Immunity Series No. 2: Ginger
Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional. I am simply a person passionate about a healthy lifestyle sharing my opinions and research on natural immune boosters I love and have found to be effective. Always consult your doctor prior to taking something new or with any questions/concerns.
Ginger is an incredible gift from nature. Those of us who are ginger enthusiasts will sing of its praises from the rooftops while happily sharing our favorite way to consume the spicy root (shots in the morning over here!). Not only does ginger root have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, research has also shown it might be effective in cancer treatments. So let’s breakdown some of these awesome aspects of ginger and show you some ways to incorporate it into your daily life.
What is ginger?
Ginger comes from a flowering plant that is a member of the same family as cardamom and turmeric. The part of the plant we consume and are most familiar with is called the rhizome. The rhizome is the stem the roots grow out of. Ginger root has a history of medicinal use dating back over 5,000 years in India and China. It has since spread throughout the world in various uses, but one thing remains constant: people understand the importance of ginger in medicinal applications.
Why is ginger good for me?
Multiple studies have been done on the benefits of ginger and what that means for our bodies. A bioactive substance in ginger, gingerol, can help lower the risk of infections. Gingerols have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. In 2012, a study was published showing fresh ginger was an effective anti-viral against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). A review also from 2012 discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger as well as some of the evidence pointing to its potential in cancer prevention and treatment. It is also beneficial to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Superfood is truly not an overstatement when it comes to ginger. With so many different ways to consume it, it really is easy to add into your diet.
How do I consume ginger?
There are many options when it comes to ingesting ginger. My favorite way is to do a ginger and lemon juice shot in the mornings. I juice these weekly using my juicer, but you can also use a blender and straining bag or buy them pre-made!
These shots are definitely an acquired taste and not always easy to get down due to the spice but it is a quick and easy way to get it in for the day. If you’re looking for a milder option, ginger root tea is a great way to go. You can buy ready-made tea bags but I always prefer to use the fresh ingredient. Here are a few at-home recipes that are quick and easy from some great blogs:
The Harvest Kitchen Immune Boosting Ginger Tea
Cookie + Kate Fresh Ginger Tea
Finally, another fantastic way to get your ginger in is in your food. I love adding ginger into my soup broths. I will often pour some of my juiced lemon and ginger I use for morning shots straight into my broth. If you’re looking for an incredible recipe utilizing ginger then look no further than this Restorative Ginger-and-Turmeric Noodle Soup by Hetty McKinnon. This is quite possibly one of my favorite soups recipes ever and it is packed full of good-for-you ingredients (hello garlic, turmeric, coconut oil!).
So where do you land on ginger? Is it something you want to start incorporating into your diet? If you already enjoy ginger regularly, what is your favorite way to do so? Let m know in the comments!
Sources
Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) as an adjuvant in cancer treatment: A review
10 health benefits of ginger that are seriously impressive
Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.