Ginger And Glucose
Ginger has been used as a medicinal plant in Asian, Indian and Arabic cultures for hundreds of years, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Besides being used as an important cooking spice, ginger has been used in the treatment of various health conditions such as nausea, arthritis and diarrhea. Current research is now exploring further uses for this medicinal herb; specific studies in recent years have looked into ginger’s effects on glucose or blood sugar and tested it as a possible treatment for some forms of diabetes.
Managing GlucoseDiabetes is a long-term disorder of the metabolism that involves abnormally high levels of blood sugar, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains. Normally, the food you eat is broken down into glucose or blood sugar, which acts as your body’s primary fuel source. Glucose needs the insulin hormone to enter cells. In cases of diabetes, little to no insulin is produced, causing large amounts of glucose to build up in the bloodstream. This is why diabetes patients need to manage their glucose and insulin carefully, by taking medication and adhering to a specific diet that helps maintain stable glucose levels.
Medicinal Uses of Ginger
Ginger has two main components that are thought to be the active ingredients in its medical applications, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. These are volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds such as shogaols and gingerols. Available raw, in capsules or as a powder, ginger is recommended by health care providers to prevent nausea and vomiting brought about by pregnancy, chemotherapy, surgery and motion sickness. It is also used to treat inflammation and associated problems such as arthritis. In the last few years, ginger has been investigated for its possible effect on heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Ginger and Glucose
Ginger may possibly lower your blood sugar, MedlinePlus states. A study published in the September 2006 issue of “Phytotherapy Research” found that ginger ethanol extracts, when given to diabetic rats, resulted in lower blood sugar and decreased incidence of inflammation. Another clinical study, published in the March 2011 issue of the “International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition”, found that ginger extracts containing gingerols were effective in inhibiting enzymes that promote insulin resistance and inflammation. Though neither of these studies used raw ginger as a test substance, the researchers concluded that ginger had good potential as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Side Effects of Using Ginger
Ginger is considered “likely safe” to use for most people, MedlinePlus reports. However, mild side-effects have been reported, such as heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach. If you have a heart condition, do not use ginger – high doses of this root may worsen some heart problems. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before using ginger, since it may affect the risk of miscarriage. Bleeding disorders may also be exacerbated by ginger root; avoid its use if you have this condition.
Managing GlucoseDiabetes is a long-term disorder of the metabolism that involves abnormally high levels of blood sugar, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains. Normally, the food you eat is broken down into glucose or blood sugar, which acts as your body’s primary fuel source. Glucose needs the insulin hormone to enter cells. In cases of diabetes, little to no insulin is produced, causing large amounts of glucose to build up in the bloodstream. This is why diabetes patients need to manage their glucose and insulin carefully, by taking medication and adhering to a specific diet that helps maintain stable glucose levels.
Medicinal Uses of Ginger
Ginger has two main components that are thought to be the active ingredients in its medical applications, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. These are volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds such as shogaols and gingerols. Available raw, in capsules or as a powder, ginger is recommended by health care providers to prevent nausea and vomiting brought about by pregnancy, chemotherapy, surgery and motion sickness. It is also used to treat inflammation and associated problems such as arthritis. In the last few years, ginger has been investigated for its possible effect on heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Ginger and Glucose
Ginger may possibly lower your blood sugar, MedlinePlus states. A study published in the September 2006 issue of “Phytotherapy Research” found that ginger ethanol extracts, when given to diabetic rats, resulted in lower blood sugar and decreased incidence of inflammation. Another clinical study, published in the March 2011 issue of the “International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition”, found that ginger extracts containing gingerols were effective in inhibiting enzymes that promote insulin resistance and inflammation. Though neither of these studies used raw ginger as a test substance, the researchers concluded that ginger had good potential as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Side Effects of Using Ginger
Ginger is considered “likely safe” to use for most people, MedlinePlus reports. However, mild side-effects have been reported, such as heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach. If you have a heart condition, do not use ginger – high doses of this root may worsen some heart problems. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before using ginger, since it may affect the risk of miscarriage. Bleeding disorders may also be exacerbated by ginger root; avoid its use if you have this condition.