Ginger: Spice up your life…

Looking for a natural way to bring down inflammations in your body or control nausea?  Ginger has been used for thousands of years in China, India, and Middle Eastern regions as a remedy. Now scientific studies tell us why. 

Ginger is rich in phyto-nutrients called gingerols that are anti-oxidant, ant-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. Several controlled researches have shown ginger to have a positive effect on various diseases like Arthritis, Cancer, Migraine, Asthma, Heartburn, Cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. 

I have drunk my fair share of ginger ale during my pregnancy to combat morning sickness. Many folks take concentrated ginger capsules to prevent motion sickness and nausea. Ginger suppresses the release of vasopressin from the central nervous system that helps with nausea.

Ginger has been incorporated in many cuisines worldwide. Gingerbread cookies anyone? Gingerbread house is a Christmas tradition around the world. Picked ginger in Japanese cuisine and the main ingredient in Kimchi is ginger. South Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Mynamar, India, Sri Lanka use ginger extensively in their curries. Ginger Beer, Ginger Liquor, Ginger Ale, Ginger Candy, Ginger flavored coffee, and Ginger Tea are popular drinks worldwide.

Ginger is a root and sold in supermarkets. Store fresh ginger in a cool dry place along with your onions and garlic and it would stay fresh for few weeks. You can also find ginger powder in Asian markets, but I prefer fresh ginger! To use it in your cooking, peel it, and then grate it. And use it in practically any and every dish being prepared in your kitchen.

I am a heavy user of fresh ginger in my cooking. Below are some ways of incorporating it in your cooking:

• Teaspoon of grated ginger in Masala Chai (tea) makes it a tasty drink to sip slowly and enjoy.
• Grated or ground ginger added to all curries and stir fries enhances the taste of the dish manifold.
• Grate ginger and combine it with fresh mint leaves paste. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter and add the grated ginger-mint paste to it. Use it as a dip for your chips or use it as a spread on your crackers.
• Use grated ginger as a garnish on your noodles and stir fry vegetables.
• Add a teaspoon of grated ginger or a pinch of dry ginger powder to the bread dough.
• Add grated ginger to your quinoa or couscous or whole grains as you steam cook them.

Net: Ginger is a very versatile ingredient with amazing health benefits and so easy to incorporate in your cuisine, that there is no excuse not to do so. Enjoy…