Ginger Winter Warmer – Belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.
The rhizome which is the underground part of the stem is what we use as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger.
What is unique about ginger is its versatility. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient used in recipes and it is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.
Ginger also has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its medicinal purposes.
The unique warm and spicy fragrance and flavour of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger and is responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.
Ginger is thought to have many benefits, which include the following:
Helps to Fights Germs
Certain chemical compounds in fresh ginger help your body ward off germs. They’re especially good at halting the growth of bacteria like E.coli and shigella, and they may also help to keep viruses like RSV at bay.
Keeps Your Mouth Healthy
Ginger’s antibacterial power may also help to brighten your smile. Active compounds in ginger called gingerols keep oral bacteria from growing, that could cause gum infection.
May Help with Weight Control
Ginger’s ability to influence weight loss may be related to certain mechanisms, such as its potential to help increase the number of calories burned or reduce inflammation.
Helps to Decrease Cholesterol Levels
A daily dose of ginger may help you battle your “bad” or LDL cholesterol levels.
Calms Nausea
The old wives’ tale may be true: Ginger helps if you’re trying to ease a queasy stomach, especially during pregnancy. It may work by breaking up and getting rid of built-up gas in your intestines. It might also help settle seasickness or nausea caused by other illnesses.
Relieves Symptoms of Indigestion
If you live with chronic indigestion, also called dyspepsia, ginger could bring some relief. Ginger before meals may make your system empty faster, leaving less time for food to sit and cause problems.
Eases Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces swelling. That may be especially helpful for treating symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. You might get relief from pain and swelling either by taking ginger by mouth or by using a ginger compress or patch on your skin.
Ginger Powder may Help Ease Period Pains
One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.
Protects Against Disease
Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body’s DNA. They may help your body fight off chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs, plus promote healthy ageing.
To help incorporate ginger into your daily diet and lifestyle we have been introduced to Natur Boutique’s Organic Ginger Tea. It is made solely from 100% pure organic ginger and is renowned for its sweet, non-bitter, taste. The reason for such an outstanding taste comes from the way in which the ginger is grown. It comes from plants grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides in the warm tropical climate and fertile soils of Vietnam. The conditions and the fact the roots are allowed to grow slowly and naturally gives them a sweeter flavour than normal, which lends them perfectly to making tea.
For more information or to buy visit www.naturboutique.co.uk where prices start at £2.99. Also available from independent health stores.
Poppy Watt
Please consult a doctor before using if pregnant, breastfeeding, suffering from any medical condition or on any form of medication. Stop use immediately if you experience any adverse effects and consult a doctor. Consult a doctor before use of ginger, or ginger products, in children.