9 years ago

The health benefits of eating fresh ginger

Ginger root is literally that: the root of the ginger plant. Although you can eat the leaves of the ginger plant, too, the root has a more pungent flavor and adds zest to recipes ranging from stir-fries to desserts.

The ancient Romans imported ginger from China almost two thousand years ago. During the late Middle Ages, Spanish explorers introduced ginger to the West Indies, Mexico and South America in order to make it more available throughout the world and lower the cost.

For thousands of years, ginger root has been prized for its flavor as well as its medicinal properties. It has been shown to help alleviate nausea and vomiting and may also boost your immune system. It also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help with pain or swelling. Many people choose to make a comforting ginger tea when they are sick with a cold or flu in order to reap the health benefits.

Ginger tea

Ingredients

  • 12 thin slices fresh ginger

  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

  1. Put ginger and 3 cups water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes.

  2. Strain out ginger slices. Stir in honey and serve hot.

Recipe source: Vegetarian Times

Whenever possible, you should choose fresh ginger over powdered, not only because it tastes better, but it also has higher levels of beneficial nutrients. When purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold. Before using it, remove the peel using this technique.

Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. Stored unpeeled in the freezer, it will keep for up to six months.

Look for ginger root in our produce department.

Source:
World’s Healthiest Foods