This familiar herb is just as nourishing as ginseng.

A familiar spice in the kitchen, ginger not only enhances the flavor of dishes but also offers numerous health benefits such as preventing colds, fighting inflammation, and improving digestion.

Ginger has long been considered the "common man's ginseng" in Vietnamese kitchens. This herb is used in both cuisine and traditional medicine in many Asian countries. Modern research shows that this root contains many bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, contributing to many beneficial effects on the body.

Medicinal properties of ginger root

Ginger is a tropical herbaceous plant and a commonly used medicinal herb in traditional medicine. According to experts, the proper consumption of ginger can offer many benefits:

Ginger is an indispensable ingredient in both traditional cuisine and medicine. Photo: Veronica Bosley/Pixabay.

Helps prevent colds.

According to the health website EDH (Taiwan, China), Traditional Chinese Medicine states that ginger has a pungent and warming nature, helping to warm the body and prevent colds. Ginger contains many vitamins A, E, B vitamins, as well as fiber and potassium, which help boost immunity.

Pain relief

Ginger is also used as a natural pain reliever. Many studies show that the active compounds in ginger can help reduce headaches, joint pain, and menstrual cramps.

Promotes digestion and cleanses the intestines.

Ginger is also beneficial for the digestive system. This spice helps stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, promotes bowel movements, and helps the body absorb nutrients better. For those who frequently experience bloating, indigestion, or nausea due to motion sickness, pregnancy, or chemotherapy, ginger can significantly improve symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory

In particular, gingerol and shogaol in ginger have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammatory responses in the body, thereby supporting the improvement of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and some other chronic inflammatory diseases. Some studies also show that these compounds have the potential to protect nerve cells and slow cognitive decline in the elderly.

Supports brain protection.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in 2022 showed that compounds such as shogaol and gingerol in ginger have the potential to fight neuroinflammation, contributing to slowing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia.

Popular dishes and drinks made with ginger.

Ginger can be grated or crushed and mixed with hot milk. Alternatively, ginger can be added to many everyday dishes and drinks to enhance flavor and take advantage of its health benefits.

Young ginger pickled in sweet and sour sauce

According to QQ News, this is the most common method, creating a dish with a sweet and sour taste, a crispy texture, and is very easy to eat, stimulating the taste buds and reducing the richness of the dish.

Making:

• Wash the young ginger thoroughly and peel off the thin skin.
• Slice thinly, the thinner the better.
• Mix in a little salt, marinate for about 30 minutes to absorb excess water, then squeeze dry.
• Combine white vinegar and rock sugar in a ratio of approximately 2:1, simmer over low heat until the rock sugar is completely dissolved, then let cool.
• Place the ginger in a glass jar, pour in the cooled sweet and sour sauce, making sure the ginger is completely submerged.
• Seal tightly and refrigerate for about 2-3 days before use.

Ginger, honey, and lemon tea

This drink has a mild spiciness from the ginger, a refreshing sourness from the lemon, and a gentle sweetness from the honey, making it suitable for transitional weather or when you have a sore throat.

How to do it:

• Wash the ginger thoroughly, then slice it thinly or crush it.
• Put the ginger in a cup, add hot water, and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
• Squeeze lemon juice into the glass.
• Add honey, stir well, and enjoy.

Ginger, red date, and goji berry tea

This tea has a beautiful golden-brown color, a fragrant aroma of ginger and red dates, and is often used by many families when they have a cold.

How to do it:

• Wash the ginger and slice it.
• Wash the red apples thoroughly and make light incisions on the surface of each apple.
• Bring water to a boil, then add ginger and red dates, and simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Add goji berries and rock sugar, simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

Ginger and onion porridge to relieve colds

Porridge is a simple, easy-to-eat dish, often served during meals when the body is tired.

How to do it:

• Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it into a thin porridge.
• Ginger, sliced ​​into strips or finely chopped.
• When the porridge is cooked, add the ginger and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Season with a little salt, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and serve hot.

How to distinguish between different types of ginger. Graphic: M. Phuong.

Things to keep in mind when eating ginger.

Despite its many benefits, regular ginger use is not suitable for everyone.

Women during menstruation

People with a cold constitution can drink a moderate amount of ginger tea to reduce discomfort during menstruation. However, those with a hot constitution or who are suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease should limit their consumption as it may worsen the inflammation.

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Ginger helps stimulate digestive motility, but excessive use can have the opposite effect, leading to nausea, chest tightness, or worsening reflux.

People with a hot constitution

Consuming too much ginger can cause constipation, sore throat, dry mouth, or a feeling of heat in the body. Even ginger tea should only be drunk about 2-3 times a week.

You shouldn't drink ginger tea in the evening.

Ginger has warming properties and can make the body more alert. Therefore, drinking ginger tea in the evening may affect sleep quality in some people.

In addition, if you find ginger that is moldy or rotten, you should discard it immediately instead of continuing to use it. While sprouted ginger is still edible, moldy ginger risks producing substances harmful to health.

Source: https://znews.vn/loi-ich-cua-gung-trong-y-hoc-co-truyen-post1655974.html