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Ginger May Reduce Colon Cancer Risks

By reducing inflammation, ginger may help to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer

Previously, a number of studies have demonstrated ginger’s potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Suzanna M. Zick, from the University of Michigan Medical Center (Michigan, USA), completed a study involving 30 men and women, who consumed either a supplement containing 2 g of ginger extract (equivalent to 20 g of raw ginger root), or a placebo, daily for 28 days.  The researchers found that certain markers of inflammation, known as eicosonoids, were reduced by 28% among the subjects who consumed the ginger supplement.  The team reports that: “Ginger has the potential to decrease eicosanoid levels… [and] also seemed to be tolerable and safe.”

Suzanna M. Zick, D. Kim Turgeon, Shaiju K. Vareed, Mack T. Ruffin, Amie J. Litzinger, Benjamin D. Wright, et al.  “Phase II Study of the Effects of Ginger Root Extract on Eicosanoids in Colon Mucosa in People at Normal Risk for Colorectal Cancer.”  Cancer Prev Res., October 11, 2011.