All About Ginger

Ginger (root) has a long history of health and immune-supporting uses, particularly in both Indian Ayurveda and traditional Chinese Medicine. It comes from a flowering plant known as Zingiber officinale found originally in the wild rainforests of Southeast Asia. But ginger, as we know it and see it in grocery stores and markets, actually refers to the rhizomes or roots of the plant, which is why it’s sometimes called ginger root. The most common edible ginger roots are yellowish in color. There is also blue, red and white ginger. Sometimes you can find different species of baby ginger which are actually the young roots of a ginger plant and are often pink and cream-colored.

Ginger Nutrition Facts:

If you’ve ever tasted a piece of fresh ginger, you know that it packs an intense flavor punch. The more mature the ginger root, the stronger the flavor. When it comes to ginger’s health-boosting properties, a little bit goes a long way.

Ginger is high in vitamins C and B6, along with magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. It’s full of both fiber and water, making it good for gut health and weight maintenance. It’s also low in calories and high in phytochemicals — the active compounds in whole plant foods that protect your health. Most of ginger’s health benefits appear to come from its abundance of polyphenols, which protect the body against oxidative stress. Ginger contains three main polyphenols: gingerols, shogals, and paradols, in addition to being high in antioxidents.

It is believed that the benefits of ginger are:

1. Antiviral

2. Anticancer

3. Antiemetic

4. Treatment and Prevention for Harmful Gut Bacteria

5. Protection Against Radiation

6. A Pain Reliever

7. Helpful in Balancing Blood Sugar

8. Cardioprotective

9. Neuroprotective

Potential Side Effects of Ginger

Like anything else there is always a possible downside. If you’ve never used ginger before please note it may cause:

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

2. Allergic Reactions

3. Prolonged Bleeding

4. Central Nervous System Depression and Arrhythmia

5. Aggravated Gallbladder Disease

In addition to fresh ginger root and powdered ginger, there is also pickled ginger, ginger tea, dried or preserved ginger, and candied ginger (which, contains lots of sugar). Ginger is used in cooking and baking. Some of the most popular applications include:

• Indian curries

• Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese dishes or condiments

• Soups

• In a juice or smoothie

• In baked goods

• In breakfast foods like oatmeal, overnight oats, and chia puddings

• In sauces and dressings

• Teas and medicinal drinks