Ginger: Top Health Benefits and How To Include It In Your Lifestyle

Did you know that just one teaspoon of fresh ginger includes zinc, B6, B3, iron, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, phosphorus, riboflavin, and potassium? It’s no secret that ginger has multiple health benefits

Here, we’ll look at four ways you can incorporate this fiery root vegetable into your diet, plus some of the top health benefits of ginger.

• Reducing inflammation

Ginger can be used to reduce inflammation. This is because ginger is filled with anti-inflammatory properties. So, if you’re struggling with arthritis, incorporating ginger into your diet may improve your health.

• Reducing gas and bloating

Nobody wants to feel gassy. Trapped gas can cause a lot of pain and discomfort at the worst of times, but a little ginger can help lessen this issue. Ginger has an enzyme that reduces the effects of gas and, in turn, reduces bloating within the intestinal tract.

• Lessen nausea

Ginger may also lessen nausea. There are certain combinations of ginger that provide you with the highest amount of gingerol. If you’re feeling sick, consuming dried ginger, fresh ginger, and powdered ginger may be the solution you’re looking for.

• Lowering cholesterol levels

Cholesterol isn’t always so bad. However, if your body produces an excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), this can cause cardiovascular issues. Ginger, most specifically ginger powder, can reduce these cholesterol levels once LDL is causing any harm.

Ginger drinks to mix yourself

Once you’ve taken all this into consideration, there’s no denying that ginger should become a part of your daily routine. And luckily for you, one of the best ways to incorporate ginger into your daily life is through delicious beverages.

Fresh ginger root tea

If you want to curl up on the couch and enjoy a steaming mug of tea, we have just the beverage for you. Fresh ginger root tea is a delicious way to incorporate this root vegetable into your diet. You can even swap fresh ginger for powdered ginger if necessary.

Ingredients:

• 1 inch of fresh ginger

• 500ml of boiled water

• 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon of sweet honey

Instructions:

• Start by cutting your fresh ginger. This should be roughly 1 inch of the root, which you can cut into smaller segments to release the delicious aroma.

• Place your ginger into a pan, add the water, and boil for 10-20 minutes. The longer you leave it to boil, the more intense the flavour will be.

• Remove from the heat. Double strain the infusion into a mug of your choice, add the lemon and lime juice, and enjoy!

Moscow Mule

You might be surprised to find out that something as indulgent as ginger beer contains multiple health benefits. This means you can indulge in delicious alcoholic beverages, such as a fiery Moscow Mule, while still looking out for your mind, body, and soul.

Ingredients:

• 50ml of vodka

• 100ml of Fentimans ginger beer

• 15ml of fresh lime juice

• 1 scoop of cubed ice

• 1 mint sprig and 1 lime wedge to garnish

Instructions:

• In your chosen glass or copper mug, pour vodka and fresh lime juice over cubed ice.

• Top with temptingly tasty ginger beer and stir until combined.

• Garnish with a sprig of aromatic mint, a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Ginger meals to make yourself

Carrot and Ginger Soup

No matter the time of the year, a warming bowl of carrot and ginger soup is the perfect meal. This meal is quick and simple to make, plus it’s just as healthy and delicious!

Ingredients:

• 500g of carrots

• 0.5 inches of ginger

• 1-2 cloves of garlic

• 700ml of vegetable stock

Instructions:

• Start by grating the carrots, ginger, and garlic. Set these to one side.

• Heat oil in a pan. Fry the ginger and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the carrots and fry for a further 2 minutes. Stir the ingredients together while they sauté.

• Pour the vegetable stock into the pan. Once the stock has reached a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

• Once the vegetables have softened, use a hand blender to pulse the vegetables until the soup is thick and creamy. Enjoy!

Ginger Apple Crumble

No matter how full you are, there’s always room for something sweet. This ginger apple crumble is the perfect pudding for people with a sweet tooth. So, knowing that it is packed with healthy vitamins is a bonus!

Ingredients to make the crumble filling:

• 6 balls of stem ginger

• 500g of Bramley apples

• 60g of brown sugar

• ½ tsp of cinnamon

• The juice of one lemon

Ingredients to make the crumble topping:

• 140g of plain flour

• 80g of cold butter

• 60g of brown sugar

• ½ tsp of ground ginger

• The zest of half of a lemon

Instructions to make the crumble filling:

• Start by preheating your oven to 180°C.

• Place the stem ginger on a smooth surface and chop the balls into small pieces. The smaller, the better. Place to one side.

• Cut the Bramley apples into small segments. The size is completely up to you.

• Place the stem ginger, Bramley apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice into a bowl. Mix the ingredients until combined.

• Transfer onto a baking dish and place to one side.

Instructions to make the crumble topping:

• In a large bowl, rub the flour and butter together with your fingers. This should create a crumbly, chunky texture.

• Add the brown sugar, lemon zest, and ground ginger into the same bowl. Gently stir the ingredients without losing the consistency of the flour and butter.

• Place the crumble topping onto the crumble filling. Bake the dish in the oven for 40 minutes.

• Enjoy with any topping you’d like, such as custard, fresh cream, or ice cream.

Ginger can be added to countless drinks and meals. This is a great way to benefit from the fiery root vegetable while going about your daily life. It’s also fun to make your own creations!

Sources

https://www.thespruceeats.com/homemade-ginger-tea-3377239

https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/food-and-drink/recipe-moscow-mule/

https://www.yuzubakes.com/recipes/carrot-ginger-soup

https://knifeandsoul.com/ginger-spiced-apple-crumble/