Study shows that compound in ginger activates the immune system
The ginger compound, known as gingerol, present in fresh ginger, was the subject of a study led by
director of the Leibniz Institute in Freising, Germany, Veronika Somoza. Research has revealed that gingerol may have
effects on the immune system, helping to keep cells in a state of alert and aiding in preventing the action
of invading bacteria.
Gingerol is responsible for the spicy, burning taste of ginger root. In the body, the TRPV1 receptor, present in cells, performs the function of identifying this stimulus.
The study revealed that the TRPV1 receptor was identified in neutrophils, which are abundant leukocytes in human blood, representing 60% to 70% of all circulating white blood cells. These immune cells are the first to be recruited to areas of infection and fight invading cells.
In the experiment, gingerol was detected in the blood between 30 and 60 minutes after consuming a liter of ginger tea. The highest levels of gingerol reached plasma concentrations of approximately seven to 17 micrograms per liter.
In addition, the study investigated the action of the compound in other types of cells. Compared to control cells, the stimulated neutrophils showed an approximately 30% stronger reaction to a peptide that mimicked a bacterial infection.
Let's take it easy
According to Somoza, the research results support the idea that regular intake of common amounts of ginger can modulate cellular responses of the immune system.
However, she points out that there are still many unanswered questions at the molecular, epidemiological and medical levels, which require further studies on nutrition and health. This information is from IstoÉ Dinheiro magazine.
Therefore, it's important to wait for more research before drawing any definitive conclusions about ginger's effects on the immune system.
In addition, it is essential to remember that excessive consumption of any substance can be harmful to health. Somoza's research should not be interpreted as encouraging overconsumption of ginger.
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