This super herb, the rhizome (underground stem) has been used all over the world for centuries, both in food and as natural medicine. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil. Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to many dishes. Fresh ginger root is available year round in the produce section of your local market.

From 1585, Jamaican ginger was the first oriental spice to be grown in the New World and imported back to Europe. In 2012, India, with over 33% of the global production, now leads in growing ginger, replacing China, now in second positionThis super herb, the rhizome (underground stem) has been used all over the world for centuries, both in food and as natural medicine. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil. Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to many dishes. Fresh ginger root is available year round in the produce section of your local market.

From 1585, Jamaican ginger was the first oriental spice to be grown in the New World and imported back to Europe. In 2012, India, with over 33% of the global production, now leads in growing ginger, replacing China, now in second position

Why is Ginger considered a SUPERFOOD??

Ginger contains chemicals that have been shown to reduce nausea and inflammation. Researchers believe the chemicals work primarily in the stomach and intestines, but they may also work in the brain and nervous system to control nausea. Continued research on this powerful root has uncovered a vast amount of health benefits:

It can help sooth a sore throat and relive nasal congestion. Try sipping on a warm ginger tea during those cold winter months.

• Aids in the absorption of many essential nutrients in the body.
• Helps alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress
• In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract).
• Ginger's anti-vomiting action has been shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
• May help rev up the digestive juices and increase appetite.

Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. Float some ginger essential oil in your bath to help aching muscles and joints.

Based on numerous studies, Ginger has shown great promise in Protection against Colorectal Cancer and inducing cell death in ovarian cancer cells. (Dr Rebecca Lui from the University of Michigan)

Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice since it is not only superior in flavor but contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger's active protease (it's anti-inflammatory compound). Fresh ginger root is sold in the produce section of markets. When purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold. Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. Stored unpeeled in the freezer, it will keep for up to six months. Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator where it will enjoy an extended shelf life of about one year.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

• Add ginger and fresh orange juice to puréed sweet potatoes for an unbelievable flavour.
• Add chopped or grated ginger, along with garlic and fresh cilantro to basmati rice once you remove the lid of the pot. The flavour and aromas will fill your house and your taste buds will be excited.
• Combine freshly grated ginger, lemon juice, honey and water to create a fresh heated lemonade!
• Spice up your healthy sautéed vegetables by adding freshly minced ginger.
• Combine ginger, GF soy sauce or tamari sauce, olive oil and garlic to make a wonderful salad dressing.

Contributed by 

Carmen Deacetis is a certified Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, and co-owner of FitFX www.fitfx.ca.