Ginger Helps Fight Body Fat, Study Says

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. survey / sərˈveɪ / (v) – to examine a general report or finding
    Example:

    Scientists surveyed several reports on the side effects of the new drug.


  2. counteract / ˌkaʊn tərˈækt / (v) – to go against
    Example:

    Two medicines that counteract each other may have harmful effects.


  3. incorporate / ɪnˈkɔr pəˌreɪt / (v) – to include something
    Example:

    It is important to incorporate fruits and vegetables into one’s diet.


  4. precaution / prɪˈkɔ ʃən / (n) – something done to prevent possible harm or trouble
    Example:

    Doctors give precautions about herbal medicines.


  5. aggravate / ˈæg rəˌveɪt / (v) – to make something worse
    Example:

    The accident aggravated an old shoulder injury.


Article

Read the text below.

A new research review has concluded that ginger, a common household spice, can prevent weight gain.


Researchers from China Agricultural University surveyed 60 studies related to the beneficial effects of ginger. According to these studies, ginger can help fight obesity and other health problems like diabetes and heart diseases.


Ginger is generally considered a superfood. Aside from containing antioxidants that counteract harmful substances, it helps burn calories by increasing one’s body temperature. In addition, it can also decrease feelings of hunger and nausea.


Health experts and nutritionists proposed that ginger can be incorporated in one’s diet. Some common methods are drinking ginger tea or chewing a slice of ginger root before having a meal. Consuming the spice through these ways is said to regulate blood sugar levels, which are responsible for causing hunger. Lastly, it can also enhance the ability of the body to absorb fat.


While ginger has been reported to be highly beneficial, Marie-Pierre St-Onge / seɪnt oʊndʒ /, a nutritional medicine expert, stated that research about the spice is still at its early stages. This meant that the exact dosage and formulation for attaining the spice’s health benefits are still unclear.


Using ginger as a health supplement, though supported by research, still has its precautions. Some experts warn against too much consumption of the spice, especially for people with heart conditions, as it may aggravate their existing heart diseases.  Other researchers say that high doses of ginger may also upset the stomach, irritate the mouth, and cause minor heartburns. Moreover, parents are advised not to give ginger to children below two years old as it may cause health complications.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Based on the given health benefits of ginger, would you consider actively using it as a health supplement? Why or why not?
• Do you think people should be cautious in taking or using health supplements such as ginger? Explain.

Discussion B

• Is obesity or weight gain a problem in your country? Explain.
• What do you think are the causes of obesity or weight gain in people nowadays?