WHAT IS GINGEROL?
Gingerol is one of the many flavonols that can be found in plant based foods and is a key part of fresh ginger. The flavonols are part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds which occur naturally in plants and have numerous health benefits but are not considered essential nutrients). In this article I will be discussing gingerol in greater detail.
WHEN WAS GINGEROL DISCOVERED?
Awareness of ginger dates back to 4000 B.C. with it being referenced as a cooking spice in the sacred Hindu text; “Mahabharata”. However, the exact discovery date and the person who made the discovery of ginger is unknown. Gingerol was classified as a flavonol in 1938 when the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi discovered the flavonoids. He initially referred to the flavonoids as vitamin P but it was later discovered that they are not essential to human health and therefore not technically vitamins.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE GINGEROL?
Research suggests that gingerol has anti inflammatory, antioxidant and cancer fighting properties. The list below highlights the roles of gingerol in the human body:
– Acting as an antioxidant and protecting the body against damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen based reactions).
– Boosting the immune system through the production of dermicidin (a protein which is manufactured in the body’s sweat glands and protect against invading microorganisms).
– Protecting against certain types of cancer (including breast cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer).
– Reducing inflammation within the body.
– Relieving migraines.
– Relieving nausea.
– Relieving the painful symptoms of arthritis.
– Treating high blood pressure.
HOW MUCH GINGEROL DO YOU NEED?
Gingerol is not classified as an essential nutrient so has no official recommended daily allowance (RDA). However, this article suggest that you do not exceed the following levels:
– Children aged 0-2 years:- 0 grams (g) per day.
– Children aged 2-17 years:- 1.3g per day.
– Adults aged 18 years and older:- 4g per day.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN GINGEROL?
Gingerol is part of the plant root ginger. It can be consumed whole and is also used as a cooking spice and added to herbal infusions (teas). Gingerol can also be found in certain herbal supplements.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH GINGEROL?
Natural gingerol has no known health risks, even when high levels are consumed. However, consuming high levels of gingerol supplements can lead to a number of health complications. People who suffer from blood disorders, diabetes, gallbladder disorders or heart problems are more likely to experience complications when consuming gingerol supplements and should consult their doctor before taking them. People who are taking other medications or supplements that could affect blood thinning are also advised to see their doctor before taking gingerol supplements to avoid any complications. Finally, pregnant women should also consult their doctor before taking gingerol. In situations where a gingerol overdose does occur it can lead to the following negative symptoms:
– Confusion.
– Dizziness.
– Irregular heartbeats.
– Sleepiness.
GINGEROL SUMMARY
Like many of the phytonutrients, gingerol is an antioxidant which has a soothing, protective effect on the body. Ginger is readily available in many shops as a cooking spice and can also be purchased raw if you wish. So if you do not add ginger to your foods already, experiment with some new cooking spices today and unlock all the health benefits listed in this article.
Sources:
19 Research Backed Benefits Of Ginger
Ginger (Drugs.com)
Ginger (WHFoods)
List Of Phytochemicals In Foods (Wikipedia)
The Benefits Of Ginger (Diva Village)
What Is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)