Ginger

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GINGER HISTORY

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world and has been around for 5,000 years. It became so sought after in Europe that a single pound was worth as much as a sheep. This oily resin, A sweet, spicy rhizome is commonly prescribed by practitioners of ancient, holistic healing systems.

THE AMAZING AND MIGHTY GINGER AS MEDICINE Ginger the “chest of medicine” has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-septic, and anti-fungal properties.

Ginger remains a popular home remedy for several ailments, most commonly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Sipping ginger ale helps relieve an upset stomach. Gingerol is believed to be the most abundant bioactive component of ginger root.

GASTRITIS: is a gut condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.

DYSPEPSIA: This is a condition characterized by a feeling of fullness; indigestion; and pain in the upper abdomen or lower chest. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Dyspepsia can be a precursor to GERD and may also indicate angina.

GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which the stomach acids rise up the esophageal passage. Heartburn is a common symptom of the condition.

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PEPTIC ULCERS – These can occur when the protective mucous lining of the stomach walls ARE damaged by the stomach acids. The bacterium, Helicobacter pylori is thought to be an important factor in the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS OF GINGER

Let’s dig a little deeper.

Ginger (anti-emetic) as an Anti-nausea Agent (B6, C, Ca).

Gingerols are responsible for their distinctive taste and smell, and they also have pretty potent antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Gingerols are the major constituents of fresh ginger and are found slightly reduced in dry ginger Gingerols are responsible for their distinctive taste and smell, and they also have pretty potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger root contains a very high level (3.85 mmol/100 g) of total antioxidants.

Gingerols have been shown to work as a carminative (flatulence inhibitor) and intestinal spasmolytic (digestive-tract soother) against symptoms of motion sickness.

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Gingerols anti-emetic exerts its effects directly on the gastrointestinal system and in the central nervous system which constricts the blood vessels and acts as a neurotransmitter producing physiological processes such as blocking serotonin receptors in the stomach that can cause nausea.

Gingerols help improve intestinal motility and is reported to reduce food transit time. This is in part due to the ginger’s fiber content. This effect might prevent colon cancer or constipation. Ginger’s digestive enzymes have stimulating effects that may be associated with positive effects on trypsin (breaking down of proteins) and pancreatic lipase (breaking down of fats) (Platel and Srinivasan 2000) and ginger’s ability to increase gastric motility (Micklefield et al. 1999). Ginger capsules with a meal actually doubled the speed of stomach emptying.[NCBI

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Zingiberene in Ginger plays a prominent role in its anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive (perception of pain) properties, as well as its ability to enhance antioxidant production in the body.

Zingiberene has very promising result in prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.

Zingiberene in Ginger works to improve the production of two growth factors in the gastric mucosa while inhibiting the production of chemokines in ulcerated tissues of the gastric system by helping alleviate and repair gastric mucosa damage cause by stomach ulcers and promote ulcer healing.

A 2015 study found that ginger oil induces the death of gastric cancer cells, while also acting as an antioxidant to prevent gastric mucosal damage and providing chemosensitizing effects in certain cancer cells.

Ginger‘s nutrients for stomach health

Protects and Supports digestive Health (B1, B3, B6, C, A,)

Vitamin B for Bloating – B1 helps with inflammation, which can irritate the intestinal tract and cause bloating. Poor Food Combining, Irregular

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Meal Times, Insulin Resistance, Gluten Sensitivity, Food Intolerance, Intestinal Yeast Overgrowth.

B3 (niacin) Also known as niacin, this vitamin is important for many digestive tract functions, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol.

B6 helps with bloating caused by mild fluid retention Vitamin C can help with many things work better. Vitamin C helps the body fight inflammatory diseases. It assists in wound healing (ulcers) and new tissue regeneration, is required for the functioning of several enzymes (for digestion help), involved in protein metabolism, is one of the most important physiological antioxidants, and so much more.

Vitamin A is extremely protective and promotes the healing of these gastric ulcers. Vitamin A also exhibits protective mechanisms for the digestion of protein. Because this vitamin is fat-soluble it needs fat to be properly absorbed by your digestive tract. Scientifically vitamin A has been shown to work best with vitamin B complex, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Vitamin A is a very potent antioxidant and it is very helpful in stopping vitamin C from oxidizing.

THE STOMACH BOTH CHURNS AND ABSORBS

The stomach is a muscular sac that lies between the esophagus and the small intestine in the upper abdomen. The stomach makes several digestive juices and enzymes that mix with food. Partial digestion of the food takes place here. The stomach releases acids and enzymes for the 60

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chemical breakdown of food. The flow is somewhat regulated by the esophageal sphincter but more importantly depends on how fast you eat and if you are eating both solids and liquids. The crushed and mixed food is liquefied to form chyme and is pushed through the pyloric canal into the small intestine.

THE STOMACH WALL

The walls of the stomach consist of four layers, similar to other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. These layers, starting from the innermost layer, are named mucosa, sub-mucosa, muscularis externa, and the serosa.

The mucosa consists mainly of the gastric glands that secrete the digestive juices. It is covered by a layer of columnar epithelial tissue. The sub-mucosa consists of dense connective tissue and has blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves running through it. The sub-mucosa supports the mucosa and allows it to move in a flexible manner during peristalsis, the contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles to physically breakdown food and propel it forward. The stomach’s strong muscles act like a blender to turn food into a useable form.

This process takes longer for some types of foods than others.

• Carbohydrates, for example, break down the fastest.

This explains why many recommend carb-heavy foods for a quick energy boost. • Proteins take longer to digest and exit the stomach.

Fats take the longest time of all.

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Prevent common problems of impaired digestion like flatulence, constipation, bloating, and other digestive complaints. Do you experience pain, heartburn, fullness, and discomfort? Ginger can also helps to neutralize and disperse the build-up of oxidative gases that can cause stomach ache.

1) Helps Relieve IBS Symptoms

Common symptoms of IBS include stomach cramps, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Adding ginger to your diet can help relieve these symptoms because the spice can actually relax your intestines during flair-ups. Not only will this ease symptoms, but it will also protect against further damage to the intestinal tract.

2) Relieves Gas

Drinking a cup of gingerr tea before bed or prior to eating meals can help clear out the digestive system and relieve embarrassing gas.

3) Relieves Heartburn (Ginger Capsules)

Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux. Ginger can also reduce inflammation. This may relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Its phenolic compounds are said to relieve gastrointestinal irritation and lessen gastric contractions.

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• Ginger can reduce the likelihood of stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus. • Ginger has been proven to protect against heartburn because it prevents the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) from loosening, which means acid cannot regurgitate back into the esophagus. • Additionally, ginger can kill harmful bacteria that is linked to acid reflux. • Ginger capsules may be better for some people

4) Helps Ease Motion Sickness

If you are someone who gets sick when riding in a car, bus, or plane, try drinking some ginger tea before traveling. Researchers say ginger has powerful healing effects that can settle an upset stomach. Carrying Gin Gin Candies while traveling may be helpful as well.

5) Boosts Nutrient Absorption “You are what you absorb.”

Typically absorb anywhere from 10-90 percent of the nutrients in their food. Ginger is shown to boost nutrient absorption.

• In addition to these gastro-protective effects, researchers have found ginger to be effective for stress-related ulcers.[Global Healing]. • Ginger prevents the growth of H. pylori – a type of bacteria in the digestive system which can cause ulcers in the lining of the stomach or the upper 63

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• part of the small intestine, and which sometimes leads to stomach cancer. • Ginger does all this because it seems to aid digestion and saliva flow.(C, A) • Ginger helps speed up the emptying of the stomach by 25% compared to a placebo in people with indigestion.[NCBI] • Ginger (small doses) helps relieve gastrointestinal irritation.

Add ginger to your meals or drink ginger tea before meals to help your body absorb more nutrients.

This Immune Boosting Lemon Ginger Tea with Honey potent powerful immune booster and antioxidant-packed. I really enjoy this tea before eating my meal. If you feel under the weather, give your system a real antioxidant surge by drinking it every hour.

All of ImmuneSchein Ginger Elixirs are created from only 100% real food ingredients. ImmuneSchein Ginger Elixirs offer over 9 other ginger elixirs which are extensions of our Classic Ginger Elixir by only adding one more ingredient. (I do not make any profit from purchases with this company.)

RAW VEGAN GINGERBREAD BITES

• AUTHOR: DERYN MACEY PREP TIME: 10

MINS. TOTAL TIME: 10 MINS. YIELD: 16

RAW VEGAN GINGERBREAD BITES

Walnuts – use plain, raw walnuts with no added oil or salt. Dates – any variety works as long as they’re soft and moist.

East – quick or rolled oats are suitable pieces – you’ll need cinnamon and ginger Blackstrap Molasses – any molasses kind works

Step 1. Add the walnuts and oats to a food processor and blend into a grainy consistency. A few larger pieces left behind are ok but they should be mostly broken down. Step 2. Add the dates and blend into a crumbly dough. It’s important to use soft, moist dates. Soak them pitted in hot water for 15 minutes then drain well before using in the recipe. Step 3. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend into a thick, sticky dough you can easily press together between your fingers. Use your hands to roll the dough into balls and enjoy for a sweet treat!

HOW TO USE GINGER TO TREAT ACID REFLUX

Ginger can be peeled, then grated, sliced, diced, or shaved to use when cooking. It can be eaten raw, steeped in water to make ginger tea, or added to soup, stir-fry, salad, or other meals.

The most important thing to remember is to take ginger in moderation. Sticking to around four grams — a bit less than an eighth of a cup — should be enough to give you some relief without making symptoms worse. You can also split this up and take divided doses throughout the day.

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE GINGER?

Pregnancy: Ginger is possibly safe when taken by mouth for medicinal uses during pregnancy. But using ginger during 65

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pregnancy is controversial. There are reports of miscarriage during week 12 of pregnancy in a woman who used ginger for morning sickness. Webmd It is generally safe in moderation.

It’s recommended that pregnant women who are close to labor or who’ve had miscarriages avoid ginger.NCBI

For morning sickness: Eating 2 crystallized ginger, reportedly works for some women.

Avoid Ginger If You Are On Blood Thinners. Ginger might slow blood clotting. Taking ginger along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), Phenprocoumon (an anti-clotting medicine available outside the US), and others. Webmd

If you have an inflammatory condition such as acid reflux, taking more than four grams of ginger in a 24-hour period may cause additional heartburn.

Check with a medical professional before treating your symptoms.

•NCBI Mighty Ginger •Laparoscopic.md •Cancer Tutor •Running on Real Food •University hospitals

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Grapes May Keep You Breathing Easy (DOS)

grapes. Adding more grapes to your diet is a tasty way to give your lung health a boost. Okay, so they look like the lungs, but how do they help the lungs? This will be a bit of a chemistry lesson, but you will learn the beautiful benefits of the color pigments in the

As early as 5000 BC. Grapes were also pictured in hieroglyphics in ancient Egyptian burial tombs. The grape also played a role in numerous biblical stories like Shabbat. Today our world is inflamed and could use this beautiful remedy to decrease this toxic condition.

Grapes resemble alveoli, tiny air sacs of the lungs

Grapes resembles the alveoli of the lungs. The lungs are made of branches of ever-smaller airways that finish up with tiny branches of tissue called alveoli. These structures allow oxygen to pass from the lungs into the blood stream.

Let’s dig a little deeper.

“SIGN OF NATURE” =SIGNATURE The Lung Anatomy

The lungs are part of the respiratory system, a group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe. The respiratory system’s main job is to move fresh air into your body while removing waste gases. Supply oxygen to the bloodstream, while expelling carbon dioxide waste.

Oxygen In Carbon Dioxide Out

Tiny blood vessels surround each of the 300 million alveoli in the lungs. Oxygen moves across the walls of the air sacs, is picked up by the blood and carried to the rest of the body.

THE NITTY-GRITTY OF HOW GRAPES HELP OUR LUNGS?

Colored water-soluble pigments are anti-oxidants called anthocyanins (a blue, violet, or red flavonoid pigment found in plants) and polyphenols (may or may not be pigmented) are the tools that provide the breathing ease. Essentially, they’re regarded as “lifespan essentials” for their potential to reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Apparently by the time people are 30 years old, they’ve generally reached their peak lung capacity. After this time, lung function starts to slowly decline for everyone. The speed of decline will vary from one person to another, depending on several factors, such as smoking, physical activity, exposure to certain pollutants and the presence of other medical conditions, according to Garcia-Larsen, an

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assistant professor of human nutrition at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore explains. There is a considerable body of experimental evidence (in vivo and in vitro) on the anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids, particularly pro-anthocyanidins, on lung health. Experimental evidence shows that pro-anthocyanidins can reduce lung mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are signaling proteins, and are critical controllers of the cell, and hence tissue, growth, migration, development. They down-regulate nitric oxide production in asthma.

Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory are colored water-soluble pigments belonging to large phenolic group. •Anthocyanin pigments in glycosylated form trigger signals to cells and intensify their possible health benefits as dietary antioxidants, which help to prevent many diseases through high-performance of maintaining structural antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti‐inflammatory activity, allowing increased solubility, stability, and bioavailability.

• Anthocyanins responsible for the colors red, purple, and blue, are in both fruits and vegetables. The color and stability of these pigments are influenced by pH, light, temperature, and structure. In acidic conditions, anthocyanins appear red but turn blue when the pH increases.

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Peonidin, abundantly found in grapes, is a

Methylated anthocyanidin (purplish-red hue, the sugar-free counterparts of anthocyanins), is an antioxidant.

This pigment possesses anti-oxidative and antimicrobial activities. It also inhibits lung cancer metastasis.

A new study in 2018 found that those who ate a large amount of dark-colored fruits and vegetables had a slower per year decline in lung function compared to those who ate fewer of these anthocyanin-filled foods. A few hours after eating foods such as berries, there’s evidence of the flavonoids in lung tissue. This “suggests that [anthocyaninfoods] might have a functional role protecting the lungs against the pollutants and other environmental insults,” such as smoking, Garcia-Larsen noted.

Nutrients for lung health

Vitamin C (ascorbate) restores emphysematous lungs, a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness. It is an antioxidant, makes it potentially helpful for chronic lung disease patients.

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• Their antioxidant-rich chemistry contributes to the neutralization of those free radicals that destroy lung cells. • Helps your body flush out these potentially damaging molecules. • May lower lung tissue damage rates and give your body an opportunity to repair these tissues.

Vitamins E (alpha-tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant. • It may help the body remove free radicals and toxins before they can cause more damage to your lungs. • It is shown to decrease asthma exacerbation associated with exposure to ozone. • Its enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses may also help to reduce lung tissue inflammation in the airways and lungs is a promising approach for treating respiratory diseases aggravated by allergies.

Calcium – is needed for muscles to function properly. For the Lung including the diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration among other very important body functions. Watch it in action.

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Did you know you have two respiratory muscles (RMs): inspiratory and exploratory. The most important inspiratory muscle is the diaphragm (means partition). It flattens when the lung expands. Aside from its obvious role in respiration to its less obvious roles in postural stability, spinal decompression C3, C4 and C5 (sometimes C6), fluid dynamics, visceral health and emotional regulation, the diaphragm has a repertoire of function that is broad by any muscle’s standard.” It may alter motor control in the neck and into the shoulder and arm. This implies that shoulder and neck pain could be a symptom of diaphragm dysfunction. It has so much influence and the consequences of its dysfunction can manifest anywhere from the head to the toes, even with emotions. Jennyputtpt

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Quercitine, Resveratrol, Catechins, & Fiber. These nutrients are mostly found in the skin and seeds if the variety has seeds.

Grape skins and pulp contain the most polyphenols (powerful antioxidants). Grapes contain flavonoids like quercetin, catechins, and Resveratrol. Some varieties of black grapes are much higher in antioxidants than green or red grapes. Grape seeds also contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin (procyanidins), that reduce the severity of asthma triggered by allergy. Resveratrol, beneficial particularly worrisome in people with airway disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was recently identified by researchers.

• Has properties that suppress tumor, (a cancerous growth) of the lung. • Reduce asthma inflammation. • Posesses anti-inflammatory qualities, helping to reduce the inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma and COPD. • High levels of fiber and resveratrol in red grape skins work to reduce inflammation in the lungs and removes mucus and phlegm from airways. How the compound was able to suppress and regulate the inflammation is still unknown.

How the compound was able to suppress and regulate the inflammation is still unknown.

Quercitine, is another phytonutrients, antioxidant that helps fight bacterial infections in the respiratory tract. 73

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Green grapes do not have Anthocyanins because of a mutation in one or two of their color genes. Green grapes do not have as high of an antioxidant. They do have a higher count of fiber. Although all types of grapes are healthy, red grapes and Concord grapes are higher in flavonoids and phytonutrients, including resveratrol.

Green grapes do not have Anthocyanins because of a mutation in one or two of their color genes. Green grapes do not have as high of an antioxidant. They do have a higher count of fiber. Although all types of grapes are healthy, red grapes and Concord grapes are higher in flavonoids and phytonutrients, including resveratrol.

Catechins, a type of flavonoid tannin group of anti-oxidants, can reduce lung tissue inflammation.

• They are one of the strongest anti-oxidants with antiinflammation benefits. • Catechins rid the body of waste and prevent bacterial or fungal infections from taking root in the body. • The darker the grape, the more Catechins are present. • Green Grapes do contain catechins but not as much.

It is suggested that a cup of black and green grapes mixed together is the best to gain all the benefits. It’s suggested that grapes be eaten at least 4-5 times a week to see the benefits.

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Another fruit for lung health is blueberries.

I think it is wonderful that our creator desired for us to live well and age gracefully. The LORD God was so gracious to us. I hope you all take advantage of this, His gift to us.

• NCBI The National Center for Biotechnology Information • NCBI seed, skin • NCBI pro-anthocyanidins • Nature Glycosylation • Health • Lung Disease News • Wikipedia Glycosylation

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About the Author

My Name is Catherine DeRoos, wife of Les DeRoos, Jr. and fulltime missionary. I have a passion for learning about nutrition and sharing what I learn. Here is my journey into holistic health.

My Journey to Holistic Health

When Les & I began praying about our entering the mission field again in 2001, I desired to compliment his agricultural ministry. What better way to serve beside my husband with the two-handed gospel message than to share the benefits of fruits and vegetables that he would be helping people grow. An acquaintance of mine had been reading a book called “Back to the Garden” by Rev. Malkmus with Hallelujah Acres, and she introduced the book to me during one of our conversations. It was while I was reading this book, that I became motivated in learning more. At that time, Hallelujah Acres was offering on-line classes of which I could not afford. However, I took the list of books they required for their course and went to the library. I began studying Enzyme Nutrition along with many other titles and took lots of notes.

Les and I began our second missionary journey in Nigeria in 2004 where I put together teaching material for our FAAGRIC program. This material included a text-book style manual/workbook including the physiological nutrition information I had learned, with the agricultural information, and incorporated many scriptural 77

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references that went with each of the lessons. To take a look at The FAAGRIC manual visit our LWC website and click on our publications page. There you will find a link to our manual.

It is my desire to bring awareness to as many people as I can the message from Benjamin Franklin — ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’

I also greatly respect the advice of Hippocrates, the father of all medicine — “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

If you desire to live a vibrant, colorful, healthy life, I invite you to join me in encouraging others as well. You can do this by participating in voting on your favorite recipes, sharing the posts you see here, even sharing how “Eating the Rainbow” has colored your life with health.

I hope you gained helpful information in this booklet. May the Lord guide and direct you in your health journey.

Catherine DeRoos

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