Ginger & Turmeric are both spices with a bountiful of similarities and uses; in both the medicine & food industries.
In Taxonomy (Biology), both belong to the same family (Zingiberaceae).
In Agriculture, both can be grown from cut root (rhizome), planted in the soil (or alternate growing medium).
In Human Physiology, both can be used for health benefits, such as anti-inflammation & fat oxidation during metabolism (fat loss).
Turmeric PlantGinger Plant
Curcumin
Curcumin is the principal component of turmeric & ginger that give them their distinct yellow color. Curcumin is used as a food coloring (such as curry powder) & as a dietary supplement towards the reduction of bodyfat & BMI (body mass index). However, scientific evidence isn’t conclusive of it’s beneficial effects-particularly for persons with obesity & metabolic syndrome. “Clinical trials of curcumin on weight- and body mass index (BMI)-lowering effect have not been systematically evaluated, and the results are inconsistent.” Akbari et.al; Frontiers in Pharmacology; 2019.Curcumin in Turmeric Root: highlighted through yellow-orange color.
Why Our Bodies Need Antioxidants
As our bodies are increasingly bombarded with toxins daily, so is the need for sources of antioxidants (such as through dietary means), to combat the oxidative stress build up within our cells, tissues, organs & biologic systems.
Daily sources of oxidative stress include:
Ultraviolet Wave Radiation bombarding our skin & being absorbed through our skin-skin cancer causing agent (product of global warming & climate change).
Drug Usage & Breakdown by our Liver (medicinal & non-medicinal drugs).
Food Consumption With Heavy Metals (fish with mercury, ground provisions with Rare Earth Elements)
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Why Anti-Inflammatory Foods Are Important
Inflammation of our bodies cells, tissues, organs & systems can be understood as the way our bodies respond to, or fight threats to our biologic health (immune response).
Drugs
Food Poisoning
Heavy Metals
Alcohol
Are all sources of products external to our biologic system that can cause inflammatory responses in our bodies-such as cancers. The ingestion of anti-inflammatory foods is a great way to help us attain and maintain a healthy body & state overall.
Ginger Root-known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties of Curcumin
It’s likely that because of curcumin antioxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits, why ginger and turmeric are regarded for their bodyfat loss, and weight loss benefits. “Curcumin is capable of interfering with or constraining several stages of adipocyte differentiation. This compound can alter the life cycle of adipocytes through the suppression of preadipocyte proliferation and mitogenesis, inhibition of adipogenesis and induction of mature adipocyte apoptosis.” Kasprzak-Drozd, et.al., 2022; International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Essentially, the article above express the capability of curcumin to stop the growth & multiplication (cell division) of fat cells. Optimally even resulting in the death of mature fat cells. The article also highlights that curcumin aids in the oxidation of fatty acids, through AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) & PPARa (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α) activation. These are enzymes and cell signaling (stimulation) that facilitate fat oxidation, or breakdown.
Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.
