Fresh ginger root has a wonderful flavor, don’t you think? You can grate it in dressings, slice it in teas or hot lemon water or add a chunk to your blended drinks, soups and smoothies.
Ginger has been known and valued in many cultures around the world for thousands of years for its medicinal uses. The most commonly used part of the ginger plant is the root-like stem. It is a rich source of antioxidants. Here are some amazing benefits to inspire you to add more of this great food to your dishes:
Top 5 Benefits!
1 – Anti-inflammatory; treasured for pain relief – muscle and joint pain, menstrual pain, headaches and migraines etc.
2 – Antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties. These are just some of its more than 40 pharmacological actions.
3 – Has shown promise for fighting cancer, diabetes, asthma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, bacterial and fungal infections, and more. Also helps prevent the toxic effect of many substances (including cancer drugs). Furthermore offers protection to the diabetic’s liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and eyes.
4 – It is a thermo genic substance (meaning tending to produce heat) with beneficial impacts on metabolism and fat storage. May boost your metabolism by up to 5 percent, and increase fat burning by up to 16 percent.
5 – Great for relief when you are nauseous (from pregnancy or chemotherapy) or for motion sickness or an upset stomach.
Fresh ginger or extract?
This depends on what you are using the ginger for. For the most potent medicinal properties, ginger extract may be necessary. But there are also therapeutic benefits from fresh or even dried ginger.
Storage
Store the fresh unpeeled ginger root in a moist paper towel in the fridge. It keeps for at least three weeks there and in your freezer for six months or more.
Use more of this spice and
– Thinly slice fresh ginger root in lemon water or tea.
– Grate fresh ginger and add to soups for both flavor and heat.
– Chop off a couple of inches of ginger root and let it steep in hot water for fresh ginger tea.
– Cut a chunk of ginger root and blend with your ingredients when making salad dressing.
– Grate ginger to create yummy chutney mixes.
– Mix in organic powdered ginger into ice tea; spice up cookie dough – raw of course!; etc.
Enjoy!
Inspiration from article by Dr. Mercola.
Do you have a favorite way to use ginger?
Would love to hear from you!