Are you a fan of ginger snaps or other foods associated with this spice? Both Indian and Asian foods commonly use ginger as a spice or ingredient in their cuisine. With a distinctly spicy taste, this spice packs a powerful punch. Alongside turmeric and cardamom, ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which can be grown in Australia, Indonesia, Jamaica, India, and Jamaica. Traditionally, ginger has been consumed not just for its taste but for its health benefits as well. You could even consider ginger to be a superfood.

Origins

Ginger originates in south China, although now the world’s biggest producer of ginger is India. A perennial plant, this flowering plant grows stems that can be three feet or higher in length. Their pink, white, and yellow flowers are so attractive that landscapers in subtropical climates often add them into their designs.

Rhizome

The rhizome is the ginger root, which is the part of the plant that we consume. The most optimal time of year to harvest rhizomes is in the fall, after the stalks begin deteriorating. Once the rhizome is picked, it is washed with water and scraped so that it will not sprout while it is being stored.

Ginger Processing

Ginger is processed into a variety of different forms, including powders, oils, and juices. The distinct smell and flavor of ginger originates from its natural oils, including gingerol.

Gingerol

Although ginger contains 115 different chemical compounds, gingerol would be considered the breadwinner. Gingerol is an oily substance with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Nausea Relief

If you are feeling nauseous or having trouble digesting your foods, try eating some ginger slice or drinking ginger juice or tea. According to Medical News Today, ginger contains phenols that can relieve gastrointestinal irritation. Studies have proven that drinking ginger tea may help reduce the nausea symptoms in pregnant women.

Muscle Pain Relief

Do you experience muscle pain following workouts? A University of Georgia study found that daily consumption of ginger can reduce muscle pain.

Help Fight Infections

The anti-inflammatory compounds in gingerol may help lower the risk of infections. If you are prone to gum disease, try eating ginger on a daily basis to help keep gum issues at bay.

How To Consume More Ginger

Due to the powerful flavor of ginger, it pairs well with some foods and tastes absolutely disgusting with other foods. Ginger tastes great in certain soups and stir fries and is a great spice for fish.

When selecting a ginger root at the store, look for a smooth root that is unwrinkled. Before using ginger in recipes, you will need to peel and grate it. Remember that a little ginger goes a long way, so start with one teaspoon of fresh ginger in your recipe to see how it tastes. If you would like to add a little more spice, feel free to add more.

If you are a smoothie or green juice drinker, consider adding some freshly grated ginger into your next drink. This root is tasty when mixed with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Asian dishes sometimes incorporate ginger into their stir fry dishes, which are absolutely delicious. As spices, ginger and garlic complement one another quite nicely.

Ginger Tea

If you are experiencing stomach issues, try drinking ginger tea for easy absorption. Grate your desired amount of ginger and place it in the bottom of a tea cup. Pour some boiling water over the ginger and let it sit for about ten minutes. You could even squeeze some fresh lemon into the tea and add raw honey for a truly delicious taste. You might enjoy drinking ginger tea so much that you have a few cups throughout the day, which will be great for your health.

Ginger Powder

Ground ginger is also sold as a spice and can be used in curry dishes as well as pumpkin pie recipes. Although pumpkin pie is not considered a healthy food by any means, you can at least convince yourself that the ground ginger is adding a health boost to this delicious dessert.

Not only is ginger delicious, but it’s good for you as well. If you are taking charge of your health by eating more superfoods, you could consider using our online health supplements as well. Our health food store at Ameriden International provides a wide variety of different products, including Rosavin® and The Original Olive Leaf Extract®. Shop our supplements for health today.