Ginger is a flowering plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. It is native to Asia and is cultivated all over the world.
The rhizome or root of the ginger plant is used as a spice and natural remedy. It has a tangy flavor that makes it popular in many cuisines, especially Asian cuisine, as a seasoning and remedy throughout the world for thousands of years.
In addition to adding flavor and aroma to food, ginger has many health benefits that can improve the quality of life for those who consume it.
It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Here are some of the reasons why you should eat ginger and how to make it easy and tasty.
Health benefits of ginger
- Relieves nausea and dizziness
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for nausea and motion sickness. According to several studies, ginger may be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy, chemotherapy, and surgery. It may also be beneficial for people who suffer from dizziness or motion sickness.
- Reduces inflammation
Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for people with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
- Improves digestion
Helps reduce inflammation of the intestine and improve intestinal function. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, helping to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently.
- Reduces menstrual pain
Reduces menstrual pain as well as some of the symptoms that it entails such as fatigue and depression.
- Strengthens the immune system
Helps strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells and increasing the activity of natural killer cells. This can help protect against disease and fight infection.
Incorporate this root into your diet
- fresh ginger: Fresh ginger is the most common way to use this plant. It can be grated, chopped or cut into thin slices to be added to cooking dishes. For example, it can be added to vegetable stir-fries, soups, stews, rice dishes, and sauces, among others. It can also be used in beverages, such as tea, juices, and smoothies.
- Ginger powder: It is obtained by drying and grinding fresh ginger. It is an easy and simple way to incorporate ginger into your diet, since it can be used in a wide variety of dishes, such as cakes, cookies, smoothies, sauces and marinades, among others.
- Pickled ginger: It's a delicious way to add a spicy, slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It can be used as an accompaniment to Asian dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, and fried rice.
- Ginger oil: It is a concentrated form of the bioactive compounds present in ginger. It can be used as a dressing in salads, to sauté vegetables, meat and fish, and to flavor cooking dishes.
- Ginger Supplements: Ginger supplements can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. They are a practical way to benefit from this root.
