Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family, whose underground stem is a horizontal rhizome highly appreciated for its aroma and spicy flavor. It is native to Asia and was one of the first species exported to Europe from the East. In fact, there is evidence that ginger was commonly used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Currently, the main producing countries are still in Asia and include China, India, and some other South Asian countries.

Did you know that ginger is not a root as is commonly thought? Ginger is actually a rhizome. Rhizomes are stems that reproduce and store food, while roots are a highway for water and nutrients that also serve as an anchor to keep the organisms attached to the ground.

Ginger is extremely versatile; it is mainly known for its spicy flavor and can be used in different ways, either dried, fresh, pickled, or granulated. Due to its versatility, ginger can reach different potencies in its flavor, and therefore, it can be used for many different recipes. In addition to its unique flavor and versatility, ginger provides us with many health benefits.

Most of the benefits of this rhizome come from its main bioactive component, gingerol. Gingerol is full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are some of the health benefits of ginger:

• Helps with gastrointestinal motility: Ginger makes the speed at which food leaves the stomach to continue the digestive process the most efficient and healthy. In other words, ginger prevents food from staying longer than it should in the intestine. This function is responsible for almost all the other benefits of ginger.
• Nausea relief: For many years, ginger has been used in the medical field, specifically as a nausea reliever. And how does ginger help relieve nausea? Just because of its usefulness in gastrointestinal movement, this rhizome helps the stomach remain empty, reducing nausea. There is no doubt that ginger is beneficial for pregnant women and chemotherapy patients who suffer from chronic nausea.
• Weight loss: Studies have been conducted in animals and humans suggesting ginger reduces body measurements related to weight, like the waist-hip ratio.
• Improves immunity: Gingerol, the main component of ginger, has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help our immune system stay healthy. Ginger is fantastic at fighting off infections, fevers, and headaches.
• Healthier skin: Ginger is full of antioxidants that protect the skin from UV rays and, consequently, from their harmful effects. Ginger components are also antiseptic and help with skin health, acne breakouts, and acne scars.
• Brain function: Chronic inflammation caused by poor diet or habits affects our brains in a very negative way. Inflammation causes cognitive problems related to memory, reaction time, and attention. The antioxidants present in ginger directly fight inflammation, improving or preventing cognitive or emotional problems related to brain chemistry or composition.

In general, ginger is a very healthy rhizome. But this rhizome doesn't only contribute to our health; it is also a versatile ingredient with a unique flavor. Here at Front Porch Pantry, we love using ginger to create unique and fun recipes that will make you smile. Ginger is the key ingredient of many of our entrees, especially our Asian-style dishes. Quality, fresh & healthy ingredients combined with excellent service is what sets us apart from other meal services. Our goal is to service customers that need and crave delicious, healthy, and convenient meals and to keep our customers coming back for more.