Ginger is the natural secret you’re looking for with amazing health benefits and tons of culinary uses!

Ginger isn’t something new and I’m sure we’ve all heard of it and used it occasionally maybe in an Asian inspired recipe or perhaps in a curry. But did you know that this naturally occurring ingredient has amazing health benefits as well? From helping you lose weight to managing arthritis to reducing nausea and inflammation, it’s nature’s medicinal secret.

Is Ginger a Vegetable or a Spice?

Ginger is technically a vegetable but a root vegetable. The ginger roots which are the underground part of the ginger plant are actually called the rhizomes. The plant is from the Zingiberaceae family. Other rhizome vegetables include turmeric, galangal and lotus.

Because ginger is well known as a spice, generally people are confused about its origin and don’t know that not only can it be used as a spice powder but also that ginger can be used in its fresh form to add flavor to different food.

Where does Ginger Come From?

The flowering plant from which ginger comes from actually originated in Asia, Southeast Asia to be exact in the regions of Indonesia, China and India. It’s one of the oldest cultivated vegetables used in food and medicine for thousands of years and today, it is grown in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world too like Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.

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What Is Ginger Good For?

Ginger has a ton of health benefits because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is a very powerful ingredient that even when used in small quantities can help so much. In some parts of the world, it is a part of daily life, used in cooking every day and also taken in drink form to not only enjoy the spicy taste but also to help protect from the cold, fever and flu out breaks.

Health Benefits of Ginger

There is a reason why Ginger has been used as a traditional medicinal ingredient for hundreds of years. This is because, it contains a natural oil called gingerol which gives it the unique spicy flavor and aroma. Gingerol is anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant effects which is what make it a powerful medicinal ingredient. This is why there are a whole slew of ginger benefits.

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Ginger for Indigestion

One of the most well know medicinal properties of this ingredient are as being a digestive aid. It can help stimulate the production of different digestive enzymes which can then alleviate indigestion, bloating and gas.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Gingerol is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients and it is present in ginger. If taken regularly, ginger may be beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Anti-Nausea

It has been commonly used as a natural relief for nausea. It is amazingly useful in morning sickness during pregnancy, motion sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It can help to calm down the stomach too. Drinking ginger infused weak tea is a surefire nausea cure.

Natural Painkiller

It has been found to contain natural analgesic properties and can be used as a painkiller in different kinds of pain like menstrual cramps, muscle soreness, and headaches being as effective as some over the counter pain medications in some cases.

Immune Support

It contains immune support antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help to strengthen the body and help to protect against infections. If taken every few days in food or drink form, ginger can greatly reduce the risk of flu, and other illnesses.

Reduces Cholesterol Levels

It has been shown that this magic ingredient is a key player in heart health helping to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also improve blood circulation.

Improves Brain Function

There are special bioactive compounds that are present in it that can help improve cognitive functions essentially protecting against decline in brain function as you get older. It can also reduce the risk of brain related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Natural Antioxidant

It has natural antioxidant properties that help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants are an important part of the human body system and are used to protect cells from damage.

Relief from Respiratory Problems

It has been traditionally used as a treatment for respiratory problems for centuries to relieve symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, and congestion. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial elements that help to soothe irritated airways.

Culinary Uses of Ginger

It is one of the most versatile ingredients in cooking used all over the world. From Asian cuisine to African cuisine, it adds amazing taste and aroma to dishes. Some common uses include:

As a Spice

In its fresh form as a root or ground in powder, it is a commonly used spice that adds great flavor to different dishes. The flavor is a little spicy, little sweet but can be too much if added in a large quantity.

Asian Style Curry and Stir Fry

It is a staple ingredient used with garlic in many Asian foods like stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes. It is added in the start of the dish a lot of the time and adds an amazing depth of flavor.

Marinade and Glaze

It is a big ingredient in marinades for different meats before cooking like chicken, lamb and seafood. The ginger not only adds taste but also tenderizes the meat. It is also used in sauces and glazes like in teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and ginger-soy glazes.

Soup and Broth

You can use it in the fresh form to add a kick to different soups, broths and stews. It is often used as a base to make the soup, boiled with some other ingredients to form the broth and then it can be made into a soup or stew depending on the vegetables or meat.

In Baking

Ground and in the form of a powder, it is an ingredient used to flavor baked goods like gingerbread, cookies, cakes, and muffins. It not only adds warmth and spiciness making it a winter ingredient but it also enhances the overall taste of the sweet dish.

In Drinks

It is one of the most popular tea flavorings made by steeping the fresh form of the vegetable in hot water. It helps in soothing an upset stomach, it is commonly taken for nausea and also as an after-dinner tea for digestion. You can also it in cocktails, mocktails, beer, ale and infused water.

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In Pickled Form

Pickled ginger is a preserved delicacy that is usually served in Japan as a side dish along with sushi and other main dishes as a palate cleanser. It has slightly sweet and tangy taste that goes well with sushi. Sometimes it is also used as a topping.

Salad Dressing and Sauce

When grated or minced, like garlic, the flavors tend to become stronger and more powerful and this amazing vegetable is used this way in salad dressings and vinaigrettes, and dipping sauces. It also goes well with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, citrus, and honey to make delicious dressings and sauces for salads, noodles, and dipping.

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Ginger Drinks

Since this root vegetable is such a versatile ingredient, it is also used to create a slew of different kinds of warm and cold but definitely delicious drinks! Here are a few:

Ginger Beer

This beer is a carbonated alcoholic drink that comes from the warm Caribbean coasts. It’s a popular favorite with a spicy and slightly sweet taste and is very refreshing on a hot day. Usually served cold, this beer is brewed using just ginger, sugar and water with yeast like regular beer. In some places, you can find non-alcoholic versions as well.

Ginger Ale

This is a carbonated non-alcoholic soft drink that is light, sweet and refreshing. It has a mild flavor and sometimes it is used to treat upset stomachs and nausea. It contains ginger in the form of an extract and sweeteners. It is used sometimes to create different types of cocktails and mocktails.

Ginger Cocktail

It is a popular ingredient in cocktails especially because it offers a uniquely spicy and aromatic flavor profile much like mint does and this goes well with various alcoholic mixed drinks. One of the most famous cocktails using this ingredient is the Moscow Mule which is created by mixing vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and ice, finished off with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Ginger Mocktail

It also goes well with cold carbonated non- alcoholic drinks because it packs a punch of flavor. One amazing cult favorite mocktail is the Ginger Lime Fizz mocktail which is made with ginger ale, fresh lime juice, and club soda, garnished with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. Just omit the alcohol and you can also make a Virgin Moscow Mule too.

Ginger Detox Water

It is a popular ingredient to include in detox water because it has digestive and cleansing properties and is amazingly refreshing. Paired with fresh mint leaves, lemon slices and ginger slices can be left overnight in cold water to create an amazing detox water that is good for hydration as well as digestion.

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Ginger Shots

A small concentrated shot of this magic vegetable in grated or minced form mixed with lemon juice or poured into orange juice has all your body needs to detoxify your body and even fight the common cold. These shots are an easy and fast way of getting a burst of refreshment and detoxification.

Ginger Tea

This powerful and healing tea is also known as ginger tisane or infusion and is a soothing, healing, delicious and amazingly beneficial tea that uses steeped ginger in hot water. This tea is great in cold weather and not only supports your digestive system but also protects your immune system against colds and infections. Take a look at our recipe below!

The Best Ginger Tea Recipe

This tea has all the ginger benefits and a beautifully balanced taste! The ingredients include:

For 2 cups

1 teaspoon green tea leaves

½ of a small lemon

1 teaspoon pure honey

1 teaspoon grated ginger

All you have to do is take freshly grated ginger and steep it in hot water with green tea leaves. Then mix in lemon juice and honey to it in the cup. You can change the preference of honey and lemon to your preference. Adding lemon and honey can enhance the effects of this tea and also give it a more balanced flavor.

Drink it hot on a cold day and enjoy the benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Use Ginger?

This amazing root vegetable is super versatile can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. You can find it at the supermarket in processed forms or at your local farmers market in the fresh form which is by far the best way to consume it.

Is Ginger Good For You?

Yes, absolutely. It is a magical ingredient that can be used fresh or pre-packaged, in any form and in different ways in cooking and in drinks but the most important thing is that it is packed full of benefits for your body and it just so happens to be flavorful!

In short ginger has been used for hundreds of years and probably will be used forever to make tasty dishes and flavorful sides, delicious sauces and healthy drinks all over the world. Its distinctive and refreshing flavor and its versatility makes it a beloved ingredient in kitchens everywhere. It doesn’t end there; ginger continues its journey being a medicinal ingredient having tons of potential benefits and is an important ingredient for a healthy diet and to live a healthy life.

However, if you are thinking about incorporating ginger into your life and using it for medicinal purposes, please do consult a dietician, medical professional or your personal doctor especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.