Ginger has a reputation for stimulating the immune system. New results now support this thesis. In laboratory tests, small amounts of a pungent ginger constituent put white blood cells on heightened alert. Whether as a medicinal plant or foodstuff, ginger is also becoming increasingly popular. However, the question arises as to whether normal consumption levels are sufficient to achieve health effects. As the study shows, significant amounts of pungent ginger compounds enter the blood about 30 to 60 minutes after consuming one liter of ginger tea. By far the highest levels were achieved by [6]-gingerol, with plasma concentrations of approximately...