GINGER – A NATURAL SPICE AND MEDICINE

Most people know ginger as a spice that can be added in cooking as a way to enhance the dish with the help of the plant’s distinctive aroma. However, Ginger is so versatile that it can be found in any supermarkets and being used in food, tea or even as a medicine. In fact, Ginger has already been popular and demanded worldwide since ancient times, exported from Asia to European countries due to its potential applications. 

Cooking and drinking 

Ginger has long become one of the indispensable ingredients in Asian cuisine as it brings more its distinctive flavor, aroma and color, making the dish become more appealing and flavorful. 

Among the Asian diversity series of spices, ginger stands out for its strong aroma, spiciness, slightly sweet along with the warmth and earthy taste that can enhance the dish. 

In addition, Ginger is also commonly consumed in beverages such as ginger tea, ginger water, etc. Furthermore, Ginger can also be processed into different forms such as Fresh, Dried or even Powdered which diversify its application in cooking from savory dishes to desert and drinking. 

Medical benefits

Ginger has a long history of effective use to aid people’s digestion related issues by Chinese and India. Ginger is found to contain vitamin C, magnesium and potassium, which are vital for good health. 

In addition, Ginger’s most valuable element lies within its natural oil which has powerful medicinal properties. Until today, ginger is still regularly consumed or to become an ingredient in medicine for the various health benefits it offers. The benefits include reducing nausea and acid indigestion related issues; Relieve Arthritis pain and muscle soreness; Improve blood sugar regulation and lower cholesterol and many other potential effects. In fact, different ginger forms or consumption methods which result in the different usages, flavors and preservation but still keep offer similar health benefits. 

Recommendations

According to UCLA Health, researchers recommended that people should consume a limited dose to ensure its health benefits while avoiding mild side effects due to over consumption such as heartburn or stomach upset. The dosing should be follow:

Vinmec International Hospital suggests that eating fresh ginger in the morning can prevent germ growth, improve oral health, reduce stress, regulate blood sugar, relieve muscle soreness, and more.