The Health Benefits and Properties of Ginger
Ginger is one of the most common spices around the world, whether in its root form (in countries such as the Philippines, where our market has an abundant supply), or ground ginger, where there is no supply of fresh ginger.
Ginger, though, does not just have a super taste, when used correctly in some recipes, but there is increasing evidence that ginger also provides a few health benefits. Ginger has long been used for its healing properties, in various traditional medicines and cultures across the world.
Ginger has a long history in medicine, especially with Asian medical practitioners such as the Indian, Chinese, and Japanese traditional doctors. It has been widely known for many centuries that ginger can reduce nausea reduction, and some recent scientific studies have suggested that ginger can be supportive in fighting the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments.
The Effect of Ginger on Circulation
Ginger is also believed to be beneficial for blood circulation, and many have used it for that purpose. Ginger is thought to help blood circulation plus help the body sweat, which can be an also be an important factor in fighting colds and flu. Ginger is even being studied as a possible way to reduce the incidence of heart disease. It is not certain whether these possible heart benefits are a result of the increased circulation produced by ginger, or if there is some other mechanism at work.
Ginger has a great many uses in traditional herbal medicine, and there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of its health effects. Those health benefits are the subject of much ongoing research, and many clinical studies are currently underway into the possible health benefits of ginger.
The Use of Ginger for Travel Sickness
Some frequent travellers claim that ginger is effective at preventing car or other motion sickness, and some studies have suggested that it is just as effective as the common drugs used to treat travel sickness. Given the good culinary uses of ginger, as these studies go on there seems to be no reason why you should not have a ginger laden meal before travelling.
Where to Buy Ginger
Ginger is a very common root, so most major supermarket chains will sell fresh ginger root. If not chances, the chances are the local organic grocery store or health food store will sell ginger. In those countries where it is most popular and easily grown, local market stalls suually have plenty, as they do here in Palawan.
When you select ginger to take home, it is important to choose those roots which are firm, and with a strong and distinctive aroma. The strongerthe odour of the ginger in the store, the more effective it will be in your meals.
The Culinary Uses of Ginger
The culinary uses of ginger are almost endless, both in savoury dishes and cakes. Some of the best cuisines for ginger use are Indian and Middle Eastern countries. Many Asian cultures have used ginger for many centuries, and you will find a large selection of recipes in which ginger is used to add its distinctive flavour.
Here in the Philippines in South East Asia, ginger is very popular. In fact, just before I started writing this article I ate my favourite Filipino meal, kinilaw, which is raw fish (best with very fresh tangigue) mixed with coconut cream, vinegar, garlic raw onion, and a liberal input of chopped garlic root.
Ground ginger is alright as a substitute when fresh ginger root is not available, but fresh ginger is much the better, both in terms of its greater health benefits, and for its better taste. However, those of us who are used to fresh ginger, may find the ground ginger insipid by comparison.
Which reminds me, I must go and finish the kinilaw!
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