KYI | Ginger

By Organic Fusion Kitchen

Ginger, healer of people since ancient times

Ginger contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, and it is therefore considered on of the most effective natural medicines. Ginger is the rhizome, root of the plant Zingiber officinale. It is mainly used as a spice on its own and in various spice mixtures. Ginger originates from Asia and has been widely used in ancient Chinese, Indian, Roman, and Greek cultures, where physicians used ginger for a wide variety of ailments and wrote long lists of its many health benefits.

OFK Chefs Corner Tip

Ginger is extremely versatile and in small amounts can be added to almost any food, especially in dry powder form. However, if you are really looking for a ginger kick, try it Thai and Indian cooking, it works beautifully in soups, as well as with fish and chicken

Did you know this about ginger?

Ginger, especially ginger and peppermint tea with organic honey is great against flu and common cold symptoms, as it promotes the release of mucus and reduces congestion.

Ginger also speeds up metabolism and thus helps burn fat. On top of that ginger has the ability to suppress cancer cells. and it is helpful for nausea caused by cancer treatment.

Ginger promotes salivation, and gingerol has been found to stimulate enzymes in the mouth that break down food, helping to tackle and get rid of bad breath.

Did you know that the ginger family of plants includes, amongst others, turmeric and cardamom.

Active Ingredients & Health Benefits

The bitter substances (gingerols) contained in ginger accelerates the secretion of digestive fluids, which is why ginger is used to increase appetite, promote digestion and ease stomach problems. Gingerol is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the production of harmful nitric oxide, which is a free radical that reduces inflammation and counteracts diseases affecting blood vessels. Ginger can also lower cholesterol levels, relieve muscle and joint pain, prevent headache and migraine, as well as bring relief to menstrual pain.

Folklore & Legend

In ancient times ginger was called the "Great Cure" and it was widely used to treat many common conditions, such as colds, joint pain and digestive issues. Furthermore, it was even considered an aphrodisiac.

In Ayurvedic medicine ginger was used to treat gout, spots, and especially for reducing inflammation and aiding digestion.

Things To Be Mindful Of

Ginger can increase blood flow, so those using blood thinners, diabetes and blood pressure medication should avoid natural products containing a lot of ginger.

Although ginger is an effective reliever of motion sickness and nausea during pregnancy, and it has also been found to be helpful for nausea caused by cancer treatments and after surgery. Pregnant women should still reduce their intake of ginger, due to its potent nature.