Canada Food Critic
Nutrition for Life Database

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System ID: 13

Food Name : Ginger

Food Type : Herb or Spice

Health Outlook : Good

Active Ingredient:


Ginger

Associated Ailments:


indigestion gas pains diarrhea stomach cramping inflamation motion sickness nausea arthritis rheumatism muscle spasms asthma bronchitis other respiratory problems

What It Does:


Most people are aware that ginger is a great alternative to medications for motion sickness and actually works better for most people and lacks the side effect of drowsiness. However, ginger is a powerful herb that has many health benefits. Ginger is effective as a digestive aid. It will increase the production of digestive fluids and saliva. As a result, Ginger helps relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhoea and stomach cramping. Ginger is also a powerful anti-inflammatory food. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms. Other uses for Ginger Root include the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems by reducing inflammation in the lungs. Ginger's therapeutic properties effectively stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin. Ginger Root may also be used to help break fevers by warming the body and increasing perspiration.

How to use this food:


Ginger comes in several common forms: Whole raw roots Dried roots Powdered Preserved or ?stem? Crystallized ginger Pickled ginger Ginger is commonly used in Asian cooking. It can be used fresh, either minced, crushed or sliced. Fresh ginger will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. Dried ginger can be crushed to open the fibres and release flavour. Once the desired flavour is achieved the ginger can be removed from the dish. Ginger may be used in pickles, chutneys and curry pastes or curry powders. Dried ginger is mainly used in cakes and biscuits, especially ginger snaps and gingerbread. Ginger is also used in puddings, jams, preserves and in some drinks like ginger beer, ginger wine and tea. Pickled ginger is a delicious accompaniment to satays and a colourful garnish to many Chinese dishes. Preserved ginger is eaten as a confection, chopped up for cakes and puddings, and is sometimes used as an ice cream ingredient. Ginger tea is a great way to get the health benefits of ginger. There are a variety of ginger tea?s available on the market or you can make your own using fresh ginger at home.