What Is It?
Ginger root or ginger as it is commonly called, is the underground stem of the ginger plant. It is closely related to turmeric, galangal and cardamom(huh?!). This article covers some of the medicinal properties and culinary uses of ginger. We are able to find ginger in many different forms – fresh, dried, powdered, as well as pickled, candied, and in juice or oil form.
Where To Find It?
- It is very easy to find ginger root in the fresh produce section of any grocery store or vegetable market, worldwide.
- The spice section of most stores also carry ginger in powdered form.
- While these are the most common forms, we all know and love pickled ginger (think sushi ginger), available easily in most grocery stores.
- For other less common forms like dried ginger or preserved ginger, look in Asian stores or online.
Health Benefits
Traditional as well as alternative medicine use ginger in various forms for its health benefits. The main bioactive ingredient in ginger is gingerol, which is responsible for much of the medicinal properties.
- Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and also has antioxidant properties.
- Studies have shown that ginger lowers blood sugar and improves risk factors for heart disease. It may also lower cholesterol levels.
- In addition, ginger may improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer’s.
- It is used to aid digestion and reduce nausea, especially morning sickness and chemotherapy related nausea.
- Ginger is effective in managing osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Ginger tea is a home remedy for the common cough and cold as well as the flu.
- Finally, ginger can help to fight infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
For further reading on the health benefits of this superfood, I refer you to this article in healthline.
Culinary Uses
I always have fresh ginger in my fridge and ginger powder in my spice rack. This is an essential ingredient in most of my cooking to provide a fresh layer of complexity to my food. Here are some ways to incorporate ginger in your diet:
- Just boil down crushed fresh ginger into a concentrated tea. A tablespoon of this tea mixed with a bit of honey serves as a cough syrup. The same concentrated ginger tea with honey and lemon is the base for a warming hot drink to provide relief from the common cold and flu. Bonus: Add a shot of brandy to the hot toddy to help you sleep off the infection!
- Homemade ginger simple syrup is a wonderful base for many cocktails.
- It is an essential ingredient in many Caribbean, Indian and Asian dishes.
- Ground ginger is also used in sweet baked goodies such as cookies as well as in preserves (Trader Joes Mango Ginger Chutney is awesome!)
The Spruce Eats has an excellent article on the benefits of ginger as well as how to cook with this amazing spice. However you choose to include ginger into your diet, the health benefits of this superfood cannot be denied.