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Quote of the day:

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.”

– Thomas Edison

Ginger

What is it?

Ginger root, comes from the Zingiber officinale plant and has a long-standing history in Chinese and Indian medicine. It is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, but its key component is gingerol, a natural oil that gives ginger its unique taste and smell. Gingerol offers potent medicinal properties, acting as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and providing various other health benefits.

Ginger's notable effects include its warming influence on the body, aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation. It is well-known for soothing digestive discomfort, alleviating nausea, and promoting overall digestive well-being.

Ginger proves to be highly versatile and can be used in various forms: fresh, dried, powdered, peeled, oiled, or extracted. Fresh ginger is preferable due to its high concentration of gingerol, which offers most of the health benefits. Incorporating ginger into your routine is easy, such as grated ginger in cooking or ginger-infused tea.

Why does it matter?

Ginger is an incredible herb due to its many health benefits and historical use as both a spice and a traditional medicine. Here are some key reasons why ginger is important:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and other inflammatory diseases.

• Digestive aid: Ginger has been widely recognized for its digestive benefits. It can help alleviate nausea, vomiting, and indigestion, making it a natural remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort. Ginger also stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

• Anti-nausea effects: Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties, which have been validated through scientific studies. It is commonly used to alleviate motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and nausea caused by chemotherapy or surgery.

• Potential antioxidant activity: Ginger possesses antioxidant compounds that can help protect the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This may contribute to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

• Pain relief: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can also provide relief from pain associated with various conditions, including muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, and headaches.

• Immune system support: Ginger contains immune-boosting properties that can enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms. Regular consumption of ginger may help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

• Potential cancer-fighting properties: Some studies suggest that the bioactive compounds found in ginger may have anti-cancer properties. While further research is needed, ginger shows promise in inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

• Blood sugar regulation: Ginger has shown potential in helping regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

• Warming properties: Ginger is considered a warming herb in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have the ability to promote circulation and warm the body. Ginger is often used to treat conditions related to coldness and stagnation, such as cold limbs, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and menstrual cramps.

It's important to clarify that ginger ale, as traditionally consumed for stomach discomfort, does not provide the same therapeutic effects as consuming real ginger. Commercial ginger ale undergoes a heating process during production and contains carbonation and additives, leading to a reduced concentration of gingerol and other active compounds. The ginger flavor in ginger ale is often achieved through the use of extracts, oils, or artificial flavorings rather than the natural ginger itself.

How to add into your daily routine?

If you are not consuming ginger regularly, this is your sign. Ginger is a staple in my weekly grocery shopping. The benefits are so incredible as seen above and it’s so easy to add into your routine. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh ginger tea: Start your morning with a cup of fresh ginger tea. Simply grate or slice a small piece of ginger root, steep it in hot water for a few minutes.

• Cooking: Ginger adds a delicious and aromatic flavor to a variety of dishes. Grate or finely chop ginger and add it to stir-fries, soups, curries, marinades, and salad dressings. It pairs well with ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, lime, and honey. You can also use the ginger powder for cooking.

• Ginger-infused water: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to a pitcher of water and let it infuse overnight in the refrigerator. This creates a refreshing and mildly flavored ginger-infused water that you can sip throughout the day.

• Fresh juices & wellness shots: Incorporate ginger into your fresh juices or daily wellness shots for an added kick of flavor and potential health benefits. Blend ginger with fruits like oranges, pineapples, and apples for a zesty and nutritious beverage.

• Ginger in baked goods: Add a touch of ginger to your baked goods for a unique flavor twist. Grated ginger can be incorporated into cookies, cakes, muffins, or even homemade granola.

• Ginger in sauces and condiments: Enhance the flavor of your sauces, salad dressing, and condiments by adding ginger. Create a ginger-soy dipping sauce or a tangy ginger-lime vinaigrette to elevate your meals.

• Pickled ginger: often served alongside sushi, is known as gari. It is made from thinly sliced young ginger root that has been marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.

These are just a few ideas, and you can get creative with incorporating ginger into your meals and daily routine.

As always, when adding anything new to your diet, it is important to exercise caution and be mindful of your body's response. While ginger is generally considered safe for most people, individual sensitivities and allergies can vary.

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