What is ginger?
Ginger or zingiber officinale, is a creeping plant native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for over 6,000 years in the kitchen, as well as in Medicine traditional asian and indian.
In ginger, the rhizome is used, that is to say, the underground stem with roots, which ends in a bud which is filled with food reserves. Ginger belongs to the same family as turmeric. It is grown in tropical regions around the world, with the biggest producer being India.
The word ginger is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “horn-shaped”, due to the resemblance to the horns of deer. This plant does not grow in the wild. It has lost the ability to reproduce by seeds and only multiplies by the rhizome.
This oriental spice is one of the first to spread across Europe. It was imported into the Mediterranean basin, where it was nicknamed the white spice. It was very expensive and was used as currency. Taxes were also levied on his trade.
The pungent taste of ginger is easily recognized in dishes and desserts.
What are the benefits of ginger?
- Ginger is primarily useful for aiding digestion. It stimulates the secretion of bile (cholagogue action) thus promoting good digestion of food.
- It is particularly ideal for calming nausea and vomiting.
- Likewise, ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It is recommended to fight against flu and feverish states, but also against sore throat.
- It also calms the pain in case of osteoarthritis or joint problems (rheumatism).
- As it is good for blood circulation, ginger helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
- In the form of essential oil, ginger can stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
- Finally, ginger is rich in many nutrients: iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, etc. Ginger contains a lot of antioxidants.
Is ginger an aphrodisiac?
Since antiquity, ginger root is touted for its power aphrodisiac. This may be related to one of its components: gingerol. This substance is reputed to be an aphrodisiac, as it exerts a stimulating and revitalizing action on the body. More precisely, it would act as a vasodilator which would facilitate the flow of blood, necessary for erection. However, the aphrodisiac power of ginger has not been scientifically validated. There are no studies that confirm its effectiveness in stimulating sexual desire.
Does ginger make you lose weight?
Ginger stimulates the production of leptin (the satiety hormone), thus this phenomenon helps to reduce hunger and limit cravings. By acting directly on the metabolism, ginger becomes a slimming ally. In addition, thanks to its pungent taste, it raises the body temperature, which helps to burn more calories.
Its appetite suppressant effect would also have an impact on glycemia (the blood sugar level), because by avoiding snacking, it would also avoid peaks in blood sugar.
How to consume ginger?
- To preserve all of its nutrients, ginger can be eaten raw, grated or chopped.. Lightly cooked, it will go perfectly with soups, soups, stir-fried wok dishes and other shellfish-based dishes.
- Consider combining ginger with garlic and onion. Their components synergize and surpass their individual antioxidant effects.
- Ginger is also sold in powder formit can be mixed with culinary preparations, such as compotes or cakes (in powder form, it also fights against motion sickness).
- It can be drunk in herbal tea, juice or smoothie. In herbal tea, just boil a cup of water and add a tablespoon of minced ginger, before letting everything infuse for 5 minutes. It is possible to decorate this herbal tea with honey and lemon.
- Ginger also exists in candied form.
- This root is also marketed in the form of essential oil (pure for internal use or diluted for external use) as well as in the form of a food supplement.
How to choose a good ginger?
To choose the right ginger, all you have to do is select the freshest root possible. His skin should be soft and smooth. The tuber should be firm.
How to store ginger?
Fresh ginger can be kept for several weeks in the refrigerator, 3 or 4 weeks depending on its size. To do this, several methods are available to you. In any case, we advise you not to peel the ginger whole but as you use it.
What are the contraindications of ginger?
- A large consumption of ginger is not recommended for people taking medication for gallstones or for a heart problem, as well as blood thinners or antidiabetics. Overconsumption can also cause stomach aches and heartburn. It is therefore recommended to consume a maximum of 2 g per day.
- In the form of essential oil, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use it, as well as babies under 3 months.
Sources : Vidal
