by: Matthew Krajewski
Quite frankly, I don’t think much about nor consume ginger outside of topping my sushi with it. A friend offered me a ginger mint the other day, and feeling a touch of motion sickness from our car ride, found the ginger killed any queasiness I was feeling. Apparently alleviating motion sickness is just one of many medicinal properties ginger (also known botanically as Zingiber Officinale) has been attributed with, others qualities being anti-inflammatory in nature, aiding circulation, easing migraines or headaches, as well as having mood enhancing properties. In addition, ginger is a good source of vitamin B6, copper, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.
Folk medicine has often referred to ginger for its ability to alleviate nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. The digestive properties can be attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, both of which are known to stimulate the right digestive juices in our stomachs and digestive tracts. Pregnant women with motion sickness often turn to ginger to alleviate symptoms when other methods fail.
The flavor of ginger, and most of its powerful properties, is due to ginger containing gingerol. Gingerol is an anti-inflammatory, and when all else fails, those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis have turned to ginger, finding that regular consumption of ginger provides relief. Gingerol may also help prevent the growth of colorectal cancer. Ginger also contains cineole which is thought to be able to reduce stress.
Ginger is known as to possess “warming” properties, and consumption of ginger may promote sweating. This in turn promotes circulation and this has been thought to “flush” out the system when fighting a cold or flu. Ginger may also block the effects of prostaglandin. Prostaglandin causes inflammation of blood vessels in the brain which can lead to headaches or migraines.
If you want to harness all of these powerful properties ginger possesses, it is best to seek fresh ginger over dried ginger. Fresh ginger will contain higher concentrations of gingerol, which is like ginger’s superpower. Ginger can be found in the produce sections of most grocery stores, and healthy ginger will be firm and smooth. Ginger is often found in fusion and recipes with a modern flair, so poke around to find out how you can incorporate the super-powerful ginger into your diet.
I believe in the power of ginger, it reduces, inflamation and it eases and most time relieves you of stomach upsets. More the reason why I should always include fresh ground ginger in my shopping lists!
Comment by alvina — February 25, 2008 @ 1:12 am