics used during Surgery. research
Respiratory System
Ginger alleviates the symptoms of the Common Cold (due to its warming effects).
Sexual System
Ginger alleviates Dysmenorrhea (by inhibiting the excessive production of Prostaglandin F2 alpha that is implicated in Dysmenorrhea).
Ginger (1,000 mg per day taken as four divided doses of 250 mg each) temporarily alleviates the Nausea associated with Morning Sickness.
Skin
Ginger (applied topically to the Skin as a component of Skin Creams) is claimed to stimulate Blood Circulation to the Skin.
Ginger Enhances the Function of these Substances
Lipids
Ginger increases the body's production of Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2).
Nucleic Compounds
Ginger increases the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) by the Heart.
Ginger Inhibits these Potentially Toxic Substances
Cytokines
Ginger lowers elevated Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels. peer-reviewed research
Enzymes
Ginger inhibits Cyclooxygenase (due to the Gingerol content of Ginger). research
Ginger inhibits Lipoxygenase (5-Lipoxygenase form) (due to the Gingerol content of Ginger).
Lipids
Ginger inhibits the production of Leukotriene B4 (due to the Gingerol content of Ginger inhibiting the Lipoxygenase enzyme that produces Leukotriene B4).
Ginger inhibits the production of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (due to the ability of the Gingerol content of Ginger to inhibit Cyclooxygenase, a precursor for PGE2 production). research
Ginger inhibits the production of Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha).
Ginger inhibits the production of Thromboxane A2 (due to Gingerol inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase enzyme that catalyzes the production of Thromboxane A2).
Pharmaceutical Drugs
Ginger helps to reduce the Nausea and Vomiting that occur as side effects of Chemotherapy.
Ginger helps to protect the Stomach from the toxic effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-
Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS).
Recreational Drugs
Ginger helps to protect the Stomach from the toxic effects of Alcohol (ethanol).
Contraindications
Pharmaceutical Drugs
Ginger should not be used concomitantly with Warfarin (Ginger may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin and thereby cause Bleeding). research
Ginger Contains these Substances
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
Carbohydrates:50,000Mucilages
Enzymes:Proteolytic Enzymes
Lipids:7,000
Minerals:CalciumIron
MagnesiumPhosphorus
PotassiumSodium
Terpenoids:Sesquiterpenes:Bisabolene
Zingiberene
Vitamins:Vitamin B3Vitamin B6
CholinePABA
Inositol
Volatile Oils:BorneolCamphene
CineoleCitral
EucalyptolLinalool
PhellandreneZingiberol
Oleoresins: *33,000Gingerol
Shogaol
Zingerone
Gingerdiol
Gingerdione
Zingerdione
*Oleoreseins are compounds of a Volatile Oil + a Resin.
Dosage Recommendations
The most commonly recommended dosage of dried Ginger root when used for therapeutic purposes is 500 - 3,000 mg per day. The most common dosage within this range is 1,000 mg per day. When used for the prevention of Travel Sickness, Ginger should be consumed 20 minutes to two hours prior to traveling. Women should not consume more than 1,000 mg of Ginger (extract) during Pregnancy.
Commercial Availability of Ginger
"Singular" Ginger Oral Supplements
Ginger is available from health food stores, herb suppliers and mail order supplement companies (worldwide) in the form of:
-loose, dried Ginger root
-1:2 fluid extract/tincture
-1:4 fluid extract/tincture
-1:5 fluid extract/tincture
-100 mg concentrated 10:1 capsules (equivalent to 1,000 mg of dried Ginger root).
-100 mg capsules standardized to contain 20% (20 mg) Volatile Oils and 5% (5 mg) Zingiberene.
-250 mg capsules standardized to contain 5% (12.5%) Volatile Oils (Gingerols).
-250 mg concentrated 4:1 capsules (equivalent to 1,000 mg of dried Ginger root).
-275 mg capsules
-400 mg capsules
-420 mg capsules
-500 mg capsules
-500 mg tablets
-535 mg capsules
-550 mg capsules
Oral Formulas
Ginger is one of the three Ayurvedic Herbs that comprise the formula known as Trikatu.
Standardized extracts of the active ingredients of Ginger are one of the components of the proprietary product named Zinaxin that is formulated for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Ginger is an ingredient in several specific purpose formulas including:
-Weight Loss Formulas
Topical Products
Ginger is an ingredient in some topically-applied Skin care products including:
-Skin moisturizing creams (Ginger is claimed to improve Blood Circulation to the Skin).
-Skin refining creams
Standardization
Some Ginger products are standardized to contain up to 5% of the principal active ingredients, Volatile Oils (particularly Gingerol).
Onion
The Onion is a biennial bulb Vegetable - commonly described (incorrectly) as a member of the Lily family.
Botanical Names
Allium cepa (Common Onion)
Allium cepa proliform group (Egyptian Onion or Tree Onion)
All varieties of Onion belong to the Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) family.
Health Benefits of Onions
Cardiovascular System
Onions>
Onions inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting (due to Adenosine and other substances in Onions).
Onion reduces the risk of Heart Attack (by inhibiting the abnormal Blood Clotting activity that is implicit in Heart Attacks).
Onions lowers elevated Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients (due to the Prostaglandin E1 content of Onions).
Onions help to prevent Thrombosis.
Digestive System
Onions stimulate the flow of Bile (i.e. it functions as a Cholagogue) (due to Sulfur).
Onions alleviate the symptoms of Colic.
Immune System
Onions help to prevent and treat some forms of Cancer: research
-Onions help to prevent Lung Cancer (primarily due to their high content of Quercetin).
-Onions protect against Skin Cancer.
-Onions reduce the incidence of Stomach Cancer. research
Onions kill several forms of Detrimental Bacteria (due to Diphenylamine) including:
-Bacillus subtilis research
-Eschericia coli research
-Salmonella
Metabolism
Onion lowers total serum Cholesterol levels:
-Onion (especially raw Onion) increases (beneficial) HDL Cholesterol levels - ½ of a raw Onion per day raises HDL Cholesterol by 30%. research
Onions exert significant blood-sugar lowering actions in Diabetes Mellitus patients (mainly due to the Allyl Propyl Disulfide content of Onions retarding the degradation of Insulin): research
-Onions are as effective as the Pharmaceutical Drugs, Tolbutamide and Phenformin, in lowering Blood Sugar levels in Diabetes Mellitus patients.
Onions lower total serum Triglycerides levels. research
Respiratory System
Onions alleviate Asthma (by inhibiting the production of compounds that cause the bronchial spasms associated with Asthma and by relaxing the bronchial muscles). research
Onions facilitate the elimination of excessive Mucous from the body.
Onion (poultice wrapped around the neck) alleviates Pharyngitis (sore throat).
Skin
Onions (boiled and mashed and then applied topically) draws out the toxins from Boils (according to folklore).
Onion (juice applied topically to the Scalp) improves circulation to the Scalp.
Onion (juice applied topically to the affected area) treats Tinea (Ringworm).
Onion (pulp used as a poultice, applied topically and changed every day) can eliminate Ingrown Toe Nails.
Onion inhibits the Lipoxygenase pathway of Arachidonic Acid metabolism which is implicated in Psoriasis.
Onions Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances
Proteins
Onions increase the breakdown of Fibrin by facilitating the process of fibrinolysis.
Onions Contain these Substances
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
Amino Acids:1,400Phenylalanine39Isoleucine21
Leucine37Valine31
Methionine13Tryptophan21
Threonine22Lysine64
Tyrosine46Arginine180
Histidine14Carnitine
Cysteine
Carbohydrates:PectinFructooligosaccharides
Enzymes:Alliinase
Minerals:Calcium 136Germanium
Nucleosides:Adenosine
Phenolic Acids:Caffeic AcidEllagic Acid
Sinapic Acid
Polyphenols:Quercetin
Prostaglandins:Onions are one of the only foods that contain Prostaglandin E1 research
Sulfuric Compounds:Allyl Propyl Disulfide
Glucosinolates:Allyl Isothiocyanate
Vitamins:Vitamin C
Other:SaponinsDiphenylamine
Onions Inhibit these Potentially Toxic Substances
Lipids
Onions inhibit the manufacture of detrimental Prostaglandin E2 (due to Onions' Prostaglandin E1 and Quercetin content).
Onions inhibit Thromboxane A2.
Potential Toxic Effects of Onions
Food Poisoning
Onions are prone to contamination by Aflatoxin produced from Aspergillus parasiticus in incorrectly stored Onions.
Food Processing Techniques
Onions are often subjected to Food Irradiation in order to inhibit their sprouting potential - Food Irradiation has various toxic effects on the body.
Immune System
Onions cause Food Allergies in some people.
Nervous System
Onions trigger Migraines in some people.
Grapefruit
The Grapefruit is a Citrus Fruit from the evergreen Grapefruit Tree.
Botanical Name
Citrus paradisi
The Grapefruit is from the Citrus (Rue) (Rutaceae) family.
Health Benefits of Grapefruit
Cardiovascular System
Grapefruit reduces the accumulation of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Atherosclerosis patients (due to Grapefruit Pectin).
Grapefruit normalizes Hematocrit (blood thickness) levels (i.e. it raises low Hematocrit levels, lowers elevated Hematocrit levels and has no effect on normal Hematocrit levels) - this effect occurs due to Grapefruit's Naringin content. research
Grapefruit helps to prevent Ischemic Heart Disease (by lowering Blood Hematocrit levels, thereby lowering the viscosity of the Blood).
Grapefruit promotes the elimination of old Red Blood Cells (due to Naringin).
Digestive System
Grapefruit (juice) increases Appetite.
Grapefruit (juice consumed in morning) alleviates Constipation.
Grapefruit (juice) improves Digestion by increasing the flow of Gastric Juices.
Immune System
Grapefruit protects against some forms of Cancer (due to the Grapefruit Pectin and D-Glucaric Acid content of Grapefruit):
-Grapefruit inhibits the growth of the cells involved in Breast Cancer (due to the Naringenin content of Grapefruit).
-Grapefruit helps to prevent Lung Cancer (primarily due to the Naringin content of Grapefruit).
-Grapefruit inhibits the metastasis of Melanoma (due to the Naringin and Naringenin content of Grapefruit).
-Grapefruit helps to prevent Pancreatic Cancer.
Grapefruit (juice) helps to reduce Fever.
Metabolism
Grapefruit lowers serum Cholesterol levels (due to the Galacturonic Acid and Grapefruit Pectin content of Grapefruit).
Grapefruit (juice) alleviates Obesity.
Nervous System
Grapefruit (juice consumed at night) promotes Sleep and alleviates Insomnia.
Respiratory System
Grapefruit are an adjunct to the treatment of the Common Cold.
Grapefruit (especially juice) alleviates Coughs.
Grapefruit (especially juice) alleviates Pharyngitis (Sore Throat).
Skin
Grapefruit (juice) improves the complexion of the Skin.
Grapefruit Enhances the Function of these Substances
Grapefruit Juice increases the absorption, bioavailability and potency of numerous nutrients and Pharmaceutical Drugs (due to the Naringin content of Grapefruit temporarily blocking the pathways in the Liver through which these substances are normally metabolized): research
-In the case of Pharmaceutical Drugs, this aspect of Grapefruit juice is undesirable where Grapefruit
-juice-prolonged activity/concentration/potency of the Pharmaceutical Drug may result in toxicity.
Alkaloids
When Caffeine is consumed at the same time as Grapefruit (especially Grapefruit juice), the oral clearance of Caffeine is decreased by 23% and the elimination half-life of Caffeine is increased by 31%. research
Pharmaceutical Drugs
When Cyclosporine is consumed in conjunction with Grapefruit (especially Grapefruit Juice), its absorption rate increases significantly (by up to 220%). research
When Felodipine (Plendil) is consumed in conjunction with Grapefruit (especially Grapefruit Juice), its absorption rate increases from 20% to 40% (i.e. persons who have been prescribed Felodipine may need to reduce their dosage of Felodipine if they consume Grapefruit Juice concurrently with Felodipine).
When HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (such as Lovastatin) are consumed in conjunction with Grapefruit juice, their blood concentrations are increased by up to 15-fold. Such increases are dangerous. research
When Saquinavar is consumed in conjunction with Grapefruit (especially Grapefruit Juice), its absorption rate increases significantly (by up to 220%). research
Grapefruit Contains these Substances
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
Amino Acids:Glutathione70Hydroxy Methylbutyrate (HMB)
Carbohydrates:Fructose2,500Galacturonic Acid
Grapefruit PectinD-Glucaric Acid
Carotenoids:Lycopene *3.4Beta-Carotene1.3
Enzymes:Pectase **
Minerals:MagnesiumPotassium
Organic Acids:Citric AcidGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Polyphenols:Naringin Naringenin
Quercetin
Vitamins:InositolVitamin B1
Vitamin C38
Volatile Oils:Citral
*Lycopene is only present in Pink Grapefruit.
**Found in the Pith of Grapefruit
The characteristically bitter taste of Grapefruit is attributable to Naringin.
Contraindications
Digestive System
Colitis patients should not consume Grapefruit.
Gastric Ulcer patients should not consume Grapefruit.
Pineapple
Description
The Pineapple is a type of Tropical Fruit.
Botanical Names
Ananas comosus Ananas sativus
Both species of Pineapple belong to the Pineapple (Bromeliaceae) family.
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Cardiovascular System
Pineapple alleviates Angina (due to Bromelain).
Pineapple helps to treat and prevent Atherosclerosis (by breaking down the Atherosclerotic Plaque that underlies Atherosclerosis).
Pineapple may inhibit further abnormal Blood Clotting that may cause a second Heart Attack (due to Bromelain).
Pineapple helps to prevent and treat Cardiovascular Diseases (due to its ability to inhibit Fibrinogen, the chemical that can cause the abnormal Blood Clotting that underlies most Cardiovascular Diseases) (due to Bromelain).
Digestive System
Pineapple facilitates the digestion of dietary Proteins (due to Bromelain, a Proteolytic (Protein-dissolving) Enzyme).
Immune System
Pineapple helps to prevent and treat some types of Cancer (due to the Bromelain and Peroxidases content of Pineapple).
Pineapple helps to reduce Inflammation (due to its Bromelain content).
Musculoskeletal System
Pineapple minimizes the Inflammation that occurs during Rheumatoid Arthritis (due to the Bromelain content of Pineapple).
Water & Water Balance
Pineapple alleviates Edema (due to Bromelain).
Pineapple Enhances these Substances
Second Messengers
Pineapple increases the body's Cyclic AMP levels (due to its Bromelain content).
Pineapple Inhibits these Substances
Hormones
Pineapple inhibits Platelet Aggregating Factor (PAF) (due to Bromelain).
Neuropeptides
Pineapple lowers tissue and serum Bradykinin levels (due to the Bromelain content of Pineapple).
Pineapples Contain these Substances
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
Amino Acids:Tyramine
Carbohydrates:Mannitol
Enzymes:BromelainPeroxidase
Minerals:CopperManganese
PotassiumSelenium
Organic Acids:Citric Acid
Vitamins:Vitamin AVitamin C
Other:Protease Inhibitors
Potentially Toxic Effects of Pineapple
Immune System Pineapple is a common cause of Food Allergies (due to its Tyramine content).
Papaya
The Papaya is a soft-wooded palm-like evergreen tree that bears a large green tropical fruit.