An underground rhizome, ginger flesh can be found in red, white or yellow color depending on the variety. Even though ginger is commonly available in the dried form in supermarkets, fresh ginger is superior in flavor and it contains greater amounts of gingerol, an active protease responsible for ginger’s anti-inflammatory quality. It can also be purchased in candied, pickled and crystallized forms. Ginger works equally well in fruit and green smoothies, adding a spicy, warming flavor. It also works well when used in combination with other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Spunky Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger root
- 1 large red delicious apple
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 cups dandelion greens
- 8 ounces almond milk
Directions:
Add the almond milk, ginger and apple into a blender and turn it on for about 20 seconds. Add all the greens and continue blending another 30-40 seconds. Enjoy over ice.
Add-ons
- Papaya
- Celery
Nutritional Information
One quarter cup of ginger provides 0.2 grams of fat, 0.4 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fibre, 4.3 grams of carbohydrates and 19 calories. It also delivers 2% of the daily recommended amounts of vitamin B6, and C while supplying limited amounts of riboflavin, niacin, folate, thiamine and vitamin E. Ginger in not lacking in the minerals department either. It is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper, in addition to supplying small amounts of calcium, iron, zinc and phosphorus. Ginger is especially valued for the antioxidants known as gingerals and is also a source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger offers a number of health benefits, but is especially recognized for gingerals which deter the formation of inflammation causing compounds in the body. Clinical studies show that ¾ of the arthritis and 100% of the patients suffering from muscular pain obtained relief by taking only ¼ inch slice of ginger on a regular basis. Adding ginger to drinks offers anticoagulant benefits. It also reduces the stickiness of blood platelets which provides protection against the risk of atherosclerosis. National Library of Medicine, a department of the National Institute of Health, U.S.A, reports that ginger is utilized to treat appetite loss, post-surgery nausea and vomiting, flatulence, colic, morning sickness and upset stomach throughout the world.