Ginger, or Ginger root is of the plant Zingiber. It has been cultivated in Southern Asia for thousands of years and is now grows in places like the Caribbean. It has been used for promoting good health for thousands of years by ancient medicine and is still respected today for its healthy properties.
Ginger can be consumed in many ways from boiled in water, to cooked with food, and even chewed on. It also comes powdered and can easily be sprinkled on anything, however in this state the benefits are far less compared to fresh ginger.
Ginger, when consumed raw, produces a hot taste, and when pickled the natural sweetness can be enjoyed.
Here are some benefits of consuming ginger:
- Shown to fight cancer cells, especially ovarian cancer
- Aids in respiratory health
- Improves absorption of essential nutrients into the body
- Helps to clear mucus from sinuses
- Aids in fighting motion sickness, nausea and vomiting
- Promotes good digestion
- Reduces flatulence
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory and aids in joint and muscle pain
- Has been proven to strengthen the immune system which in turn helps flight other potential illnesses
I like to buy fresh ginger from the market. I wash it really well and then stick it in a zip lock bag and pop it in the freezer. I am one to grate my ginger for everything from my teas to dinner dishes, and I find that it's much easier to grate from frozen.
A tip!
If you're feeling under the weather due to a stomach virus or have very bad nausea, here's A tip! Boil 1 cup water, add 1 tsp fresh grated ginger and 1 tsp honey. Mix well and let a Camomile tea bag steep for a few minutes. Drink this 2-3 times a day when ill. It will ease the sickness and aid in proper digestion.
