6 Superfoods To Detox Your Body-GINGER

Written by ~ Karen Mia

Greetings lovely reader.

Times have certainly changed, but the detoxification process through nutrition is anything but a new concept. Throughout history, we can see examples of people being treated holistically with various herbs and plants. Practitioners who dedicated their lives to healing people with fresh spices, herbs, roots, and vegetables were usually present in every village or community. They did not know the term “Superfood” then, but it’s not the terms that matter so much as the inherit healing capacity each holds.

This week we will uncover some of the ancient secrets of a spicy and savory plant that in addition to being used through centuries to add a peppery, sweet flavor to all kinds of dishes, has been an essential ingredient used in healing potions and tonics crafted to heal all sorts of ailments. It boasts unique health benefits that cannot be matched and has certainly earned its place in history.

THIS WEEK’S SUPERFOOD: GINGER!

Ginger Spice

However, writing was a relatively new concept at this time; so written history cannot exclusively determine its nativity. Ginger was used as a flavoring agent long before history was formally recorded, more than 7,000 years ago! Although we do not know exactly how it came to be, it is estimated that the Austronesian people of Maritime Southeast Asia were among the first cultivators of several species of ginger, starting in around 5,000 BC.

Ginger came to be an exceedingly important article of trade, and still is today.  It was continuously exported from India to the Roman Empire over 2000 years ago, where it was especially valued for its medicinal properties.

By the first century CE, traders had brought ginger to the Mediterranean region where it was regularly incorporated into remedies that were used to treat all sorts of ailments. In the year 406, a monk named Faxian recorded in a letter that ginger was grown in pots and carried on Chinese ships to ward off scurvy.

Ginger came to be even more of a sought-after commodity in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, with Arab merchants controlling the trade in ginger and other spices for centuries to come. By the 12th and 13th centuries, sugar became readily available as it became more affordable to import, so European tastes started to shift more favorably toward sweet culinary creations. This led to ginger in its preserved form for use in sweets becoming an especially high-demand item, thus it was imported into Europe in increased quantity. Although it was still quite expensive; one pound of ginger in Northeast Europe was said to cost as much as a sheep.

An important holiday tradition was born in the late medieval times at the court of Elizabeth I of England, when the Queen commissioned her cooks to prepare gingerbread biscuits shaped and presented in the likeness of some of her important guests. The royal court was where many such traditions were started in those times, and so the ‘Gingerbread Man’ became a popular Christmas treat throughout Europe, eventually gaining popularity around the world.

It’s a Ginger Thing

Since we intend to entertain you for a few minutes rather than a few days, we are going to go about things a bit differently in this article. There are over 1,300 species of Ginger found across the globe, and because most are very similar in their attributes besides color, we have instead chosen to showcase nutritional information and attributes of three members of the ginger family. Although similar in many ways, each differs in nutritional value and cultivation methods, so below you will find the most relevant information pertaining to each of them. If you would like more information on the many other varieties specific to ginger, click here.

Common Ginger, AKA zingiber officinale or Supermarket ginger, are all accurate names, as this is the most consumed ginger and the one you will likely find in your local Supermarket. Common ginger, along with most variants, does not exist in its wild state, so it is considered a cultivated plant (cultigen) - meaning that they have no determined origin, and its development over the years is due only to intentional human activity. A rhizome, also known as a rootstock, is the horizontal stem from which new ginger growth sprouts. Each piece of rhizome planted produces a much larger rhizome. This is the part of the plant that is consumed.

Like the potato, the edible part of the growth stays underground, while the ginger flower grows above. It indicates that it is time to harvest when the leaves begin to dry out and turn yellow. Common ginger can be grown all over the world, perhaps even in your own backyard. Yet this plant is most often cultivated throughout the humid tropics, with India being the largest producer because of its warm, humid environment, regular rainfall, and large land mass.

Ginger adds a zesty punch to fruits and veggies, teas, juices, and baked goods, such as gingerbread and ginger snaps. In addition to its merits in the kitchen, common ginger is one of the most popular spices used for medicinal purposes.

**Ginger is known to potentially interact with some medications, such as the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Please consult with your medical doctor to determine if ginger is safe for you to ingest.

Nutritional Value

One tablespoon of ground ginger contains the following nutrients:

**Caution: Many experts, including those at the Arthritis Foundation, advise avoiding high doses of ginger if you have gallstones or if you are on blood thinners or medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, due to possible drug interactions.

Health Benefits of Common Ginger

Most health-related research on ginger has focused on its gingerols, which seem to be the primary component responsible for its spicy aroma.

Soothes Nausea

This is potentially the ailment that ginger is most renowned for treating, and for good reason. Gingerol, a bioactive compound found in the ginger root, plays a crucial role in promoting the movement of food through the digestive system. By promoting efficient digestion, ginger helps prevent food from lingering in the gut for extended periods.

Ginger can bring relief from nausea, particularly in the following circumstances:

- Chemotherapy: Health professionals working with cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have observed that ginger often alleviates post-treatment nausea, offering a gentler alternative to prescription or over-the-counter anti-nausea medications.

- Pregnancy: Across many generations, women have turned to ginger to alleviate "morning sickness" and other pregnancy-related queasiness. The American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology recognizes ginger as a safe nonpharmaceutical remedy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Bloating and gas: The consumption of ginger contributes to reducing fermentation, constipation, and other factors contributing to bloating and intestinal gas.

Weight Loss

Ginger contains natural compounds known as zingerone and shogaols, which have been found to potentially aid weight loss by influencing the process of fat storage and metabolism within the body. Scientific studies have demonstrated that the intake of ginger results in significant reductions in body weight, improvements in waist-to-hip ratio, and favorable changes in markers related to blood glucose regulation among participants. A popular theory among medical professionals is that because obesity is classified as a chronic state of inflammation, the high antioxidant content in ginger could potentially help resolve the effects of inflammation that lead to weight gain. The consumption of ginger may also contribute to sustaining energy levels, which in turn aids in the maintenance of a regular exercise routine, helping to further achieve weight loss goals.

Cardamom, as part of the Zingiberaceae family of plants, is more of a close cousin to ginger than a variant. Nevertheless, it is native to many of the same parts of Asia, including India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, and much like ginger, is described as a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor.

One of the ways these spices differ is in their appearance and method of cultivation. Whereas most ginger is a root spice grown solely from its rhizome, cardamom is a seed, and can be grown from either the rhizome or the seed itself. Cardamom and ginger also have significantly different nutritional values.

Nutritional Value

One tablespoon of ground cardamom contains the following nutrients:

Health Effects of Cardamom

Fights Metabolic Syndrome

Many researchers have investigated whether cardamom can help prevent metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. cardamom may improve the conditions leading to metabolic syndrome. Several studies have shown an ability to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and even modulate some genes that may lead to obesity.

Infection Control

Cardamom is believed to possess antibacterial properties, which could help combat certain infections. For centuries, holistic practitioners everywhere have utilized the bacterial-fighting properties of this spice. Its effects are also backed by science. Various studies have discovered that cardamom essential oil is effective against common bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans.

Liver Detox

In the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is highly valued for its remarkable detoxifying properties. It is especially renowned for its positive impact on the liver, an organ essential for eliminating toxins from the body.

There have also been studies to prove its effectiveness in improving liver function. In one such study, participants who took green cardamom supplements had improvements in markers of liver health, compared with those who took a placebo.

*Always speak to a doctor before using any herbal remedy. Some products can interact with existing medication or cause serious side effects.

Turmeric, yet another close cousin of ginger, is similar to it in many ways, including in its planting and harvesting methods. It requires intentional cultivation through the rootstock and does not produce seeds.  It also grows best in humid, tropical climates.

Turmeric is an essential component of curry powder, as it adds an element of deliciousness to food, with its warm, peppery flavor and distinctive golden color. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is highly regarded and recommended for its health benefits that range from promoting digestion to supporting overall well-being. Countless scientific studies have also proven its many benefits to the human condition.

Nutritional Value

One tablespoon of ground turmeric contains the following nutrients:

Health Effects of Turmeric

Arthritis and Pain Relief

Many people, including professionals in holistic and traditional medicine alike, have shared their personal experiences regarding the pain-relieving properties of turmeric, especially when it comes to alleviating arthritis pain. The Arthritis Foundation has pointed to many scientific studies that showcase the impressive ability of turmeric to effectively combat inflammation. The remarkable anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric stem from its active compound, curcumin, renowned for its exceptional biological characteristics.

Digestive Aid

As a spice commonly used in cooking, turmeric has garnered attention for its potential role in promoting healthy digestion. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising candidate for supporting digestive health. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is commonly used as a digestive healing agent. Western medicine has also turned its focus to studying how turmeric can aid in reducing gut inflammation and improving gut permeability, both of which are crucial indicators of digestive efficiency. Science has caught on, and ongoing research is exploring the potential of turmeric as a viable treatment option for digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Ginger Detox

Here are a few unique ideas to help implement inflammation-combating, free-radical-fighting Ginger into your diet:

Ginger-Honey Chews

~ 1 1/2 cups water

~ 1 1/2 cups honey

~ 1 pound ginger root

Directions

Peel and slice the ginger into slices about 1/8 of an inch thick or about the width of a quarter.

Add the water and honey to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a low boil.

Place the slices in the boiling water and stir until honey dissolves.

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Remove lid and continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes, or until ginger is “al dente.”

Strain the ginger slices over a container until all the excess liquid is removed. If desired, store the ginger liquid in a lidded container in the fridge, to use it later (be creative!).

Slowly place the drained ginger slices onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

* Note: You can also sprinkle on a bit of sugar or sugar substitute for extra sweetness if desired, although not required.

Leave the candied ginger on the tray overnight, or for at least 12 hours.

Store in a lidded container in the fridge. Consume within about 30 days.

G&G Toner

Combine the goodness of green tea with ginger with this fresh DIY toner that can help cool and balance skin, tighten pores, and reduce blemishes.

~ 4 oz Steeped Green Tea

~ 1 Tbsp. grated ginger

 Directions

- Let the steeped tea cool slightly.

- Add the tablespoon of grated ginger to tea and stir thoroughly. Let it cool to room temperature.

- Strain the mixture to remove any lumps and store it in a bottle or container with lid. (Try storing in the fridge, your face will thank you-just be sure to label it properly so that someone doesn’t mistake it for an exotic soup)

- After cleansing the face, apply toner with a cotton ball or pad.

Chop-Chop

Have you ever heard of the acronym GGS?  It’s a well-known secret in the culinary community that stands for garlic, ginger, and scallion.  The combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors that complement each other exceptionally well. 

Why not add a couple of tablespoons of this freshly chopped mixture to your favorite veggies before stir-frying in a wok? Turmeric and cardamom also make a great addition to stir fry or curry.

You're welcome.

Spice Up Your Smoothie

Because it has a hefty flavor profile destined to take center stage, the best veggies to swirl around the blender with ginger are of the milder-tasting variety: cauliflower, spinach, and cucumber to name a few. As far as fruits are concerned, ginger pairs especially well with citruses such as oranges, limes, and lemons, and tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango.

Ginger Tea

This is possibly one of the simplest methods to get more ginger into your diet. Just peel and slice a couple of pieces and throw them…bad idea… PLACE them gently, into a hot mug of water, along with a slice or two of lemon. Steep for 5-10 minutes and you have yourself a fresh homemade cup of brew. Add a tablespoon of honey to sweeten if you desire.

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Well, that’s it for this week. Time to cozy up with a cup of ginger tea and some gingerbread, while watching an old Ginger Rogers movie.

Join us next time when we present you with the deets on another exciting member of the superfood family. Here's a hint: it's red (or white, or pink...or purple), and it grows underground. Any guesses?

Hold onto them for a week or so and see if you are right.

~K.M.

***All content shown on this website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is never intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. If you need medical care, please consult with a licensed medical professional.