The Health Benefits Of Ginger by
D. Azogue
Ginger is a culinary spice known to add its pungent taste and aroma to whatever
dish it is added to. It has a long history as a culinary spice and medicinal
herb for thousands of years in Asia, and has been exported to the West thanks to
Eastern traders. Since then it has become a staple in most kitchens around the
world.
I. History Of Ginger
Ginger or Zangiber officinale in Latin, is an aromatic underground stem or
rhizome. This plant has a long history in Asian cuisine for thousands of years.
Indigenous to China, it was used as a culinary spice for more than 4,400 years.
Its medicinal value was sought after; for more than 2,000 years it has been
recognized as a cure against diarrhea, nausea and stomach upset. Its use became
widespread in India, under the
Muslim rule, when it was used in preparing meat dishes, and even buttermilk and
curd products.
During the time of Roman Empire, ginger was brought by Eastern traders to Rome
for its medicinal properties. Even when the Roman Empire fell, and when Arab
merchants controlled the trade of spices and herbs, it was constantly exported
to Europe. By the 16th century the Arabs brought the rhizome to East Africa to
plant it there, and introduced it to the Carribean.
II. Culinary Uses Of Ginger
You may be wondering about the taste and smell of ginger. It has
phenylpropanoids (gingerol and zingerone) and diarylheptanoids (gingeroles and
shoagoles) - compounds that are responsible for its distinct taste. When cooked,
gingerol transforms into zingerone, which has a less pungent, spicy-sweet aroma.
Ginger is a common ingredient when meat dishes are cooked, as it acts as a
tenderizer to soften the meat. In the West, ginger acts as a flavoring in baked
goodies like ginger cake, ginger biscuits, and in drinks like ginger ale.
II. Health Benefits Of Ginger
Modern medical science has proven its efficacy in treating nausea and motion
sickness. In one study, for example, 80 novice sailors prone to motion sickness
were made to take powdered ginger. The subjects showed significant reduction in
cold sweating and in vomiting.
It is also seen as a more effective aid for pregnancy-related nausea and
vomiting compared to placebo. In one large study composed of 70 pregnant women
with severe vomiting and nausea, those who took 1 g of ginger each day had
reported less vomiting and being less nauseous, against those who took placebo.
Ginger contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in certain food like
garlic, green tea, coffee, red wine and apples.
These are responsible for fighting free radicals which naturally occur inside
the body, and which contribute to the development of health problems such as
heart disease and cancer.
Aside from that, it acts as a natural anti inflammatory in health problems like
arthritis, ulcerative colitis, bursitis and bronchitis.
While no major side effects are associated with taking ginger as a medicinal
herb, caution is advised to those with gallstones. Consult your physician first
before taking it.
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