Ginger is a beloved root known for its fragrant, fresh aroma and mildly spicy taste. To make the most of its properties, you can consume it in the form of herbal tea, whether hot or cold. In fact, ginger tea can stimulate the metabolism, promoting fat burning and helping the body eliminate toxins. Additionally, it can relieve stress. Thanks to its energizing properties, it’s also perfect for combating headaches and fatigue, along with stress.
You can use ginger to flavor dishes or as an infusion to treat seasonal illnesses. It’s no surprise that ginger is a treasure trove of nutritional benefits for your body.
What Is Ginger? Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Zingiberaceae family (the same family as turmeric and cardamom) with many therapeutic and health-boosting properties.
Also known by its English name “ginger,” it originates from China—specifically the southern regions—and consists of a knobby underground stem called a rhizome, which is responsible for the name. The word “ginger” comes from Sanskrit and means “horned root.”
Used for millennia in Ayurvedic practices, ginger has also become widely popular in the West, where it is used to flavor dishes, especially those with fish, desserts, and cocktails. Although it has a pungent, somewhat spicy flavor, ginger is also widely used in herbal medicine for treating various disorders, particularly related to the gastrointestinal system.
Medical research supports that ginger is beneficial for treating gastric and intestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and indigestion. It is also a good tonic, promoting healthy blood circulation and the drainage of subcutaneous fluids, making it a powerful detoxifying and slimming aid.
Some people also attribute aphrodisiac properties to ginger, though it’s primarily known as a rich source of antioxidants that fight free radicals and cellular aging.
What Does Ginger Taste Like? Fresh ginger smells somewhat like lemon, but its taste is spicy and slightly pungent. In many traditional North European Christmas cookies, ginger gives a distinct warm, slightly sharp aroma.
Ginger adds a spicy and aromatic flavor to a variety of dishes, but its intensity depends on how it’s prepared. When used in small pieces, the taste is milder, while chopping or grating it releases a much stronger, spicier flavor.
Nutritional Properties and Calories of Ginger With only 80 calories per 100 grams, ginger offers the following nutritional profile:
- 18g of carbohydrates
- 1.8g of protein
- 2g of fiber
- 0.8g of fat
In terms of vitamins, ginger provides vitamin B6 and vitamin C. When it comes to minerals, it contains:
- 415mg of potassium
- 43mg of magnesium
- 16mg of calcium
- 13mg of sodium
- 0.6mg of iron
However, its true power lies in its rich phenolic compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which have strong antioxidant properties that protect the body against free radicals.
What Is Ginger Used For? Benefits and Active Ingredients Ginger offers a variety of health benefits. Here are the most notable:
- Supports Digestive Health: Ginger speeds up the digestive process and reduces stomach acidity, acting as a protector for the stomach lining. It’s especially recommended for treating nausea, whether caused by pregnancy, surgery, or motion sickness.
- Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Thanks to gingerol, ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It helps reduce muscle and joint pain.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Ginger helps fight free radicals, which are responsible for cell aging. Combining ginger with garlic and onion enhances its antioxidant effects.
- Boosts the Immune System: Ginger helps prevent seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu. Drinking ginger tea can relieve sore throats and coughs. The gingerol in ginger also acts as a natural expectorant.
- Relieves Migraines: Chewing on a piece of ginger can help reduce headaches, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger contains natural pain-relieving compounds that help decrease the perception of pain.
In summary, ginger is a versatile and beneficial root, widely used in both culinary and medicinal contexts, offering a range of health-boosting properties from digestion support to pain relief.