Can Ginger be Consumed by Gallstone Sufferers?

Dream - Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most commonly consumed spices in Indonesia, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The bioactive compound called gingerol in ginger has extraordinary therapeutic properties and has been proven to treat various health conditions such as diabetes, colds, stomach problems, hypertension, nausea, and many others.

Despite its many health benefits, some studies suggest that consuming large amounts of ginger can have negative effects on people with gallstones.

A study shows that ginger can increase bile secretion and cause gallstone formation.

Bile plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats.

However, excessive consumption of ginger can stimulate the liver to produce more bile and accelerate the formation of gallstones. To avoid this, it is best to avoid excessive consumption of ginger.

(Source: Boldsky)

Besides Coffee, These Foods and Drinks Also Contain Caffeine

Dream - Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant that speeds up the central nervous system and can help users feel more awake and alert. In Indonesia, caffeine is commonly associated with drinking coffee.  

When used in moderate amounts, caffeine is generally a safe way to increase energy, concentration, and athletic performance. 

Indonesians also often consume caffeine in a cup of coffee because it is believed to ward off drowsiness. However, caffeine does not only come from coffee beans. Many other foods also contain this compound. According to health.com, here is a list of foods that contain caffeine.

Chocolate

Chocolate comes from naturally caffeinated cocoa beans, so it can contain varying amounts of caffeine. A higher percentage of cocoa in chocolate means it contains more caffeine.

For example, dark chocolate is more caffeinated because it contains more cocoa than milk chocolate.

Ice Cream

Some ice creams contain more caffeine than others. Coffee-flavored, mocha, or chocolate ice cream, for example, have higher levels of caffeine derived from the flavoring ingredients themselves.

Decaf Coffee

Although it is called decaf/decaffeinated, it does not mean that decaf coffee has zero caffeine. 

However, the caffeine content is very low, so drinkers of this type of coffee can still obtain the benefits of regular coffee but with less caffeine content.

Kombucha

Kombucha, a fermented tea drink made from black, green, and oolong tea, naturally contains caffeine. The amount of caffeine in kombucha varies depending on the brewing method and the brand of the drink. However, the caffeine content usually decreases during the fermentation process.

Matcha

Matcha or Japanese tea is a powdered beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Because it uses whole tea leaves, matcha tea contains more caffeine than other steeped teas. 

Although it contains a similar amount of caffeine as coffee, drinking matcha tea is reported to make people feel calmer and less anxious compared to drinking coffee. 

Pre-Workout Supplements

Sports supplements are usually consumed before exercising to increase energy and performance. These drinks generally contain caffeine, creatine, and amino acids. 

Some brands of these supplements sometimes contain a maximum caffeine level higher than recommended, and the stated caffeine content may not be entirely accurate, resulting in more or less caffeine. 

Snack Bar

Snack bars or protein bars are usually high in calories and carbohydrates, but they can also contain varying amounts of caffeine. This caffeine can come from a small amount of coffee powder, matcha and green tea extracts, yerba mate, or cocoa. 

Non-Cola Soda

Light or non-cola soda can contain caffeine, although not as much as regular cola soda. Traditionally, some types of cola and non-cola soda are made from kola nuts, which naturally contain caffeine. However, modern beverage manufacturers rely on synthetic caffeine, artificial flavors, and added sugars.

Pain Relievers

Some pain relievers sold in the market contain a certain amount of caffeine. This is because caffeine can help relieve pain. The pain-relieving effect of caffeine is one of the reasons why some types of these drugs contain stimulants. 

(Report: Meisya Harsa Dwipuspita/ Source: Health.com)