Ginger and the Prostate

By: Oliver Truesdale

A perrennial root vegetable from the rhizome family, ginger has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since 500 BC. Also known as Zingiber officinale, ginger was originally grown in Southeast Asia and was then exported to other lands where it became an important staple in Indian and Middle Eastern, as well as ancient Greek and Roman cultures. The early Romans imported it from China over 2,000 years ago after discovering its enticing flavor along with its many healing benefits. Now ginger is grown in many regions around the globe, where it is harvested to flavor a plethora of dishes, used to tend to a myriad of physical ailments, and ingested to help maintain overall health.

The Prostate Gland
One of the health benefits of ginger is its efficacy in fortifying the prostate gland. This gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system, is found next to the bladder. The prostate generally begins to grow larger after the age of 40, and if it becomes overly enlarged, it can cause various problems. When the gland becomes inflamed, it can potentially close the urinary tract, restricting the flow of urine whereby it is difficult to fully empty the bladder. Painful urination, painful ejaculation, and even impotence can ensue. If prostate inflammation is not tended to appropriately, it can lead to more complications, such as prostate cancer, making it essential for men to have themselves checked every year, and to undergo treatment when inflammation is detected.  Because of ginger's powerful anti-inflammatory properties, when ingested it can help reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Ginger and Cancer Cells
Ginger is also a 5-LO inhibitor, which means that it prevents 5-lipooxygenase, an enzyme found in the body, from creating leukotrienes: compounds that can cause pathological symptoms when faced with diseased cells. According to the USDA, ginger is one of the richest sources of 5-LO modulators occurring in nature. In this regard, it can be an important adjunct to maintaining prostate health by fighting cancer cells, in addition to boosting the entire immune system. Additionally, ginger's powerful ingredients enable the body to better absorb nutrients.

Studies done by Columbia University MD, Dr. Aaron E, Katz, the Clinical Staff Director at the Center for Holistic Urology, show that ginger can prevent prostate cancer due its high content of anti-oxidant properties contained in its volatile oils and phenols. Because of its anti-inflammatory action, ginger is able to inhibit nitric oxide production, which is responsible for the formation of peroxynitrate, a free radical that can spawn cancer cells.

According to an article in Life Extension, ginger's ability to protect the prostate is also due to preventing destructive cell mutations by encouraging apoptosis, a process whereby cells undergo a sequence of events leading to their death. In studies done at the Proteomics Lab in Lucknow India, scientists found that ginger was able to regulate testosterone induced anti-apoptotic proteins, modifying them to create a protective effect against cancer producing modalities.

Ginger and Zyflamend
In an article in Medical News Today, the formula Zyflamend is currently being used to fight prostate cancer by causing prostate cancer cells to self-destruct through the above-mentioned process of apoptosis. A medicinal blend including ginger, turmeric, rosemary, holy basil, green tea, Hu Zhang, and other herbs, the formula helps to prevent inflammation while promoting healthy cell growth in organs. In a study conducted at Columbia University Department of Urology, Zyflamend was found to "reduce prostate cancer cell proliferation by as much as 78% and to induce cancer cell death or apoptosis."

Ginger in the Diet
Ginger is best eaten fresh as in this form the root contains a higher percentage of inflammatory compounds. When buying fresh ginger root, make sure it the skin is smooth and firm, and that there are no mold spots. When the root is old, the skin becomes tough, in which case it is best to peel the skin before ingesting. The skin is easy to remove with a paring knife or by scraping it gently with a spoon. The root will stay fresh up to three weeks if it is placed unpeeled in the refrigerator.  If you buy powdered ginger root, keep it in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dry cupboard or in the fridge. You can also buy ginger in tincture, extract, capsule, or oil form.  Use it as a spice in your recipes, or make a tea from the root or powder. When using the root in tea, slice it into thin rounds and boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour a cup and add honey to reduce its powerful taste.

Word to the wise: always discuss herbal remedies with your health practitioner to avoid possible contra-indications, especially if you are taking medications. With ginger, there are rarely side effects.  If you take blood thinners or suffer from a bleeding disorder do not take ginger.

Additional resources:

http://www.soladey.co.za/prostate-health.htm
http://thel0.info/prostate-cancer/do-natural-remedies-work-in-prostate-gland-problems.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm
http://www.apjohncancerinstitute.org/cancer/prostate.htm
http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/nutrition3.html
http://www.transformyourhealth.com/newchapter/ncprostatehealthbook.htm
http://www.kanemag.com/kanemagazinecurs.html