The Many Benefits of GINGER

Learn why this spice is so good for you, and then use these recipes to cook up a healthy meal!

Ginger is a tropical plant that has been used since ancient times in China and India to aid in digestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. It has also been used to treat arthritis and heart conditions, common cold and flu like symptoms, headaches, painful menstrual periods and motion sickness.

But in addition to medicinal uses, the fragrant spice is prized around the world as a wonderful cooking spice. In Asia, its use in foods dates back over 4,000 yrs ago. Ginger products are made from fresh or dried ginger root, steam distillation or oil in the root, as well as crystallized ginger. The fresh root can be purchased and made into a tea.

Ginger is also recognized as a tonic, a stimulant, and an aphrodisiac. Herbalists recommend the ancient root for people that complain of chronic fatigue.

Ginger water is a wonderful recipe that comes from Senegal. It’s not just meant to quench your thirst; you can get some healthful benefits as well.

Ginger Water

*2 ozs. Fresh ginger *4 cups water *1/4 cup sugar   Peel and chop ginger finely. In large pitcher place chopped ginger. Pour water on top and sprinkle in sugar. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes. Then filter water through cheesecloth and place in carafe or pitcher. Add in lemon slices. You can also use as a cocktail and mix with rum.   When choosing fresh ginger, the root should be uniform in color with no discolorations and the root should be firm to touch.

Try this rice pilaf for a healthy side dish to any meal!

Rice & Ginger Pilaf

*½ cup Vidalia onions- chopped finely *2 tsp fresh ginger grated finely *1 cup basmati rice *2 cups water *Pinch of salt *1 cup peas-fresh or frozen (thawed out if frozen) *½ cup dry white wine *2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil-cold pressed *½ tbsp unsalted butter

In heavy skillet, place in 2 tbsp extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil. Saute fresh ginger and chopped onions till ginger and onions become light golden color. Add in uncooked rice and sauté for about 1 minute.

 Add in dry white wine. When absorbed, add in 2 cups water and pinch of salt Cover and cook over low-medium heat until liquid is absorbed (16-20 minutes), stir every so many minutes so rice does not stick. When liquid is absorbed, uncover and add in thawed peas and butter. Stir in and remove from heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

How Much Ginger Should You Intake?

For adults, in general, intake should not exceed 2 to 4 grams per day. This includes ginger from things taken throughout the day in other foods- ginger snaps, gingerbread, and ginger ale.

Be advised that children under 2 should not take ginger. For children over 2 the dosage should not exceed 1/3 per day of adult dosage.

Although the use of this herb has many wonderful benefits, they do contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements and medications. Side effects with ginger are rare, but taken in excessive dosage, the herb can cause mild heartburn. Also, it is advised not to use ginger during pregnancy and should be avoided by people with gallstones... If you are taking blood thinning medications and any medications for cancer you should consult a physician before taking as well.

By Maria Liberati

Former international model turned celebrity chef- Maria Liberati is the author of The Basic art of Italian Cookbook series and has been featured in many national publications, ,TV and radio. You can find Maria at www.marialiberati.com