Ginger

Nutrition, Nutrition Spotlight

Nutrition Spotlight – Ginger

Ginger is one of my favorite herbs/spices.  It can support our body in so many ways! 

Here are a few highlights:

  • Digestive support – stimulates digestion, helps move food through the digestive tract, relieves nausea, gas, and bloating
  • Anti-oxidant – many powerful compounds in ginger that can help prevent or delay cell damage caused by free radicals
  • Anti-inflammatory – especially good for inflammation related to arthritis and the digestive tract, but good for reducing general inflammation
  • Immune support – can reduce severity and duration of colds/flu and some studies have shown ginger can block viruses from attaching to airways
  • Other – can help support balanced blood sugar levels, stimulates circulation, pain relief (particularly from menstrual cramps), and may help lower cholesterol

How to enjoy ginger:

  • Add fresh ginger root or powdered ginger when cooking – it’s great added to soups, curries, stir fry, marinades, etc.
  • Add fresh shaved ginger to salads, include in smoothies and juices
  • Ginger tea
  • Ferment or pickle vegetables with ginger

Tips for using fresh ginger:

  • To peel fresh ginger root, use the side of a spoon. The peel will come off easily. Also, you don’t have to worry about removing all the peel – it won’t hurt you. Just remove the majority of the peel, especially the tougher parts.
  • Chop, slice, mince, or shred and add to your next recipe
  • Fresh ginger root can be frozen, so when you find great looking ginger root at the store (like the picture above) buy and freeze whole.

Disclaimer: Although I am a holistic nutritionist, I am not YOUR nutritionist.  All content and information is for informational and educational purposes only. Information provided is not intended as medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician, nutritionist, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or any medical condition and before proceeding with any action pertaining to health-related issues.