Spice up your health with a daily dose of ginger
By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT
Ginger is a grandiose go-to for gazillions as a holistic herb helper.
Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome or roots has been used throughout history as a spice, jazzing up cuisine or as an age-old body-boosting remedy.
Ginger is best known for treating nausea. Throughout history sailors used ginger to offset sea sickness. It’s also a key ingredient in a very well-known soda pop favoured for tummy troubles. Unfortunately, there’s no real ginger in the soda pop or there’s not enough, even in some of the brands of soda that tout “real ginger.”
For ginger to be effective, gingerol, the bio-active compound found in Mother Nature’s ginger, is needed, not a man-made flavour. Nausea is a common complaint in the early stages of pregnancy and chemotherapy. Ginger tea bags, capsules, or chews are perfect portable problem solvers.
Ginger is known for being an awesome anti-inflammatory and effective at combating pain associated with osteoarthritis. Swap coffee or your regular tea for ginger tea. A simple way to prepare a ginger tea is by peeling and cutting up a one- to two-inch chunk of ginger, and tossing it into a tea pot to steep with hot water. Another option is fresh grated ginger in hot water all day to keep pain levels in check.
According to a 2015 study in Pub Med, ginger is associated with anti-diabetic properties when two grams of ginger powder are added to your daily regime. Sugar surges in the body lead to insulin sensitivity, a roller-coaster of emotions, weight-management issues, and an onslaught of potential health issues. Ginger pills is one support that can be used alongside a consistent healthy eating plan and an exercise program.
Dyspepsia is defined as discomfort in your upper abdomen. The symptoms post-meal associated with indigestion such as stomach fullness can be eased. Ginger helps the stomach speed up emptying.
Inflammation accelerates aging, and aging is associated with Alzheimer’s. Ginger is a ginormous antioxidant all-star offsetting cognitive damage.
Holistic dental care is becoming more than a charcoal whitening, fluoride-free protocol. Ginger is a great germ fighter, keeping bacteria at bay, and helping ward off infections leading to bad breath and gum disease.
Cold season is upon us. Gargle with ginger water for prevention and speedier recoveries. Sip ginger tea.
Ginger is an inexpensive way to add flavor to food fare, plus support a slew of systems in the body from the digestive to the immune system. Grate into a stir-fry, soup broth, stew, smoothie, and in hot water infused with garlic and lemon. Power up juicing with a ginger boost. Ginger powder is another option or a pot of tea, but for those who find ginger gross, capsules are convenient. Go for ginger!
Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Holistic Practitioner and Certified Mobile Personal Trainer living and working in Toronto. Her writing has been featured in various publications and has appeared on Daytime with Jacqueline Betterton. She spends her spare time blogging about all things healthy and enjoying time with her sons. She can be reached at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com or visit www.mercedeskaygold.com
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