One of the most popular Asian spices is ginger. It is a root that has been used for spices and herbs since ancient times. It is said that ginger first appeared in southern China. India started cultivating from then in Maluku Islands which was known as ‘Spices Island’. It was first seen in Europe in the first century when the ancient Romans traded with India. Ginger was brought to the Caribbean in the fifteenth century with the rediscovery of the New World. Today, we get the largest production of ginger from India. When it grows up, it has white and yellow twigs from which yellow flowers bloom. Ginger is used like any other spice. For continental cooking such as fish or meat, ginger is kind of essential to bring real taste.
Ginger sometimes makes a great role in any kind of juice or liquor like raw tea. Ginger tea is not only popular for its taste but it has many health benefits. It is even used as a softener in making wine and beer and in candy mixed with ginger sugar.
Immature ginger is used to prepare food like Japanese ‘Gari’ and ‘Beni Shoga’.
Apart from this, pickles demand ginger to boost their taste and to preserve for a long time as well. In several countries like Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia use ginger to prepare their main dish. It is used as a regular cooking spice. Ginger can be used as raw, powder, paste and liquor.
We use ginger as a spice in our daily food but it is playing a vital role in making medicine since ancient times. For example, Jamaican ginger is often used for dyspepsia, gastroparesis, slow-motion symptoms, constipation and colic. Ginger is widely used in Japan to aid blood circulation. Ginger paste is used to relieve headaches in India. For reducing cough, cold and flu ginger works tremendously.
Ginger is also used as a short-term remedy for vomiting. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; it may help reduce oxidative stress. According to a review of over 1278 pregnant women, 1.1 -1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea. For reducing body weight, ginger conducts significantly, which is why in any diet chart it is often recommended. Ginger can also help balance body mass and height. Consuming the right amount of ginger improves blood sugar levels and prevents the risk of heart disease. An empty stomach sped up with the help of ginger. People who are suffering from gastric get benefit from it.
Some studies show it may improve brain function. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the urging. It protects against age-related damage to the brain and improves brain function in middle-aged women. Along with turmeric ginger also helps cure any infections faster. Ginger not only cures but fights effectively against oral bacteria also.
In our everyday meals, we can add ginger easily to get all its benefits. Some foods that need ginger as a primary ingredient are:
- Chicken with Ginger
- Fresh Ginger tea
- Ginger root tea
- Malian ginger juice
- Soup with ginger
- Halim
- Mixing Jhalmuri
- kind of mashes (Vorta)
- Nihari
- some sort of salad
