Based on the provided research, ginger does not lower cortisol. In fact, a study using ginger honey showed a slight, though not statistically significant, increase in cortisol levels.
Here's a breakdown of the findings:
Ginger and Cortisol: What the Research Shows
While many believe ginger has numerous health benefits, its impact on cortisol levels appears to be complex. A study specifically looked at the effect of ginger honey on cortisol.
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Study Finding: The analysis showed that ginger honey increased cortisol levels by 1.892 ng/ml.
Hormone Change (ng/ml) Cortisol +1.892 -
Significance: Although there was an increase, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.165). This means the increase could be due to chance and not necessarily caused by the ginger.
Implications
- No Cortisol Reduction: Based on the available data, there's no evidence to suggest ginger will lower your cortisol. Instead, this limited research indicates that ginger might slightly increase it, although this is not a conclusive result.
- Further Research Needed: More studies are required to fully understand the effect of ginger, in various forms, on cortisol levels.
Practical Considerations
It is essential to note that this study only used ginger honey. The effects might differ with other forms of ginger consumption (e.g. fresh ginger, ginger capsules). Individual responses can vary, and further research is recommended before drawing definitive conclusions.
