Forget everything you think you know about ginger because it’s more than just a yummy addition to stir-fries! This spicy superstar belongs to the same plant family as cardamom and turmeric, and its kick comes from gingerols, which might explain why it’s been used as a medicine for over 5,000 years. Believe it or not, ginger doesn’t even grow wild – it’s been cultivated by people like the Indians and Chinese since way back when. Ginger’s journey from Asia to the rest of the world is pretty impressive too. It was so valuable in ancient times that a pound of it cost as much as a sheep! Even Queen Elizabeth I got in on the ginger action, supposedly inventing gingerbread men as a festive treat. So next time you bite into a ginger snap, remember you’re enjoying a piece of history with a spicy kick1!
Ginger’s Hidden Health Benefits
Ginger is a gut-lovin’ warrior! Thanks to gingerol, a magic ingredient in ginger, it helps food move smoothly through your system, easing indigestion and nausea. Feeling queasy from chemo, pregnancy, or just ate something funky? Ginger can be your nausea-fighting friend. But that’s not all! This fiery root might also have anti-inflammatory powers and even help protect your cells from damage. Research is still ongoing, but ginger could be a buddy in the fight against conditions like arthritis2.
Unleash the Power of Ginger.
Start Now, Here’s How
Ready to turn ginger into your daily sidekick? Here’s the lowdown on making it happen! Adding this fiery friend to your meals is a breeze – it’s a culinary chameleon! Fresh, dried, powdered, even as oil or juice, ginger brings its benefits to any dish. Just remember, moderation is key. Experts recommend 3 to 4 grams a day, or 1 gram for pregnant folks. Before you go overboard though, a chat with your doctor is always a good idea. Even though ginger’s a superstar, too much can cause tummy troubles. Moderation and listening to your body are key to unlocking ginger’s full potential3!
References
1 Bode, A. M., and Z. Dong. “The Amazing and Mighty Ginger.” Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, edited by IFF Benzie and S. Wachtel-Galor, 2nd ed., CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2011, pp. 2-24. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/.
2 Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Ginger Benefits.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits.
3 “Why You Should Consider Adding Ginger to Your Diet.” UCLA Health, UCLA Health, https://www.uclahealth.org/news/why-you-should-consider-adding-ginger-to-your-diet.
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