Let’s Talk about Ginger

What is ginger? 

Ginger, which originated in Southeast Asia and India, is a sweet scented vegetable that delivers flavor and aroma when heated or crushed.  When we eat ginger, we are eating the root called the rhizome.  Along with its delicious taste and smell, it provides us with health benefits too!  

What are some health benefits of ginger? 

I think the first health benefit that pops into my head when thinking about ginger is that it is used to sooth the stomach. How many times as a kid did your parents give you ginger ale to help with a bellyache?  By eating ginger it supports proper digestion, so food does not linger in the gut.  

Ginger also is known to help with bloating, gas and can be helpful with addressing nausea.  Whether nausea is a side effect of chemotherapy to treat cancer or morning sickness while pregnant, it helps relive this symptom.  

Another health benefit of ginger is pain relief.  Pain associated with menstrual cramps or arthritis are great examples of symptoms that can be addressed with ginger.  Now this is not something that can be eaten once and all your pain goes away (I wish!).  It is linked more to long term pain relief verse immediate pain aid.  

Lastly, ginger contains antioxidants, which helps protect our cells from free radicals.  Free radicals are items that can damage cells.  Some example of free radicals are physical activity, breathing, and lifestyle habits (like smoking).  Moral of the story, ginger helps keep our cells strong and avoids wear and tear.  

How do we incorporate ginger into our diet?

Ginger, by root or powder, can be added into beverages as well as used in many different entrees, desserts, dressings and more.  Here are a few ideas of ways to incorporate ginger into your diet.  

• Ginger Tea 
  • You can buy tea bags, which will contain dry ginger, at the food store 
  • You also can buy a piece of ginger, peel it and cut it into thin slices.  These slices can be added to your mug along with boiling water.  
  • Ginger tea is a better option compared to ginger ale or ginger beer, to avoid intake of simple sugars. 
• Season on Vegetables 
  • Ginger can be added to vegetables for flavor 
• Pickled Ginger 
  • Thinly sliced pickled ginger is usually added on your plate of sushi as a pallet cleanser 
• Thai Ginger Curry 
• Ginger Carrot Soup
• Ginger Salad Dressing

As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to incorporate ginger, fresh root or powder, into your diet.  Don’t forget that eating your nutrition is always the best bet instead of taking a supplement, so give it a try!  I challenge you! 

This blog was written by Amanda J. Stahl RD, LDN, co-founder of Simple Start Nutrition.  For more blog posts and nutrition information follow @simplestartnutrition on Instagram and Facebook.  Also feel free to contact us, by visiting our website (simplestartnutrition.com) to schedule an appointment to discuss your nutrition related needs.  We’re here to help.

Additional References: 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits

https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/exploring-aromatics

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ginger-health-benefits/

https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/antioxidants-protecting-healthy-cells