Ginger root Ginger is one of my new favourite ingredients to cook with. My love affair with ginger wasn’t always bliss, I actually never liked ginger until just a few months ago and now I just can’t get enough. I never liked the “clean” taste, but now I find it “oh so refreshing”. It is a great pick me up and adds some intense flavour to my morning smoothies. It also adds a little pow of flavour to pretty much any dish I make, especially salad dressings. Ginger is more than just a tasty root, it is a superfood. It has many amazing health benefits, which is just one more reason I love it.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Anti-inflammatory

Ginger contains a phytonutrient called gingerol, a potent antioxidant that has been found to relieve pain and inflammation in people who have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that it can reduce certain hormones that promote inflammation. This is similar to how NSAID’s work, but with out the nasty side effects.

Eases your Stomach

Ginger has been used for years as a remedy for nausea associated with motion and morning sickness. Most kids are given Ginger Ale when they are sick to help settle an upset stomach, I know I was. Fresh ginger root is much more beneficial than the sugar-filled pop. The gingerols help to relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal system, so it assists digestion and prevents gas, as well as bloating.

Anti-cancer

Ginger has been shown to reduce certain types of cancers such as: colon, ovarian, kidney and lung. It does so by inhibiting the growth and production and inducing the death of cancer cells.

Immune Health

This superfood boosts your immune system by inducing sweating, a natural way to detox. Don’t try and stop a fever, just let it be, it is your metabolism being cranked up a notch to fight off infection. However, it is important to monitor a fever to make sure it doesn’t get dangerously high. It has been used for years to treat colds and also the flu. It also decreases bacterial infections by acting as an anti-biotic and killing pathogenic bacteria.

Heart Health

By consuming ginger regularly the risk of heart disease can be greatly diminished. This is because ginger inhibits fatty deposits in the arteries and reduces the stickiness of blood platelets.

Improves Nutrient Absorption

Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of nutrients that are essential to your body. It does so by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretions.

Respiratory Health

Respiratory ailments such as a cough or asthma can be helped by ginger, by expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm. It is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucous.

Circulation

Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc, which help to improve blood flow and also prevent chills, fever and excessive sweats.

What are the nutrients in ginger?

Ginger is loaded with nutrients! Ginger contains:

Potassium is great for heart health, while manganese builds resistance to disease, protects the lining of the heart, blood vessels and urinary passages. Silicon promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth and also nails. Try my Ginger Lemon Tea Recipe (below) and infuse a little ginger in your life!

Ginger Lemon Tea Recipe 

Ingredients:

4 cups of purified water
2 tbsp fresh ginger (shredded or finely chopped)
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

  1. Bring water to a boil.
  2. Add lemon juice and ginger to hot water, let steep for ten minutes*.
  3. Enjoy.

* I leave the ginger in, but you can either strain it or use a tea ball.

Have you fallen head-over-heels in love with ginger? Me too! Share your comments below and let us know what you thought of the tea recipe. Also, feel free to use the social media links below to pass on the spice to friends and family so they can reap all the benefits of ginger too! For more great recipes and articles, check out Nicole’s site by Clicking Here.