Naturopathy discovered some time ago that herbs and spices should not be overlooked as medicinal treatments. As a matter of fact, it has become evident that you can consume certain spices every day to maintain good health and Ginger Root is a perfect example. Studies have shown that consuming Ginger on a regular basis will improve your digestion, enhance your immunity, reduce your inflammation, and so much more! Who knew adding a little spice to your life would help you live longer?

Ginger—an Ancient Superfood

Ancient writings reveal that Ginger was a highly traded commodity in China, India, and the Middle East for its superfood qualities. Meanwhile, the Romans were so impressed with Ginger that they introduced this powerful spice to Europe. And during the 16^th century, the Spanish carried Ginger with them to the West Indies, Mexico, and South America. Today, Australia, Jamaica, India, Fiji, and Indonesia are the top commercial producers of Ginger.

Know your Ginger!

Recognising Ginger is the first major step towards incorporating Ginger Root into your diet. Ginger Root is actually the root of the Ginger plant. Either a thin or thick brown skin covers it, as the root matures its skin becomes thicker. The flesh of the root may be white, yellow, or red, depending on the variety of plant. And it smells pungent, yet aromatic with a hot flavour.

Some benefits of Ginger

Overall, Ginger Root is considered a superfood because it offers so many health benefits. For example, Ginger:

• Reduces inflammation throughout the body
• Relieves osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain
• Improves mobility
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Lowers cholesterol
• Relieves respiratory conditions
• Supports kidney function
• Fights several cancers including:  breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and skin

Enjoy better Digestion with Ginger

Naturally, Ginger contains nine substances that enhance nutrient absorption. It also reduces symptoms of morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea, such as dizziness and vomiting. Ginger even assists in the production of bile, which helps digest fat. In addition to those digestive benefits, Ginger identifies as a carminative, which reduces gas, and an intestinal spasmolytic, which soothes the intestinal tract.

Ginger supports your Immune System

Ginger’s distinctive odour and flavour are a result of its special oils called zingerone, shogoals, and gingerols. These oils make Ginger the perfect immunity booster with their anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic characteristics. Another way Ginger helps the immune system is by inducing sweating. Believe it or not, sweating is excellent for fighting off infection, detoxifying the body, and eliminating bacteria from the skin.

Mr Vitamins says…

Opt for fresh, organic Ginger over dried, powdered forms because they pack more flavour and even more anti-inflammatory ability. Fitting Ginger into your diet is easy. Try Ginger as a topping or salad dressing, or as a tea. You can always ‘Ask a Naturopath’ for more great ideas or recipes.

Further reading and references on ginger

http://www.naturalnews.com/035574_ginger_herb_healing.html http://www.boost-immune-system-naturally.com/health-benefits-of-ginger.html http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger