Ginger: Properties and Benefits
Ginger is a rhizome originally from Indochina that has a strong, spicy flavor which people use to flavor dishes. In cooking, ginger adds an exotic touch that’s characteristic of Asian cuisine. People have also used ginger since ancient times for health benefits, pain relief and other health problems as well.
Benefits of ginger and uses
The ginger plant has a strong, sturdy root. It’s this very root that provides the body with health benefits. However, an excess can harbor negative results for the body so be careful with portions.
You should always consume ginger with other foods and add the ginger in small portions. Consuming ginger in moderation will help you control its flavor and nutritional properties; in any case, it can taste overpowering in large quantities.
Benefits of using ginger with other foods
There are all kinds of ingredients that are perfect for adding a special touch to savory or sweet dishes. You could also try consuming ginger as a condiment or tea; in the case of the latter, combine it with other herbs for the best results.
Below, we’ll go over how to add ginger into your everyday diet:
Salads
You can use ginger in two ways for salads. The first way is directly grating some ginger on top of a salad. The second is by making a dressing. You can prepare a creamy dressing or a vinaigrette and add ginger into your mixture. Both ways will give your salads a special spicy note.
Stews
For stews, try adding small chopped pieces or a large piece of ginger into your stew. Or, you can also stir-fry it prior to stewing to help it release its juices, giving it more flavor.
Soups
If you add ginger to soups, try adding stir-fried ginger just as we explained for the stews. Combine it with other vegetables that you want to stir-fry. You can also add a large piece to soup and leave it to melt in the soup for 15 minutes over low heat.
Desserts
You can normally find ginger in cookie recipes. However, you can add it to any dessert recipe by grating it in. Cacao-based desserts great options as the ginger balances out their flavor.
Benefits of ginger: medicinal
Of all the rhizomes out there, ginger is one of the best ones for health. However, be careful with quantities. Ginger can provoke upset stomachs or gastritis in excess. Some of its health benefits include:
Prevents cardiovascular diseases
Ginger improves and stabilizes blood circulation, preventing blood clots from forming, which keeps arrhythmia and heart attacks at bay. Furthermore, it keeps cholesterol under control because it lowers the levels of bad cholesterol.
Benefits of ginger: stimulates absorption
Ginger stimulates the body to better absorb nutrients, helping the body maximize their benefits. It also helps the digestive system run smoothly while regulating any appetite problems.
Anti-bacterial benefits of ginger
Thanks to ginger’s anti-bacterial properties, it keeps the body safe from viruses or bacterial diseases. It also has expectorant properties which prevent or cures the flu, colds, and coughs.
Anti-oxidant
Ginger has a high level of anti-oxidants, which eliminate toxic cells. This helps the body stay clean of cancerous substances, preventing chronic diseases such as prostate cancer, lupus or colon cancer.
Improves the immune system
When taken regularly, ginger can increase white blood cell production. These cells protect the body from bacterial or viral infections and diseases.
Anti-inflammatory
Ginger keeps joints and organs in good condition, preventing swelling pain. It also helps expel gases from the body, preventing bloating.
Improves digestion
Ginger regulates and stabilizes the digestive process, ensuring everything runs accordingly. That means ginger fights against constipation, colics and other digestive problems.
Fights stress
Ginger contains properties that send out neuronal stimulation to relax the body. The stimulation relieves stress and can brighten moods.
