The ginger is one of the plants with the most beneficial properties for the body. It is the root of a herbaceous plant with a flower native to Asia, which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, just like turmeric or cardamom, and like these it is also consumed as a spice.
The beneficial properties for the organism of ginger are numerous. To begin with, the ginger root has properties anti-inflammatory and is useful for relieving menstrual cramps or intestinal inflammation. It also has properties antioxidants, which contributes to slowing down aging and reducing cell damage; and antibacterial that favor the elimination of infectious microorganisms from the body and some harmful oral bacteria.
On the other hand, it also helps fight halitosis, making the breath smell better; has an effect analgesic, being useful to combat Headaches and arthritic type; and it has anticoagulant properties that slow the formation of clots that can be dangerous if created inside a blood vessel.
Also the consumption of this medicinal plant and spice helps relieve nausea and dizziness due to rocking during travel; favors the expectoration, helping to relieve congestion and other cold symptoms; and could contribute to lower blood sugar levels, according to some recent but still preliminary studies.
Harvesting ginger
The ginger benefits can be used as a supplement, infusion or culinary ingredient
The expert Amanda Dutruc, pharmacist at the online pharmacy DosFarma, explains in statements to EFE that it is better to consume fresh ginger than powder, since it contains more gingerol, and proposes five healthy ways to consume it.
In infusions
To do a ginger teaAll you need to do is boil a few pieces of the root in a container with water for about fifteen minutes, let it rest and add a dash of lemon.
There are many types of infusions of this plant that are sold ready to consume, in which its flavor is combined with citrus fruits, such as lemon, or with sweets, such as honey.
In capsules
This way of consuming ginger is ideal for those who want to strengthen their immune system, reduce the feeling of dizziness and nausea, help good intestinal function, combat fatigue or promote digestive well-being, according to this pharmaceutical company.
Anyway, whenever one decides to take capsules with ginger It is recommended to carefully read the instructions for use attached to the packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to take the appropriate daily dose.
On the skin
The antioxidant properties of gingerol They can prevent the accelerated breakdown of collagen and protect our skin from harmful agents called free radicals, delaying aging and the appearance of wrinkles. You can apply ginger to the skin in the form of a mask or use gels, creams and shampoos that contain extracts of this root.
In food products
“Ginger is widely used in oriental cuisine and can be used as spice and how medicinal plant. In the West, ginger is used dry or in powder to dress sweet dishes, ”explains Estefanía Ramo, dietitian-nutritionist at the European Medical Institute for Obesity, cited by Efe.
He points out that due to its sweet-spicy flavor, “the root of this plant can be found in candies, in some types of cookies, in infusions or in ‘ginger ale’, a fizzy drink of English origin made with mineral water, ginger, sugar and lemon ”.
In the kitchen
There are numerous ways to consume ginger on a level gastronomic to keep your medicinal properties, for example as a condiment in cookies, soups, fish, salads, vegetables and as a pickle, mainly accompanying sushi.
It can also be consumed in the form of ‘ginger water’, the cold drink ginger infusion; ginger root juice, to mix with fruits and vegetables and prepare natural juices; or as ginger oil, obtained by maceration and heating.
However, before consuming ginger, especially if we do it frequently, it is recommended consult with the doctor. Especially in the cases of pregnant women, those who take medicines or people who suffer from diabetes, since it can lead to drug interactions
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