One of my favourite ingredients to add some zippy zing to my morning fresh juice is ginger. So it’s high time I shared my views (ahem, I mean, reasons for my love affair) on ginger, with you. It’s not just the zippy zing that I love about ginger. It’s truly a superfood.
I wish I could tell you I’ve been using ginger in cooking all my life, but I haven’t. In fact, it’s only been the last few years that I’ve really fallen in love with ginger. Now that I’m a nutritionist, I have more reasons to like ginger than just the fact it adds a wonderful flavour to my meals. Which is the reason for my post today, to share with you all the amazing health benefits of this gnarly looking food.
- Makes your belly joyous: The gingerols help to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal so it prevents gas and bloating. I remember as a kid getting GingerAle when I was sick. And that’s because ginger is used to treat nausea. However, you would be far better off using fresh ginger root for an upset tummy than to drink pop. In this video, I share a tea that I use to reduce a bloated belly.
- Anti-inflammatory. Thanks to these phytonutrients: gingerol, shogaol and zingrone. Gingerol is actually a potent antioxidant that has been found in studies to relieve osteo and rheumatoid arthritis pain, even in patients who didn’t respond to medications. In fact, in studies it’s been shown to reduce certain hormones that promote inflammation. This is similar to how NSAIDs work, but without the negative effects.
- Anti-cancer: In it has been found to reduce certain cancers such as colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic, kidney and lung by inhibiting the growth and production of cancer cells. This is exciting stuff!!
- Immune-enhancing: During flu season, stock up on your ginger because it boosts your immune system by inducing sweating and this is an excellent way to detox naturally. Please! Don’t take Tylenol. A fever is your metabolism being kicked up a knotch to get your immune system engines churned and fight infection. (Unless of course your fever is at a dangerous level, then try a homeopathic remedy or take a cold bath).
- Natural antibiotic: Ginger kills pathogenic bacteria which is one of the reasons you get pickled ginger with your sushi. Be careful of that preserved ginger though, because it often has sulfites which many are sensitive to.
- Heart-health: Ginger reduces the “stickiness” of blood platelets and may therefore be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Ginger and its Nutrients
- High in potassium, great for heart health, manganese which builds resistance to disease, protects lining of heart, blood vessels and urinary passages.
- Silicon which promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails.
- Also a source of vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene
Visit the joyoushealth.ca/recipe page!
LOVE the recipes with ginger! I’m sold
Hi Joy,
Just wondering, when you add ginger to your juice do you just put a little piece through your juicer??
Thanks,
Karoline
Hi Karoline! Yes, I put a thumb-sized amount through my juicer.
I’ve been scared of ginger practically my entire life and I never ever eat it. This article inspired me to buy some and I put a chunk in with my juice this morning. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed it! Thanks for converting me
Oh wow, that’s really great to hear Christina! Thanks for giving ginger a try.
I only drink ginger tea for the sake of my voice. Little id I know that there’s so much more to it. Thanks for the post. =)
Yeahh!! I take ginger tea when I feel like cold or any other throat problem