Ginger is a versatile spice that has a long history of use in treating aliments. With its spicy flavor and unique aroma ginger is used pickled, powdered, fresh, dried, or as n oil or juice. Ginger makes an appearance in baking, curries, as a topping for sushi, and as a base for a variety of sauces. (see recipe below for delicious Ginger Snap Cookies)

Ginger originates from China and is a flowering plant classified as part of the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger belongs to the same family as turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The root of the plant or the rhizome is the portion that is used as a spice.

Ginger contains gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone, bioactive compounds that are responsible for ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ginger provides relief from the health conditions below:

Nausea

One of the most widely known health benefits of consuming ginger is its ability to alleviate nausea. It is a great natural remedy for morning sickness, those with nausea related to chemotherapy, and sea sickness.

Menstrual Pain

Ginger can also reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Research suggests that it can be just as effective as over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen for managing menstrual pain.

Blood Sugar Levels

Recent research suggests that ginger is effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Muscle Soreness and Joint Pain

Ginger as mentioned earlier in the article has bioactive compounds that can reduce inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for those with exercise related muscle soreness and joint paint resultant from arthritis.

Indigestion and Stomach Ulcers

Chronic indigestion and bloating related to delayed emptying of the stomach can be improved by consumption of ginger prior to a meal. In addition due to ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties several studies have found that ginger can protect against stomach ulcers.

Heart Disease

Studies suggest that ginger can reduce blood triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels, known as lipoproteins, which can in turn reduce the risk of heart disease. Ginger can simultaneously increase the level of “good” cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins.

Cognitive Decline

Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties is vital in promoting brain function and health. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Research suggests that cognitive decline and brain aging can be limited with the use of ginger extract and in fact some cases improvement has been shown.

Bacterial Infections

Certain strains of bacteria can be inhibited with the compounds found in ginger. Urinary tract infections, bronchitis, gum disease, and pneumonia are some of the conditions ginger can protect against.

Fungal Infections

Ginger is also high in anti-fungal properties that help kill off fungi that cause infections ranging from yeast infections to athlete’s foot.

Cancer

Cancer research has turned to ginger as an alternative treatment for certain forms of cancer. Raw ginger contains 6-gingerol, a cancer combatant. The ability of ginger to assist in cancer treatment has not been studied extensively and much more research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn.

Quick Recipe: Make Ginger Snap Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1¼ cup chopped crystallized ginger
• Granulated sugar, for rolling the cookies

Directions:

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and salt). Mix together with your hands.

Step 3:

In another bowl, using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, oil, and molasses on medium speed for 5 minutes.

Step 4:

Turn the mixer to low speed, add the egg, and beat for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl and beat for 1 more minute.

Step 5:

While the mixer is still on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the crystallized ginger and continue to mix until combined.

Step 6:

Scoop the dough with a small ice cream scoop. Roll each cookie into a 1¾-inch ball, flatten them lightly with your fingers. Press both sides of each cookie in granulated sugar and place on the baking sheets.

Step 7:

Bake for 13 minutes. The cookies will be crackled on top and soft inside. Cool for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

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