Laboratory and epidemiological research during the past three decades has provided indisputable evidence that a high intake of fruits and vegetables supports all aspects of human health, including prostate health. About thirty-five plant-based foods have been identified that have specific health benefits. This includes garlic, ginger, turmeric, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage) and grape seed extracts.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a perennial plant used worldwide as a spice in foods and beverages, is commonly known for its medicinal properties, including digestive health. Ginger is the rhizome, or upper root, of the Zingiber officinale plant indigenous to southern Asia.

Ginger is high in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, beta-carotene, zinc; B-complex vitamins and vitamins A, C and E.

Ginger extracts have been known to lower inflammatory markers and possess potent antioxidant activity. Ginger extracts and individual components of Ginger, shogaols, gingerols, paradols, and gingerones have all been tested individually on health-related issues.

Ginger and its extracts are Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S.F.D.A. because it has historically been used with no limit in foods and beverages and no significant side effects are reported.

Surprisingly, until 2012, there had not been a single report that presented a thorough investigation of Ginger’s mechanisms of action to explain its prostate health benefits.

Since then, Ginger extract has been shown to lower androgen (male hormone) levels in the prostate gland, lower inflammatory markers in the lining of the prostate cells (the epithelium) and cleave proteins needed for prostate cell growth.

Animal studies have shown that Ginger extract works at very low levels – in one study only 1 to 4 mg per animal per day was administered with effective results.

The remarkable prostate health benefits of whole Ginger extract, without any detectable toxicity in mega doses, certainly underscores the importance of using whole food extracts.

Ginger extract inhibits the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase required to convert arachidonic acid into the chemical 5-HETE. In turn, 5-HETE is used by prostate cells for growth, but 5-HETE cannot be synthesized by prostate cells in the presence of Ginger.

Ginger contains a variety of anti-inflammatory agents including compounds that inhibit the production of cytokines. Cytokines raise PSA and therefore lowering cytokine levels lowers PSA.

Ginger can lower the microbial enzymes beta-glucoronidase and mucinase. These two enzymes can release toxins that have already been made safe during liver detoxification by re-releasing them in their free, unconjugated toxic forms.

Ginger extract also:

• Supports healthy liver detoxification
• Aids in digestive health
• Supports brain health
• Supports healthy immune function