Product Highlight: Ginger
You may have seen it, or smelt it. The root of ginger. A pungent smell that maybe you remember from all you can eat sushi. It may look like a shriveled up piece of the earth, but the prowess of ginger root has made it a staple in many different cultures around the world. It’s an aromatic root that has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine, and scientists are continuing to study its benefits, uses, and effects.
While ginger is now used frequently around the world it first appeared in Southern China where it then spread to India, then down the silk road to the rest of Asia and West Africa. It’s rumored that Marco Polo was the one who introduced ginger root to the Europeans after his journey through the East. From there ginger was brought across the Atlantic to the new world where the root was grown aplenty on the Caribbean islands.
Benefits of Ginger Root
Ginger is a very versatile plant that is known for being extremely healthy. It’s in the same family as a few other super-spices—turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Its aromatic properties and unique taste make it one of the most popular spices in the world, and scientific research has proven ginger to be beneficial to your overall health.
Because ginger has grown so popular throughout the world and adopted by numerous cultures, it has a long history of many different forms and uses. You can find ginger as the root, powder form, pickled, or in oils and juices, and you can add ginger into almost any recipe, smoothie, or beverage.
- Immune system booster
Ginger contains a compound called ginger that promotes antioxidants to help support your immune system. In the ancient Ayurvedic medicine system, it’s said that ginger also helps break down toxic substances in your body. - Helps ease nausea
Ginger has been proven to help aid many forms of nausea including morning sickness, chemotherapy-related nausea, pregnancy-related nausea, and people undergoing surgery. It helps ease the stomach by promoting intestinal health. - Helps keep blood sugar levels at bay
Ginger has recently become popular to help people struggling with diabetes. Scientists have discovered chemical compounds within ginger that show improvements in insulin and metabolism levels. - Boosts digestive system
Similar to helping ease nausea, ginger can help improve digestion and aid in weight loss. It contains properties that help increase movement through the digestive tract that can relieve pain and expel gas.
Uses for Ginger
Depending on what you are trying to treat with ginger, there are many different ways you can use and ingest it. For cooking purposes, you can peel, dice, or grate fresh ginger, and then add it to a soup, stew, sauce, or any other recipe. It’s also very popular to add as a side dish for Asian foods like sushi or stir fry.
Other common uses for ginger are teas, juices, and smoothies. The effects of ginger can be enhanced if combined with other fruits, vegetables, and spices. There are many teas available at stores that contain ginger, or you can make your own from fresh or dried ginger or add a bit to any brew. Ginger teas are great for nausea, morning sickness, and easing flu or cold symptoms.
For other medicinal uses, ginger can be found in capsules and essential oils. The pure concentrate of ginger in a capsule could be a great addition to your morning vitamin routine, or directly apply it to yourself with essential oil.
American Botanicals
Here at American Botanicals, we offer hundreds of different herbs and botanicals that are purchased almost exclusively from U.S farmers. We believe in natural products that promote sustainability and wellness. Get a quote today on our fresh ginger, or feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
