The 3 Best Ways To Use Ginger And Its Properties
Ginger is a spice that adds flavor to dishes. In addition, according to some research, it has compounds that help improve the quality of the diet. Do you dare to try it?
There are a wide variety of ways to use ginger for medicinal and gastronomic purposes. This spice, which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family , has been part of natural medicine for hundreds of years. In fact, some of its properties have now been studied and, thanks to this, it is considered a supplement to promote well-being.
What are its main properties? Why is it good to include it in the regular diet? Although it is not a miracle or healing ingredient, ingesting ginger contributes to improving the quality of the diet. It even seems that some preparations help to improve certain ailments. Below we detail what you can use it for.
1. Tea, one of the ways to use ginger
Ginger tea is one of the most common ways to take advantage of the properties of this root. According to information published in Phytotherapy Research , ginger has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative potential, among others.
Therefore, this drink can be included in a healthy diet in order to promote health and prevent diseases. Additionally, it can be helpful in relaxing the body and calming common ailments.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger (15 g)
- Boiling water (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of honey (7 g) (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
How to prepare it?
- Chop a tablespoon of fresh ginger root and add it to a cup of boiling water.
- You can add a little honey and lemon juice to taste.
- You can also prepare another tea recipe, with this same method, but replacing the water with milk.
2. Fresh ginger for dishes
The spicy touch of this spice is ideal to enhance the flavor of different foods and recipes. In general, you can add more or less, depending on the intensity of flavor you want to obtain. The spice can be grated, shredded, or cut into small slices to add to dishes.
Ginger can be used in the following foods:
- Preparations with meat.
- Different types of salad.
- Rice recipes.
- Fish and shellfish.
- Give the oils better flavor.
- Bread.
- Biscuits.
- Desserts.
- Puddings
3. Use ground ginger
There are many ways to use ground ginger at home. In fact, it is easier to incorporate it into dishes in this presentation than with the whole root. Right now, in the market you can buy ground to sprinkle in desserts, drinks, salads or smoothies.
However, it can also be prepared at home from the dried root. To do this, the first thing to do is wash and dry in the sun, or in an oven. When the root is dry, it is cut into pieces and ground in a mortar, grinder or coffee grinder.
What are the properties of ginger?
As detailed by research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food , ginger contains components with anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, acts positively against ailments associated with inflammation.
Although evidence is lacking, it has been suggested that it helps block the release of inflammation-causing prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
On the other hand, and according to this same publication, it contains antioxidants, useful to fight free radicals and prevent various types of chronic non-communicable diseases. Let’s see its properties in detail in the following space.
Helps prevent disease
Thanks to its main active compound, gingerol, ginger contributes to the prevention of diseases. As detailed in a study published in Natural Product Communications , gingerol has a variety of biological activities including anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.
Helps relieve nausea and dizziness
Since ancient times it has been used as a natural treatment to combat stomach problems. Regarding this, a study published in Integrative Medicine Insights determined that using ginger can contribute to the relief of nausea and vomiting thanks to its gingerols and shogaols content.
Helps calm migraine
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, ginger root is associated with a decrease in tension, inflammation and pain caused by migraines.
In fact, research published in Phytotherapy Research compares its effects with sumatriptan therapy, and suggests that it may be effective against this pain, with less risk of side effects.
Ginger for weight loss support
A study published in the journal Metabolism found that ginger has properties to stimulate metabolism and help burn fat more easily.
This is because it creates thermogenesis and increases the body’s ability to shed fat. In addition, it favors the feeling of satiety and, in general, supports weight control.
Of course, it is important to clarify that by itself little or nothing can do against being overweight. It is necessary that its consumption is accompanied by a healthy diet and physical exercise.
Is using ginger safe?
In most healthy adults, ginger is safe and safe when taken in moderate amounts. However, care must be taken in case of pregnancy and lactation, hypertension or use of anticoagulant medications.
To resolve doubts, it is best to consult your doctor. In addition, it must be borne in mind that its consumption does not replace medications and neither does it replace a good diet. It can simply be a complement.
