Both fresh and dried, ginger is one of the most valued foods for being very healthy. But what exactly is ginger, what specific properties and qualities does it have, and how can it be taken? Here are all the answers to your questions.
What is ginger?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a plant whose rhizomes (underground stems) are highly valued for their gastronomic and medicinal qualities. Its lemony aroma and spicy flavor have traditionally been associated with oriental cuisine and, especially, Japanese. But today it has been incorporated into the recipe book of almost every kitchen in the world, both for its flavor and for its infinite health benefits. And if not, check it out for yourself.
Ginger properties
- Protects the immune system. It contains sesquiterpenes that stand up to the viruses that cause almost all colds.
- Anti-inflammatory. According to the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps fight respiratory diseases, osteoarthritis and digestive problems, since it works by blocking substances related to inflammatory processes.
- Has calming properties. It is also good for preventing muscle aches, as well as avoiding soreness.
- Relieves nausea. According to the endocrinology department of the Dexeus University Institute, ginger is a good non-pharmacological option for the relief of nausea during pregnancy, and no adverse effects of its use during pregnancy were observed in any study.
- Reduces gas and bloating. By eating it, you increase gastric juices, which facilitates digestion and hinders the formation of gases.
- Relieves the discomfort of the rule. It is proven that it also helps alleviate the discomfort caused by menstruation.
- It is good for circulation. It is a vasodilator, which promotes blood circulation and helps fight headaches caused by constriction of blood vessels.
- It slows down the aging of the nervous system. Protects neurons against amyloid proteins that cause their degeneration.
- It has a fat burning effect. According to a study by the China Agricultural University, ginger speeds up metabolism (and calorie burning) and therefore helps to lose weight and is considered a fat burning spice.
- Clear the airways. It has antitussive and expectorant qualities, clears the respiratory tract, and is useful in the treatment of flu or colds.
Do you have contraindications?
- Yes. Ginger has some contraindications. In high doses it produces gastritis and it is advisable not to take it if you suffer from gastroduodenal ulcer.
How to take ginger
You can find it in powder together with other spices and also the dried rhizome, but it is considered that it preserves its properties and benefits better if you eat it fresh. You can find it like this in the fruits and vegetables section and go grating it (to add it to purees, soups, stews …) as needed. A trick to make it last longer is to freeze it and take it out to grate it when you need it.
- In infusion. It can be taken both fresh and dried in infusion, boiling it for five minutes. The ginger infusion is calorific and revitalizing.
- Fat burning drink. You can also take 2 grams of ginger powder dissolved in a glass of hot water to burn more calories.
- As a condiment. Another option is to add some grated or powdered ginger to stir-fries, stews, creams, soups or even in the dough of breads and cakes. Its aroma and spicy flavor provides a very interesting contrast to sweets.
- Before meals. It can be grated and taken a teaspoon before eating or even added to meals to avoid gas.
- Between plate and plate. In Japanese cuisine, it is cut into thin slices and pickled to serve with sushi and sashimi. Its function is to cleanse the palate to better appreciate a new flavor between bites.
- Bauble. There is also dried ginger as if it were a snack or a candy that you can nibble when you do some physical activity.
