Since thousands of years ago, ginger has been used as a food and herbal medicine in Asia and the Far East. This long and established history of medicinal use of ginger in humans led to scientific assessment of the effectiveness of ginger as an alternative medicine. Most research papers mention that one of the key benefits of ginger is gastrointestinal motility – contraction of the muscles that mix and propel contents in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Top Benefits:
- Reduce Bloating and gas – Ginger can help reduce bloating and gas by breaking down the proteins that cause them. It can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating & intestinal gas.
- Reduce nausea, vomiting and motion sickness – For generations women have praised the power of ginger to ease morning sickness.
- Boost immunity – Ginger extract enhances antioxidant ability. Some people find it helpful to fight against common colds and flu.
- Preventing chronic diseases – A 2017 study of 4,628 people found that daily ginger consumption may protect against hypertension and few other chronic diseases
How to eat ginger
One of the most popular ways to eat ginger is in the form of ginger tea. To make ginger tea, simply simmer a piece of fresh ginger in water for 10 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to taste. Another easy way to include ginger in your diet is to add it to stir-fries, soups or curries. Fresh ginger can also be grated over salad or fruit.Dried ginger is available in powder form and can be used to make tea or added to recipes. It is also possible to buy capsules or tablets containing powdered ginger. It is important to speak to your doctor before taking any supplements, particularly if you have a medical condition
Ginger root vs powder vs paste
When it comes to ginger, there are three common forms that you’ll find at the grocery store: fresh ginger root, dried ginger powder and ginger paste. But what’s the difference between these three forms of ginger?
Fresh ginger root is the most commonly used form of ginger in cooking. It has a sharp, slightly sweet flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Fresh ginger root can be grated, sliced or minced and added to recipes. It can also be simmered in water to make ginger tea.
Dried ginger powder is made from ground up dried ginger root. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is often used in baking or to make ginger tea. Dried ginger powder can also be added to stir-fries, soups and curries for a bit of extra flavor.
Ginger paste is made by grinding up fresh ginger root into a smooth paste. It can be used in the same way as fresh ginger root and is a convenient way to add ginger to recipes.
When it comes to health benefits, all three forms of ginger are believed to offer similar benefits. However, fresh ginger root is the best form of ginger to use if you’re looking to get the maximum benefit from this spice.
- Ginger has a deeply rooted history in Asian, Indian, and Arabic cultures as a traditional remedy for digestive support.*
- Trusted quality. This product is Non-GMO Project Verified.
- Gluten-free and vegan. No salt, yeast-derived ingredients, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
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Organic Ground Ginger Powder, 1.5 Pounds (24 Ounce), Great Flavor and Highly Aromatic, Fine Loose Powder for Better Mixing without Settling, Best for Cooking, Baking, Tea & More
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Precautions
Ginger is generally safe to consume in small to moderate amounts. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking any supplements, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Large doses of ginger may cause heartburn, diarrhea or gas. If you experience any negative side effects after consuming ginger, it is best to reduce your intake or discontinue use altogether.
It is also important to note that ginger may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medication. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor before including ginger in your diet if you are taking any medication.
How to grow ginger at home
Here’s what you need to know about growing ginger at home:
1. Ginger is a tropical plant, so it needs warm temperatures to grow.
2. Ginger is best started from a piece of fresh ginger root (you can find this at the grocery store)
3. Plant the ginger root in well-drained soil in a location that gets partial sun
4. Water the ginger root regularly, but don’t overdo it – the roots can rot if they get too wet
5. Harvest the ginger root when the plant flowers (this typically takes about 9-10 months)
6. Store the ginger root in a cool, dry place.
With a little care, you can easily grow ginger at home