Zingiber officinale or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant , consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). The distantly related dicots in the Asarum genus have the common name wild ginger because of their similar taste.Ginger is indigenous to southern China, from whence it spread to the Spice Islands and other parts of Asia, and subsequently to West Africa and the Caribbean.Ginger appeared in Europe, via India.
Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries and many fruit and vegetable dishes. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. In North America, ginger is mainly used as an ingredient in making sweets such as gingerbread, ginger snaps and ginger biscuits, and as a beverage called ginger ale.
Ginger is also widely used in Europe and the United Kingdom, where it is not only used as a cooking recipe ingredient, but also as an ingredient in making wine and liqueur. A ginger-flavored liqueur called "Canton" is produced in Jarnac, France. Green ginger wine is a ginger-flavored wine produced in the United Kingdom, traditionally sold in a green glass bottle.Ginger is also used as a spice added to hot coffee and tea.
The Benefits of Ginger :
Maintains Normal Blood Circulation:
Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat.
Remedies Motion Sickness:
Ginger is a known effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness. The exact reason is unknown, but in a study of naval cadets, those given ginger powder suffered less.
Improves absorption:
Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.
Cold and Flu Prevention:
Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day.
Combats Stomach Discomfort:
Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache. Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen.
Colon Cancer Prevention:
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Reduce Pain and Inflammation:
Ginger contains some of the most potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller.
Fights Common Respiratory Problems:
If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus.. That way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment:
Ginger powder induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells.
Strengthens Immunity:
Ginger helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.
Combats Morning Sickness:
Ginger has demonstrated a success rate of 75 percent in curing morning sickness and stomach flu
Side effects of consuming ginger are rare, but may include:
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Stomach upset
Mouth irritation
No comments:
Post a Comment