Cold-pressed ginger fully preserves gingerols (6-, 8-, 10-gingerol) — the bioactive molecules responsible for documented health effects.
Ginger hot-extracted (or reconstituted powder) converts gingerols into shogaols — a different profile, generally less beneficial.
INTI uses the cold-pressed method. INTI vs GIMBER comparison uses an aqueous extract (thermal process).
Ginger chemistry: gingerols vs shogaols
Fresh ginger root mainly contains gingerols, especially 6-gingerol (the most studied). These molecules are:
- Thermolabile — they degrade or transform at temperatures above 60°C
- Strongly anti-inflammatory through the inhibition of NF-κB, COX-2, LOX-5
- The best-documented in clinical research on ginger
During drying or cooking, gingerols lose a water molecule and form shogaols (more concentrated but different):
- More thermally stable
- Different antimicrobial and anticancer profile
- Less human clinical data than fresh gingerols
Comparison of extraction methods
| Criterion | Cold-pressed (INTI) | Hot aqueous extract (GIMBER) | Reconstituted powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intact gingerols | ✅ Maximum | ⚠️ Partial | ❌ Minimal |
| Processing temperature | <10°C | ~60–90°C | >100°C (drying) |
| Molecular profile | Fresh gingerols | Gingerols + shogaols | Dominant shogaols |
| Anti-inflammatory activity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Anti-nausea activity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Enzyme preservation | ✅ Intact | ❌ Denatured | ❌ Denatured |
Why cold pressing is the gold standard
Clinical research on the health benefits of ginger predominantly uses extracts of fresh ginger standardized in gingerols. Studies showing anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and metabolic benefits are based on this profile.
INTI faithfully replicates this profile through mechanical cold-pressing — without heat, without water as a solvent, without thermal degradation.
Are shogaols not as beneficial as gingerols?
Shogaols have their own properties (including in vitro anticancer effects) but their action profile is different from fresh gingerols. The majority of human clinical studies with positive results use fresh ginger or extracts standardized in gingerols — not powders with a dominant shogaol content.
🌡️ Maximum active gingerols: choose cold-pressed
INTI — cold-pressed below 10°C · Intact gingerols · True ginger as nature intended
Order INTI cold-pressed → inti-drink.comRelated articles
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