Another study in the November 2003 issue of Radiation Research found that mice given ginger for five days prior to being exposed to radiation, not only avoided an increase in free radical damage to fats in the body, but also experienced a far smaller depletion of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. Since the brain contains high levels of fats and is negatively impacted by radiation exposure and free radicals, ginger shows promise in protecting the brain.
According to Dr. Krishna C. Sricastava, ginger is superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in alleviating inflammation. This is important since physicians sometimes recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to treat brain disease linked to inflammation. Unlike NSAIDs that work on only one level of inflammation (blocking the substances that cause inflammation), ginger works on at least two mechanisms:
- Ginger blocks the formation of prostaglandins and leukotriences, chemicals that are linked to the development of inflammation in the body; and
- Ginger also has antioxidant properties that actually break down inflammation and acidity in the body.
Ginger, eaten or used as a supplement on a regular basis, can have a protective effect by decreasing inflammation that occurs in the brain. One to ten grams per day of ginger root is an anti-inflammatory daily use.
info "The Brain Wash" by Michelle Schoffro Cook
