Ginger: Not Just for Ale and Snaps!

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

14 Jun 2009 10:10 AM

Ginger has a long history in the kitchen AND in health care. Throughout Asia and Europe, the "root" has been a popular ingredient in cooking and a popular remedy for more than one ailment.

Ginger isn't actually a root, as it turns out -- although we call it ginger root. The lumpy, bumpy "root" is actually a rhizome. What's a rhizome, you ask? A rhizome is an underground stem from which plants grow. Shoots can form at the joints of the root as it grows horizontally.

What can ginger do for your health?

• Settle your stomach. Ginger is great for reducing nausea and easing motion sickness. Try sipping ginger ale or ginger tea, or savoring a ginger candy. This herbal remedy may not be a strong as over-the-counter anti-nausea medications, but for mild discomfort, it may work just as well for you and your tummy!
• Antioxidants -- ginger is full of them. While it might be tricky to eat as much ginger as you would other antioxidant-rich foods (like berries), ginger still packs a punch. Antioxidants help clear the body of dangerous free radicals.
• Reduce inflammation. Studies show that ginger may be great for reducing inflammation in the body. As little as a quarter of a teaspoon of fresh or dried ginger daily may be useful.
• Ease arthritis pain? Maybe. Studies are underway, and at least one showed that ginger was no better or worse than a placebo for test subjects. But more research is needed before scientists can make a definite decision.
• Treat diabetes? Studies on rats show that this herbal remedy may help treat diabetes in rats. I'll be keeping an eye on more news about that, as diabetes is a subject near and dear to my heart (and my family).

You don't need to eat a ton of ginger to reap the benefits -- and it goes well with savory and sweet dishes! The Families.com Food Blog is full of great recipes that will help you include ginger in your diet.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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