Ginger is considered the king of spices and healing plants. This root is of great interest to many people. This seemingly unpretentious root crop has excellent taste and healing qualities. It has a lot of useful, valuable and tasty. Before getting into the diet of modern man, ginger wandered for several centuries. The root crop has a very sonorous name and is unique in its taste. Its appearance is more suitable for the name of a horned or white root. Well, get acquainted with the benefits and harms of ginger for the body, its composition, cooking recipes.
The story of the penetration into the diet of Europeans
The benefits and harms of ginger root deserve careful study, because for many people it has helped to heal or lose weight. Let's start with how he got to us. Once during an excavation in China, bags of ginger were found. The find belonged to the 2nd century BC. Confucius, Hippocrates, Avicenna also described this plant in their works. Famous writers, C. Dickens, V. Dahl, L. Tolstoy, A. Pushkin, also have references to ginger. The benefits and harms of the root will be described later. The first mention of it is found in the texts of canonical Vedic medicine. They are already more than 5,000 years old.
The first to cultivate ginger were the inhabitants of the northern regions of India. It was from there that this wonderful spice was imported to other parts of the world. This was done by Arab traders. Today, residents of China, Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, the islands of Jamaica and Barbados grow this plant. Spice lovers manage to plant root in our temperate climate at home in pots.
The components of the healing root
To trace the beneficial properties of ginger, take 100 g of root as a basis. This mass contains 79 g of water, 16 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of dietary fiber, 1.7 g of protein, 0.7 g of fat, 0.8 g of ash. In milligrams, all micro and macro elements, vitamins contained in the root crop are calculated. It is so rich in nutrients that it occupies a leading place among spicy plants.
In full are the vitamins of group B: riboflavin, thiamine, niacin. Also, the root is rich in folic and pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, choline. 100 g of ginger contains 5 mg of vitamin C, 420 mg of potassium, 15 mg of calcium. There are also elements of phosphorus, sodium, zinc, selenium, iron, manganese, copper. The whole wealth of useful substances makes us learn about the health benefits and benefits of ginger.
Nature endowed this tropical plant with a sharp aftertaste and spicy aroma. All this thanks to gingerol, a special essential oil, which is at the root is up to 1.5%. Before talking about the benefits and harms of ginger root, it should be noted that in dried form it is 4 times more calories than in raw.
The benefits of ginger
People have long learned how to use the healing and healing properties of the miracle root. It is consumed raw and dried. Many have heard about the benefits and harms of pickled ginger for the body, its infusions, teas, and decoctions. Often housewives use it in the form of a dry powder. It is suitable for both the prevention of diseases and their treatment. How to use ginger, the benefits and harms of root crops are of interest to many, because it is useful not only for the elderly, but also for children and pregnant women.
The secret of the miracle root is that it activates general immunity, enhances blood circulation and sweating. It is able to remove sputum, serves as a disinfectant for influenza, removing harmful molecules from the body. Some people with acute respiratory illness immediately drink tea with ginger, honey and lemon. The benefits and harms of such a tool will be described below. So, here are the cases when the horned root is useful:
- With colds. People caught in the rain, wet their feet, in contact with patients with the flu, make themselves strong tea with ginger. A pinch of ground root in a glass of boiling water is enough. This remedy will completely replace the pharmaceutical “Fervex”, “Coldrex” and other teas that traumatize the gastric mucosa, provoke dysbiosis and have a bad effect on the liver. Can't get rid of colds? Do you often get ARVI? You certainly do not mind the course of ginger tinctures with other vitamins. What is the benefit and harm of ginger with lemon for this case? Gingerol and other essential oils with anti-allergic and expectorant properties. Such tea will remove phlegm, cure bronchi and trachea. It acts no worse than pharmacy syrups and antibiotics.
- For digestive problems. Miracle root has a disinfecting property and removes toxins. Gingerol copes with pathogenic bacteria, especially Helicobacter, which provokes ulcers and gastritis. The plant helps relieve spasms, improve the absorption of food, stimulate appetite. The miracle root will help with diarrhea or poisoning by spoiled foods. Many in such cases immediately resort to spiced tea. The inhabitants of the East used to be treated only by a strong and unexpected indigestion. Ginger will help with toxicosis, motion sickness, flatulence. Many people in their practice have experienced its action in the fight against excess weight. The root has the properties of accelerating metabolic processes, removing toxins and excess fluid, improving the digestive tract. This is the first assistant in the fight against excess weight.
- For diseases of bones and skin. The high content of phosphorus and calcium in the root crop allows you to fight age-related changes in the bones. It is used for gout and arthritis. Infusions from the miracle root are taken not only inside, but also add it to cosmetics: lotions, masks, creams. A spicy plant treats oily skin, acne, comedones, fine wrinkles, peeling, has a beneficial effect on complexion.
- To suppress cancer cells in oncology. Gingerol has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the growth of cancer cells, eliminates atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels. A spicy plant protects the liver from the harmful effects of medications during chemotherapy.
- If the spouses are tired of each other, indifference appeared in bed, then ginger tea helps to restore sexual activity. In ancient times, it was used as an aphrodisiac for inflammation of blood.
The benefits and harms of pickled ginger, as well as dry powder, have long been investigated. In addition to the above cases, the miracle root is taken with:
- dysbiosis (nausea, flatulence, unstable stool);
- poisoning and concomitant diarrhea, vomiting;
- colds, acute respiratory infections, flu with symptoms of fever;
- reduced immunity, even in children;
- bone diseases (arthritis, gout);
- respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tracheitis);
- overweight;
- decreased libido in men and women;
- problems with the skin of the face (acne, oily skin, wrinkles, peeling);
- body slagging and parasitic diseases.
The harmful properties of ginger
How to use pickled ginger, the benefits and harms of dry root or tea deserve your attention. We have already examined the useful qualities, now more about contraindications. Ginger, like other medicines, sometimes has side effects. Sometimes this is due to individual intolerance and an allergic reaction. If you have already become acquainted with the benefits and harms of pink pickled ginger, then you need to use it in moderation so as not to damage the gastric mucosa. Children under 2-3 years old should not be given a spice plant at all. Young mothers are better to use it in minimal doses. Here are some cases to watch out for when using ginger:
- the presence of gastric and intestinal diseases;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- hypertonic disease;
- the manifestation of bleeding of any kind;
- increased sweating;
- problems with the gall bladder (sand, stones);
- stage of too high body temperature;
- kids under 3 years old.
How to understand if ginger with lemon and honey causes an allergic reaction in you? The benefits and harms are already known to you. Sometimes a healthy spiced tea causes slight heartburn and redness of the contours of the lips. This gives a signal that you do not need to use the root crop. After all, if you do not pay attention to this, then the case may end in urticaria or edema. In older people, the root crop can cause high blood pressure due to accelerated blood circulation.
What are the benefits for women?
The female body is very important for many elements of ginger. The benefits and harms for women by doctors have already been established. The first they note a beneficial effect on the uterus. Ginger tea will relieve pain during the menstrual cycle. Often it is included in the diet for infertility. Pregnant women are saved by the horned root from toxicosis. It relieves dizziness, weakness, nausea.
Essential oils, lysine and vitamin C, which are in ginger, increase muscle tone of the female genital organs and sexual desire. An increase in love is ensured even when a woman, two hours before bedtime, eats a slice of lemon with ginger root powder. So for a week.
Pink ginger
Together with rolls in sushi bars, pickled pink ginger came to us. The benefits and harms of this product are of interest to many consumers. Its crunchy pink petals of an acute sweet perfume taste attract many admirers of Asian cuisine. So why does it have such a beautiful pink tint? It's all about the degree of maturity of the root crop. Young ginger contains anthocyanins, with the help of which it becomes pink in contact with vinegar. Experienced cooks try to acquire only young ginger for pickling.
Another secret of pink color is in other marinating ingredients, additives. As tinting elements often use dry pink or rice wine, red rice vinegar. The store product is given a pink color using a special dye E124. In folk cuisine, the dye is replaced by beetroot juice.
What are the benefits and harms of pink pickled ginger? It is considered a magnificent spice that sets off the taste of fish well, introducing a light spice to many dishes. Spicy spices sometimes harm people's health. Ginger, on the contrary, protects the body from bacteria. The Japanese associate pickled root with spiritual uplift. It helps relieve nervous tension, relieves stress, fears, gives decisiveness. He fights headaches perfectly, serves to freshen breath. Pickled ginger has the same contraindications as fresh ginger. The main thing is to take it in moderation.
How to consume pickled ginger?
The benefits and harms of pickled ginger we have already examined, now it is worth talking about its use. By consuming various dishes with ginger, you reduce their calorie content. This is due to the low fat content in the root crop and the high content of dietary fiber. What dishes do you eat pickled root with? Sushi immediately comes to mind. This is true. In addition to them, it complements any seafood, meat, soups and broths. It is added to vegetable salads as an ingredient. Even marinade after ginger is used, it often holds meat before frying. Ginger petals are served with grilled sausages or added to pate sandwiches. It is a good ingredient for stuffing in buns and pies.
Green tea with ginger
A favorite and already familiar drink was green tea. Many fell in love with green tea with ginger, the benefits and harms of it have already been studied. Green tea has a lot of antioxidants, and ginger has substances for weight loss. The combination of ginger and tea is quite popular among dieters. Often lemon is added to it. Such a drink instantly quenches thirst and hunger. The body is instantly filled with energy and vigor. This combination in the drink helps to remove cholesterol, accelerate metabolic processes. The genitourinary system is stimulated, swelling is relieved.
Ginger with honey and lemon
One of the most popular flavor combinations in cooking is ginger, honey and lemon. The benefits and harms of this flavoring are worth exploring. It is taken from colds to impotence. Firstly, it has a comprehensive healing effect. Lemon and ginger invigorate, and honey soothes. The first two ingredients increase the acidity of the stomach, and the sweet component, on the contrary, reduces it. Also, this combination is taken to strengthen immunity and improve the overall tone of the body.
Culinary properties of the horned root, some recipes
The horny root fills the first courses with an unusual taste and exquisite aroma. He will never spoil the meat or fish broth, vegetable soup. Root vegetables are added to cereals, stuffed vegetables and salads. He fills with unusual taste compotes, jelly, puddings, mousses. As a spice, dry ginger is added to pastries. The root is suitable for making marmalade, candied fruit, jam, sweets. It is added to sauces, preservation. In some countries it is used to make alcohol. The British like ginger beer. It is necessary to mention vodka, wine and ginger ale.
We suggest you to get acquainted with some tips on how to take ginger for some diseases:
- With angina and gum disease, a small piece of the root is placed in the mouth. Then it is slightly bitten to feel a tingling and tingling sensation in the tongue.
- For toothache, a small slice is applied to the diseased tooth. The pain is relieved thanks to essential oils.
- In case of headache, a little root crop is ground on a grater, diluted with water and applied to diseased areas.
- To relax after a hard day, take a ginger bath. For this, three tablespoons of dry ginger are diluted in two liters of water, boiled for 10 minutes, poured into a bath.
- For weight loss, use decoctions, teas, elixirs. In combination with a diet, such funds perfectly relieve extra pounds.
In countries where ginger is especially revered, it is customary to use it every day. Try it and you are a miracle cure.