What is ginger. Ginger root - how to use at home

We think that many at least once in their lives have heard of such a well-known spice as ginger. This plant is credited with many not only culinary, but also magical healing qualities. It is believed that ginger root is an almost universal remedy that helps with many ailments.

Is this really so and is it true that ginger root has some unique properties and abilities. We will talk about this and much more later. However, to begin with, we will answer the question of what ginger is and what it is used for, and we will also take a short digression into history in order to learn everything about this medicinal plant.

medicinal ginger root

The full name of this perennial plant from the family and genus of the same name sounds like "Ginger officinalis or pharmacy." In addition, in the literature there is often such a name as Zingiber officinale, which is translated from Latin in Russian means Ginger ordinary.

In simple terms, both the plant itself and its constituent parts, such as leaves or rhizome, are called ginger. This plant "loves" warm countries and grows in the mild climate of South Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Barbados and India. In our time, the plant is cultivated on an industrial scale, mostly in China.

In the above countries, people have been using ginger for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Europeans learned about how the human body medicinal properties ginger is only effective in the Middle Ages, when sailors brought the outlandish spice to the Old World. It is noteworthy that ginger came to Europe at a terrible time.

Just raged plague , and the new overseas plant was immediately used in the treatment of this deadly disease. People were ready to pay fabulous money for this plant, although at that time few people really knew what to do with ginger root and how to use it in healing.

Nowadays, ginger does not give up its positions and is still in demand, both in cooking and in medicine, not only in folk, but also in the official one.

This plant is cultivated, as we mentioned above, for the most part in China, as well as in the countries of Southeast Asia. In our latitudes, you can buy both fresh roots or tubers of a plant, as well as dried in sugar or pickled ginger.

In cooking, ginger is used in ground form, it gives the dish a delicate spicy taste and aroma. However, in countries where the plant grows, the use of powder from ginger root minimized. Since more than one powdered extract of even the most highest quality can not be compared in its taste and aromatic characteristics with a fresh product.

A seasoning such as ginger is added to meat and fish dishes, salads, sauces and drinks. Pickled ginger is used as an appetizer served with Japanese national dish sushi. It is believed that without this spice, the taste of many favorite dishes will not be so bright and rich.

In addition, fresh ginger powder, like the root, is added to drinks. For example, in tea, which by the way is considered not only tasty and tonic, but also a medicinal drink. So, what is useful in ginger and what effect this plant has on the human body.

Useful properties of ginger

As you know, every coin has two sides and ginger is no exception. Even at the very useful product has its pros and cons. Therefore, let's take a closer look at what are harmful and what are the beneficial properties of ginger. Perhaps it’s worth starting with a consideration of the chemical composition of the plant, which will help shed light on the beneficial properties of ginger root.

Ginger root, benefits and harm to the body

So, what are the benefits of ginger for the human body? Let's start by answering this question. The rhizome of the plant contains many biologically active components (according to conservative estimates of researchers, about 400 compounds), which determine the healing properties of ginger. Moreover, most of them are contained in the essential oil, which is the basis of the chemical composition of the plant.

In turn, the main components of ginger oil are such organic compounds as:

• Alpha- and β-zingiberenes , i.e. zingiberenes and sesquiterpenes are substances belonging to a large class terpenes , the main difference of which is the presence in their composition hydrocarbons , as well as ketones, aldehydes and alcohols . They are widely used in perfumery as odor fixatives, as well as in pharmacology in the production of certain medicines, for example, anthelmintic drugs .
• Linalool is an organic alcohol that is used to produce linalyl acetate (lily-of-the-valley ester), also used in the cosmetics industry as an aromatic fragrance.
• camphene - this is monoterpene or hydrocarbon of natural origin, which plays an important role in many industries, as it is an intermediate in the preparation of such a compound as camphor .
• Bisabolen is another representative of the class terpenes , whose chemical characteristics, namely aroma, have found application in the perfume industry.
• Cineol or methane oxide (also known by the obsolete name eucalyptol *) - this is terpene monocyclic , included in antiseptic , as well as about expectorants used in medicine for the treatment ORZ and . In addition, this compound is a component of some synthetic essential oils, i.e. produced artificially.
• Borneol is alcohol, which, like camphene used in the synthesis process camphor , which in turn is widely used in the medical industry, as well as in perfumery.
• is a substance that is aldehyde (alcohol, which does not contain a hydrogen component). This alcohol has found wide application in the perfume industry as a fragrance, as well as in Food Industry, as a flavoring agent, and in pharmacology as a component anti-inflammatory and antiseptic medicines. It is worth noting that it is citral that can be called one of the most important compounds, which determines the healing properties of ginger. Since this substance is able to positively affect blood pressure, it is a raw material for further synthesis, which is indispensable and certainly beneficial for the health of all people without exception, and is also part of medicines that effectively help in the treatment of certain ophthalmic ailments. In addition, this aldehyde is indispensable for children who have such a disease as .

* source: Wikipedia

However, the usefulness of ginger lies not only in the essential oil, which is found in abundance in chemical composition plant rhizomes. We think that many, faced with seasonal colds, met on the Internet recipes of traditional medicine, in which ginger was the main component.

This is due to the fact that the chemical composition of the ginger root is rich in content, in other words, the main "fighter" with various kinds ORZ and SARS .

In addition, it has been scientifically proven that ascorbic acid is a compound that doctors refer to as the so-called essential substances necessary for normal growth, development, and human existence.

The rhizome of the plant contains other equally important compounds for good health and well-being (like ascorbic acid) compounds, for example:

• , i.e. ;
• zinc ;
• salt calcium ;
• silicon ;
• manganese ;
• chromium ;
• phosphorus ;
• silicon ;
• asparagine ;
• essential amino acids ( methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine, methionine, threonine and arginine );
• oleic, linoleic, nicotinic and caprylic acids.

A substance such as gingerol . We think that now it has become clear how ginger root is useful for the body, because the list of important macro- and microelements included in its composition is quite impressive. Having learned all about ginger in terms of its chemical composition, let's talk about the beneficial properties and contraindications of ginger.

Useful properties and contraindications of ginger root

Recipes for the use of ginger leaves and root can be easily found on the Internet. For traditional medicine in Asian countries, the use of this plant for medicinal purposes is as common as the use chamomile or thyme for local doctors.

With the advent of free access to ginger in our latitudes, many questions have arisen that are important to give the right answers. After all, not knowing what the plant heals and how to use ginger for food correctly can greatly harm your health. Therefore, you first need to figure out what ginger is for, who is contraindicated, and also what it is used for.

So what does ginger help with? Since the rhizome of the plant contains many useful compounds in its composition, medicines prepared on its basis have anti-inflammatory, antiemetic and immunostimulating properties. In addition, ginger root has a positive effect on digestive system .

Based on the foregoing, it is possible to answer the question of what the root of the plant heals from, and formulate indications for its use. Let's start with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (hereinafter referred to as the gastrointestinal tract). Ginger is primarily a spice, and like many other spices, it perfectly stimulates appetite, while positively affecting metabolic processes.

Therefore, regular consumption of ginger contributes to the normalization of both fat and cholesterol metabolism in the body.

Taking into account these properties of the plant, nutritionists often advise people who want to get rid of extra pounds to include it in their diet.

The active biological compounds included in the rhizome, namely the irreplaceable amino acids , improve the blood supply to the body, thereby speeding up metabolic processes, which leads to more efficient calorie burning.

In addition, ginger has a beneficial effect on intestinal peristalsis , which, coupled with the above properties, gives a significant result in losing weight. Of course, subject to the principles proper nutrition and daily physical activity. So don't think that you can lose weight quickly just by adding spices like ginger to high-calorie meals.

The benefits and harms of pickled ginger and candied candied fruit

That's just, not all ginger is good for the body of women or men trying to lose weight. For example, dried in sugar, as well as dried ginger in sugar, cannot be called faithful helpers in the fight against excess weight. Rather, they are the worst enemies who will only hinder the achievement of the goal.

It's all about the calorie content of the candied rhizome of the plant, which depends, firstly, on the technology of preparation of the product, and secondly, on the generosity of the cook for the sweet component. On average, 100 grams of candied fruit (i.e., sugar-dried ginger) contains about 300 kcal, which is almost three and a half times higher than the same amount of fresh rhizome (80 kcal per 100 grams of product).

And although after processing in candied ginger, most of the beneficial compounds contained in them are preserved for people who want to normalize their weight, but you should not get carried away with this delicacy.

There are the same concerns about the pickled rhizome. Is there any benefit from pickled ginger or is it just a tasty snack that perfectly complements Japanese sushi.

As they say in folk wisdom - in everything you need to know the measure. This rule comes in handy with pickled ginger root. Unlike candied ginger, pickled ginger is not terrible for its calorie content, which, by the way, is only 51 Kcal per 100 grams of product.

However, not everything is so simple here either, because the technology for preparing the product involves the use of a marinade, which, as a rule, includes rice vinegar. Therefore, if you have problems with gastrointestinal tract , then you are strictly forbidden to eat even a small amount of this product.

However, doctors are in no hurry to give the palm to the rhizome of a medicinal plant in the treatment of high blood pressure. Frankly, doctors, in principle, are skeptical of almost all prescriptions for health from folk healers. On the one hand, they can be understood.

After all, no ginger can cope with hypertension of the second or third degree, when a person constantly experiences discomfort from consistently high pressure. Moreover, in such cases, the use of ginger root can be very harmful. Firstly, because it categorically cannot be used in conjunction with hypotensive medicines, tk. it can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure levels.

Secondly, some people, having received the first short-term effect from eating ginger, believe that they can now do without drug treatment. As a result, the disease progresses without proper treatment and transforms from an easier stage for therapy to the next more severe one. Of course, any physician will be categorically against such dangerous self-treatment.

Interestingly, these same unique qualities of ginger can alleviate the condition of those who are struggling with the opposite problem, i.e. low blood pressure or hypotension . After all, the compounds that make up the plant saturate the blood with oxygen and help relieve vascular spasms, thus normalizing low blood pressure.

It is believed that ginger root is a real salvation for people whose body is sensitive to weather changes. However, even here there are "pitfalls", not taking into account which you can also aggravate the situation without receiving any therapeutic effect.

Therefore, do not rush to consider ginger a panacea for pressure problems. Consult a doctor for qualified medical help, and if he allows, use ginger root as an adjunct therapeutic or prophylactic agent.

It is important to emphasize that ginger root is potentially dangerous:

• at ischemic heart disease ;
• at stroke and in pre-stroke state;
• at preinfarction state and with a heart attack .

As we said earlier, ginger root can have a beneficial effect on work digestive tract and help with weight loss. Unfortunately, many diet lovers, knowing about these beneficial properties, forget that the same plant can greatly harm the digestive tract. Let's see if ginger is bad for the stomach.

Ginger contains many highly active components that, on the one hand, are beneficial, and on the other hand, can adversely affect the health of people who suffer from digestive diseases such as:

• ulcerative colitis ;
• gastritis ;
• esophageal reflux ;
• duodenal ulcer;
• diverticulitis ;
• stomach ulcer ;

To understand why ginger is far from always good for the stomach, remember how the plant tastes. After all, first of all, it is a spice that is used in cooking to give the dish a piquant taste and aroma. This means that the rhizome of the plant, due to the content of gingerol in the chemical composition, is distinguished by burning taste characteristics, which, when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes, irritate them.

That is why it is absolutely not worth eating especially fresh ginger for people with the gastrointestinal tract ailments listed above. In addition, for the same reason, this spicy plant should not be used if there is damage to the oral mucosa. Otherwise, ginger can provoke deterioration in the process of tissue healing.

We will answer another popular question about whether ginger root is good or bad for the liver. Let's start with the fact that ginger is contraindicated for people who suffer from liver diseases such as:

• hepatitis;
• stones in the biliary tract;
• cirrhosis of the liver.

With these diseases, ginger in any form is a potentially deadly danger to the human body. Therefore, in no case should the plant be used for these ailments. It is believed that in moderation, ginger helps to remove stones from the body.

However, self-medication should be done only under the supervision of doctors. Otherwise, the highly active compounds that make up the rhizome of the plant can provoke the building up of stones in the bile ducts. In this case, it will no longer be possible to do without surgical intervention, and delay will cost lives.

It is important to know that the plant can enhance bleeding , and also causes a strong allergic reaction . In addition, despite the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger root recognized by science, it is strictly forbidden to use it if a person has a fever during acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections. Ginger in this case will only hurt.

Another point that characterizes the duality of the beneficial qualities of ginger root. On the one hand, it helps the future mother cope with nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. But on the other hand, in subsequent periods, the same ginger can adversely affect the well-being of a woman and a child.

It is forbidden to use the spice in conjunction with such drugs as:

• drugs that affect blood sugar levels, the effect of which ginger enhances, and also provokes the occurrence of side effects, increasing the risk of developing hypokalemia by reducing efficiency beta blockers ;
• drugs that have antiarrhythmic properties ;
• heart stimulants;
• drugs that lower blood pressure.

How to eat ginger root?

Having discussed the useful and not very qualities of the ginger root, it's time to talk about how to eat it correctly, how to choose and where to store it, and where this “miracle plant” is sold. To begin with, we note that there is far from one type of ginger root, which differ from each other:

• color, and both the outer peel and the inner pulp, for example, there is ordinary white or yellowish ginger or exotic green with blue veins;
• aroma, which can give the spice a characteristic bright spicy or citrus smell. It happens that some types of ginger smell like kerosene;
• the shape of the rhizome, which can be in the form of a fist or a hand with bent fingers, differ in a flattened or elongated structure.

Distinguish ginger:

• Barbadian (black) is the unpeeled rhizome of a plant that is boiled or scalded with water before being sold;
• Bleached root is ginger, previously peeled from the top layer (peel), which is then kept in a solution of lime;
• Jamaican or white bengal root is the highest grade ginger.

It is considered good that ginger, the root of which is not sluggish in appearance, but strong to the touch. If the ginger root crunches when broken, then this product will stand out with a brighter aroma and taste. If you buy spice in the form of a powder, then, firstly, it must be hermetically sealed. And secondly, the color of such a spice should be sandy, not white.

Novice cooks often ask the question of how to peel ginger and whether it should be peeled at all.

As a rule, a product brought from China is sold on the shelves of our stores. Chinese farmers do not skimp on the use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in the fight for a consistently high crop.

In addition, before delivery, fresh ginger can be “preserved” using special chemicals, which also contain substances unsafe for humans. Therefore, before eating a fresh plant root for food, it must be:

• wash thoroughly under running water;
• to peel;
• put in cold water for about an hour to remove some of the toxins from the plant.

In principle, fresh root can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than ten days. Then it will begin to fade and it will be possible to use such ginger only if it is soaked in water. However, this spice will not be half as aromatic and spicy. Ginger powder is generally recommended to be stored for a maximum of four months.

We think that many lovers of this spicy plant wondered how to keep ginger longer, and so that the product would not lose its unique healing properties over time. Drying is the first method that comes to mind. So, how to dry ginger root.

To begin with, we will answer the question of whether it is necessary to peel the root before drying. Here the opinions of culinary experts are divided. Some prefer to cut off the skin, while others believe that just washing the ginger well will be enough, because. it is under the peel of the rhizome that contains the maximum of useful compounds.

If you chose the first option, then wash the rhizome, and then cut off the peel. It is easier to do this along the root, i.e. from the base to the edges. Try to cut as thin a layer of peel as possible. Peeled or well-washed ginger root should be cut into thin petals, and then put on a baking sheet, previously covered with a sheet of parchment paper and put in the oven.

Dry the ginger for the first two hours at a temperature of 50 C, then you can increase it to 70 C. You can use a special electric dryer.

You can store the root dried in this way in ground form or put the petals in jars for spices.

However, it can be replaced with regular apple cider vinegar. First, the ginger is washed and then peeled. The whole root is rubbed with table salt and left in this form for about four hours. And you need to put it in the refrigerator.

After the specified time, the ginger is taken out of the refrigerator and cut (it is convenient to use a vegetable cutter) into thin petals. Then the root is doused with boiling water and allowed to cool. At this time, a marinade is prepared from vinegar, sugar and water.

To give the pickled product a traditional bright shade, finely chopped or grated beets are used. Ginger petals, along with beets, are placed in a glass jar and poured with marinade. In this form, the product should stand in the refrigerator for three days. Then it can be eaten.

How to eat ginger? Recipes for health

How to eat ginger, and most importantly with what? We will try to answer this question further. Ginger is used as a spice in the preparation of fish and meat dishes. It is also added to baking (widely known gingerbread). Fresh ginger root gives salads, sauces and appetizers a spicy taste and fresh aroma.

Pickled ginger is served with sushi, and is also used as an addition to meat or fish. Fresh root or powder is added to marinades for meat or fish, and is also used in the preparation of first courses. Ginger root gives a special taste to drinks (kvass, tea, sbitnya, there is even ginger beer or ale).

Jam is made from ginger and candied candied fruits are made. There are a lot of recipes where such a spice as ginger root appears. We have no doubt that everyone will be able to find something to their own taste.

Education: Graduated from Vitebsk State medical University majoring in Surgery. At the university, he headed the Council of the Student Scientific Society. Advanced training in 2010 - in the specialty "Oncology" and in 2011 - in the specialty "Mammology, visual forms of oncology".

Work experience: Work in the general medical network for 3 years as a surgeon (Vitebsk Emergency Hospital, Liozno Central District Hospital) and part-time as a district oncologist and traumatologist. Work as a pharmaceutical representative for a year in the Rubicon company.

He presented 3 rationalization proposals on the topic “Optimization of antibiotic therapy depending on the species composition of microflora”, 2 works won prizes in the republican competition-review of student scientific works(categories 1 and 3).

Nature has made sure that a person remains healthy throughout life.

The developing pharmaceutical industry offers an abundance of drugs of domestic and foreign origin, which, moreover, not everyone can afford - drug prices are rising disproportionately to the increase in the income of the average Russian family. And if you add to this a dubious list of contraindications and side effects, you involuntarily recall old saying: "". But a few decades ago, handfuls of pills were replaced with natural medicines grown in their own garden or carefully donated by nature.

Folk recipes for all kinds of ailments were passed down from generation to generation as the highest value, because even the most experienced healers of that time could not doubt their effectiveness. Onions, garlic, ginseng, coltsfoot… The list of “natural healers” can be enumerated endlessly. But, perhaps, one of the most worthy places in it is occupied by ginger.

How ginger grows: a botanical note

Looking at the ginger root sold in stores, it is hard to imagine that this unsightly-looking plant has so many healing properties. Nevertheless, it enjoyed great recognition and respect even before the invention of medicine - it is not without reason that in translation from Sanskrit its name is interpreted as “horned root” (due to its non-trivial form) or “universal medicine” (due to its amazing properties).

The birthplace of ginger is considered to be Northern India, where more than 50% of the world's "ginger market" is grown to this day. It's perennial herbaceous plant does not grow by itself - it is grown with special care and scrupulousness on specially designated plantations to give the world a healing remedy for many ailments. However, in ancient times it was used not only as a medicine - many men used ginger as an aphrodisiac.

See, How does ginger bloom?, it is possible in the second year of the plant's life. Spike-shaped inflorescences, consisting of pastel yellow petals in a purple frame, do not appear on slender ginger stems as often as we would like - this should be facilitated by weather conditions, providing high humidity and heat. However, the wait is worth it, as the ginger blossoms are an indescribably beautiful sight.

However, despite the external attractiveness, the fleshy rhizome represents the greatest value of the plant - it is in it that a cocktail of antibacterial, vitamin and mineral supplements, which are especially important for humans, is collected. Moreover, the properties are lost during processing only slightly, which means that pickled or dried ginger root also has undoubted benefits to the body.

Ginger: useful properties and chemical composition

The healing power of ginger can be explained by the unique combination of beneficial components that make up its composition. Among them, of particular importance are:

• Antioxidants represented by vitamins A, C, E, as well as magnesium and zinc. These substances are useful not only as a nutritional base for the body, but also as protective reserves against radiation, the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and, as a result, free radicals. In addition, antioxidants can prolong youth and preserve vitality.
• Amino acids, including essential ones. They are involved in the restoration of the cellular composition, renewal of the body, hematopoiesis and the maintenance of all vital important functions. Nicotinic and oleic acid. These components are the basis for a harmonious metabolism, which means that indirectly these acids are also responsible for the energy balance.
• Mineral cocktail. Silicon, potassium, phosphorus, zinc ... It is possible to list the number of micro and macro elements that make up the ginger root for a very long time. And each of them is important in its own way in maintaining a normal life.
• Essential oils. An unimaginable aroma is far from the most important function of the ether. These oils help to strengthen the immune system and help the body resist pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi.
• Gingerol. This organic compound speeds up metabolic processes, relieves the symptoms of inflammation and helps to cleanse toxins.

However, these components are only a small part useful substances, which are part of ginger. That is why the plant has been used for medical purposes almost from the moment it appeared. The beneficial effect of ginger infusions, grated or dried rhizomes are described in the treatise "On Medical Matter" by the ancient Greek scientist Dioscorides. It was he who, doing a detailed study of ginger, began to use it as an antiemetic, intestinal and “eye” medicine, and then taught his contemporaries to treat the consequences of excessive celebration (simply, a hangover).

And to this day folk recipes based on ginger are used to treat various ailments:

• for colds: a decoction, diluted juice or tea with ginger relieves the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, flu, bronchitis, tonsillitis and even pneumonia, and inhalations using essential oil help
• with nasal congestion;
• for intestinal disorders: a slight laxative effect of ginger extract helps to relieve the symptoms of food poisoning, get rid of stomach pain, remove toxins and toxins from the intestines;
• with gynecological disorders: the beneficial effect of this plant affects the reproductive system of a woman, relieves the symptoms of inflammatory processes and facilitates their course;
• for disorders of the musculoskeletal system: in particular, ginger has proven to be an excellent medicine for rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis and painful sensations in the joints;
• at diabetes: the plant has a positive effect on blood sugar levels;
• with vascular pathologies: ginger increases the elasticity of capillaries, helps to cleanse them, reduces the risk of blood clots and improves cerebral circulation;
• from male ailments: this remedy helps prevent the occurrence of prostatitis and increases libido;
• for weight loss: ginger speeds up metabolism and improves the digestibility of fats, which means it contributes to the speedy breakdown of body fat;
• in cosmetology: masks, creams and lotions based on ginger juice or infusion - a magical remedy for the first signs of aging, increased greasiness of the skin and acne.

Ginger: contraindications

Unfortunately, not everyone can take advantage of this storehouse of healing powers of nature - although ginger has very modest contraindications, it is still not worth discounting them. So, it is worthwhile to approach self-treatment with ginger root with caution in the following cases:

• during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester;
• young mothers whose babies are on breastfeeding;
• if the age of a small patient is less than three years;
• with fever and temperature over 38 °;
• those who suffer from stomach ulcers, stones in gallbladder, acute and chronic gastritis; with epilepsy.

In addition, in rare cases, hypersensitivity to the esters that make up the rhizome occurs. This means that before the first use of a ginger-based cosmetic product, it is best to conduct a small test: apply on inside some cream or lotion on the wrist and observe the area for several hours - if itching, redness and burning appear, it is better not to use ginger cosmetics.

With complex treatment, including the use of medications and folk remedies with ginger, it is better to consult a doctor, since the plant extract can affect the effectiveness of drugs.

How to store ginger at home?

Since ginger can be used as food in absolutely any form - pickled, candied, dried, in the form of juice, infusion or tincture, tea, spice, etc. - many housewives do not even think about how to preserve the healing properties of this unique plant, because there are a lot of options.

Knowing about the benefits of ginger, most connoisseurs of this plant try to keep it fresh. However, the rhizome, even in the refrigerator, remains usable for no more than a week, so this option is only suitable for short-term storage. But the dried root is able to retain its usefulness for as long as 4 months! At the same time, it is not at all necessary to use it dry - it can be ground into powder and used as a flavoring additive to food, or soaked before use to restore its fresh look and shape.

In addition, the nutritional value of ginger is preserved even at low temperatures, so you can freeze the "home doctor" after wrapping it in cling film. True, it is best to chop it into portioned pieces before freezing - it makes no sense to re-freeze the plant, and cutting off the right piece from the frozen root can be extremely difficult. Send to freezer you can also puree ginger, obtained with a blender or a fine grater. Having spread it in a thin layer in a bag, you can break it off at any time right amount ready-made "semi-finished product" for tea or broth.

Many sweet tooth will like candied ginger, which can be stored in the cold for about a month. And it's very easy to cook! All that is required is to cut the root into thin slices and boil them in syrup for 10 minutes (the approximate ratio of water and sugar is 1: 1). However, it is not at all necessary to store the plant for a long time - knowing in what conditions and where ginger grows, you can always grow it at home. True, the “home version” will not be so useful, but all the necessary healing properties will be preserved.

When using ginger powder as a spice, it should be borne in mind that the dry rhizome is much sharper than the fresh one. Based on this, you should choose the dosage so as not to overdo it and not spoil the dish. By the way, when cooking with fresh ginger, it is better to avoid wooden utensils - they absorb the ethereal smell too quickly, which means that the aromas of ginger will haunt you even where they are inappropriate.

The best folk recipes with ginger

The piggy bank of traditional medicine no longer contains the huge number of recipes that are prepared on the basis of ginger. They are used for colds and intestinal disorders, general fatigue and nervous strain, headaches and other ailments ... To try at least a tenth of them, it will take more than one month. However, the best of them have firmly settled in the kitchen and first aid kits of caring housewives.

Tea with ginger and lemon

Such a drink is considered a real elixir of health and longevity, because the harmonious combination of ginger and lemon fills it with a shock dose of vitamins and microelements. And if you add a spoonful of honey as a sweetener, tea can defeat any cold! All that is required for cooking is a few circles of ginger root, the same amount of lemon (for 1-2 servings), and honey can be added to taste. By adding ingredients to boiling water, it is enough to boil them for only 1 minute - and you can enjoy fragrant tea that will fill the body with vitality and unshakable health!

Ginger with lemon. blank

If you feel that you are starting to catch a cold, it's time to remember the miraculous power of ginger and lemon. A convenient solution to make a blank that can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. You can take it with you to the office or on the road and brew a healing drink as often as possible. The preparation is quite simple. We need to grate 150-200 g of fresh ginger root, finely chop 1 lemon with zest, add 150-200 g of honey, mix. Next, the mixture must be folded into a glass jar and closed with a lid.

Ginger, lemon, honey

This is a magical formula that helps to cope with a cold much faster. Of course, it can be used not only during illness, but also during viral infections to strengthen immunity. Brewing ginger with lemon and honey is a good health habit.

Ginger compress

A gauze compress will help get rid of pain, inside which it is necessary to wrap ginger gruel. Preparing it is as easy as shelling pears: you can grate a fresh root or use a dry powder, the main thing is to dilute it with water to a puree state. By applying such a compress to the place of localization of pain (for example, the forehead with migraine or the lower back with back pain), you can remove the symptom in 10-20 minutes.

Ginger "gum"

With approaching nausea, toxicosis or "seasickness", you should chew a slice of fresh ginger root or prepare a special paste of dried spice with the addition of a few drops of water. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to swallow the "gum" - the released esters, along with saliva, will enter the digestive tract and relieve discomfort.

Turning to the secrets of traditional medicine, you can get rid of almost any ailment with the help of a unique plant - ginger. So why poison yourself with untested medicines, if everything you need is in the kitchen of every housewife? Remember: health priceless!

Ginger is a root vegetable that came to us from Asian countries. In Thailand, China, Korea and Japan, they are used in the preparation of a wide variety of dishes. They love it there for its bright, spicy, burning and unusual taste, as well as its wonderful healing properties. Now its popularity has increased significantly in the west. Luckily, it's very easy to get one. Many people think that you can buy ginger only in a pharmacy or a specialized store, but this is not so.

Where can I buy fresh ginger?

Fresh keeps well in a cool environment, even if you cut off a piece from time to time. Finding it for sale is not a problem, especially in large cities.

The very first place to go for ginger is the market. In the departments with vegetables and fruits, you can see a box with light brown roots of bizarre shapes - this is ginger. Do not store it too much - it is spent very sparingly, and for starters, you can take only 1-2 root crops. It all depends on the form in which you decide to use it - it takes quite a bit for tea, but if you decide to cook pickled ginger, then more raw materials will be needed.

If there are small tents with fruits and vegetables near your house, it makes sense to look into them. Despite the fact that ginger is an outlandish product, due to its excellent long-term storage, many merchants add it to their assortment. During storage, it retains all its amazingly useful properties in full, so you can not be afraid to stumble upon a fruit that is too old. Remember: normally it is quite light, elastic, with clear lines, without flabbiness. A root crop of this type can be safely purchased and used in the preparation of dishes and drinks.

Modern supermarkets try to expand their assortment as much as possible, so you can look for ginger root in the fruit and vegetable department if you don’t have time to go to the market or look for a shop with the appropriate assortment.

Of course, you always have the option of ordering ginger in an online store. In this case, you cannot inspect the goods in advance, so you should only order from trusted places so as not to become a victim of scammers.

Where to buy dried ginger?

Sometimes you can find dried ginger slices - but this is a very rare product. It is much easier to cook it at home by finely chopping the root and drying it in an ajar oven at 50 degrees for 2 hours. Then the fire is reduced by half, and the ginger is dried until tender. In this form, it is stored for only 7-10 days, but it is more convenient to take it with you (for example, to work or on a trip).

To get a homemade spice, just grind dried ginger in a blender. However, you can get ginger powder without such many hours of work - just go to any store where there is a department with spices and seasonings, and select a bag with the inscription "Ground ginger". So you will greatly facilitate your task.

Where to buy ginger for weight loss?

Some people, without understanding the issue to the end, believe that you can buy ginger for weight loss only at specialized points or online stores, since this requires either a special variety or a special preparation. In fact, to reduce weight, you can use the most common, bought in a supermarket or on the market.

Fresh ginger is considered more effective, but you can always use both dried and ground ginger. You can try out such an auxiliary method of losing weight as taking ginger, you can quite easily, and, moreover, without serious financial investments.

If we talk about special products for weight loss with ginger, then most often it is green coffee with ginger or various ginger teas, which can be easily purchased in online stores:

1. your-diet.com
2. greencoffee.ru
3. slimcoffe.com
4. coffeehot.com.ua
5. black-green.ru

Oct-13-2016

What is ginger?

What is ginger, the beneficial properties and contraindications of this spice, are of great interest to people who lead healthy lifestyle life, monitor their health, and are interested in folk methods treatment. Here we will try to answer all the questions of interest to this category of people.

Ginger is a perennial herbaceous plant of the ginger family. Ginger is not found in the wild, it is cultivated exclusively as a garden plant, and sometimes just at home (boxes, pots).

It is believed that the botanical name of ginger comes from the Sanskrit word singabera, which means "horn-shaped". This spice has a long and dignified history.

Its homeland is South Asia, where more than a hundred subspecies of this plant grow. Among the representatives of the ginger family there are a lot of well-known herbs, for example, cardamom and turmeric, but the most common is ginger pharmacy.

Ginger, which is currently cultivated in the countries of Southeast Asia, North Africa, Australia, the Pacific Islands, has long been eaten, ginger is an essential ingredient in many Asian dishes, and the medicinal properties of this spice have made it one of the most common medicines. oriental medicine.

It is noteworthy that it was customary to drink ginger to prevent the plague that raged in those days. Europe got acquainted with ginger in the Middle Ages, giving it the name "horned root" (zingaber), from which it came Russian word ginger (ginger). Dried ginger has become a widely used condiment in almost all national cuisines, including Russian, and doctors recommended using it for many diseases.

As a spice, ginger rhizome is used, which looks like roundish, but, as it were, flatly squeezed, finger-shaped pieces resembling various figures. Depending on the processing method, white ginger is distinguished (off-white and greyish color) and black ginger. White - this is pre-washed ginger, peeled from the surface more dense layer, and then dried in the sun. Black - unpeeled, not scalded with boiling water and dried in the sun. The latter has a stronger odor and a more pungent taste. At the break, ginger of both species is gray-white. In ground form - this is how it is most often found - this spice is a mealy grayish-yellow powder.

Useful properties of ginger:

Ginger has miraculous healing power in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases.

According to modern ideas, ginger has the following effects on the body:

anticoagulant, antioxidant, antitoxic, bactericidal, analgesic, carminative, stimulant; disinfectant, choleretic, immunostimulating, blood-purifying, tonic, expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antitussive, antitumor, antispasmodic, wound healing, salivary, tonic.

Ginger promotes the absorption of not only food, but also medicinal plants enhancing their action. Ginger has the ability to be a conductor of drugs "to all parts and corners of the body", to increase their bioavailability and effectiveness. It goes well with other spices: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, dill, fennel.

Ginger is a well-known deodorant effective for halitosis, it removes the smell of wine fumes. The components of ginger essential oil are secreted by the sweat glands and eliminate the unpleasant odor of sweat. In addition, information about the attractive, attracting action belongs to ginger. One of the reasons for the positive impression of people about the action of collecting ginger + anise is a change in the attitude of others around them. So, mothers of children with ketonuria note that they no longer smell bad. This extremely important psychological moment is missed by doctors. The pleasant, attractive smell of the skin and exhaled air quickly has a positive effect on mood, well-being, human activity, causes a positive emotional background and contributes to a faster and more distinct manifestation of other main medicinal properties of the collection from plants.

Ginger should grab the attention of many people. Since vascular diseases, and among them atherosclerosis of the heart and brain vessels, are considered the "number one killer", any information about their prevention and treatment, especially dietary ones, should be assimilated not only by doctors, but also by patients. The spectrum of ginger indications includes pre-stroke and post-stroke conditions, age-related decline in memory, mental performance, physical endurance, a tendency to bad, low mood. Ginger can be considered a medicine for the elderly and old people, with senile weakness, mental changes, memory loss.

Ginger is used for diseases:

• gastrointestinal tract;
• nervous system;
• respiratory organs;
• oncological diseases of various localization;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• diseases endocrine system and metabolism.

What explains such a variety of options for the medicinal use of ginger? Modern scientific research provides an answer to this question: the unique content of biologically active substances in the plant.

As a medicine, rhizomes containing from 2.0 to 3.5% of essential oil are used, based on sesquiterpenes alpha and beta zingiberin (up to 70%). They give the rhizomes a characteristic ginger smell. In addition, the essential oil contains bisabolene, borneol and farnesene. The burning taste is associated with the resinous part - gingerol - a mixture of various gingerols and gingerone. The composition of the essential oil includes cineol, tsingeberol, which gives the plant sap a specific smell, an extremely pungent substance, tsingeron-4-oxide-5-methoxyphenol-ethylmethylketone, tsingiberene-sesquiterpene. The composition of ginger juice includes: zingerin, shogaol, cineol, citral, borneol, shavikol, geraniol, methylheptenone. The bitter-tasting substance of ginger is shogaol, which is an oily substance.

Cineol is irritant when applied topically and acts bactericidal on a number of bacteria.

Ginger contraindications:

In order not to harm your health, you need to know everything about the available contraindications. Ginger should not be taken in the following diseases and conditions:

Pregnancy. Care should be taken during the period when a woman is expecting a child, since ginger and pregnancy are not compatible in the last stages. Ginger tones the uterus, which threatens with serious complications.

Lactation. Since this spice is a spicy seasoning, it is not recommended to use it during breastfeeding, because some of the spicy substances that make up ginger can get into milk.

In addition, this plant is contraindicated if you:

• Acute stomach ulcer.
• Nonspecific ulcerative colitis.
• Diverticulosis.
• Diverticulitis.
• Food reflux.
• Bile stones.
• Gastrointestinal diseases.

Studies by American scientists have confirmed that ginger reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

Ginger is also harmful to those people who experience problems with heart rhythm. So, ginger can reduce the effect of drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors.

It increases the effect of drugs that prevent blood clotting, as well as drugs for diabetes.

If the dosage of ginger intake has been exceeded, negative effects may occur. side effects. They can be expressed in problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergies. In this case, ginger intake should be discontinued or limited.

Interactions of ginger with drugs:

1. Enhances the effect of antidiabetic, anticoagulant agents (prostacyclin antagonist) and cardiac drugs.
2. Reduces the effectiveness of drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors.
3. May antagonize or interact with antiarrhythmic drugs.
4. Increases the risk of hypokalemia (decreased potassium content in the extracellular fluid).
5. Increases arrhythmia by interacting with depolarizing muscle relaxants.
6. Sometimes it reduces the effect of antihypertensive drugs, and when combined with sympathomimetics, it increases the likelihood of arterial hypertension.
7. Counteracts nitrates and agents that block the calcium channel.

Ginger storage:

Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for 6-7 days. The dried root retains its beneficial properties for about 4 months. Unpeeled dried ginger is recommended to be kept in a dark, cool place.

If long-term storage is required, fresh, unpeeled root can be wrapped in cling film and placed in the freezer. Re-freezing after thawing of the product is not allowed. Before use, cut off the desired amount of root and put the rest in the freezer.

If in the future the rhizome will be used to make tea or sauces, it must be peeled, thinly sliced, poured with white grape wine and kept in the refrigerator.

In this form, ginger can be stored for several weeks.

Candied ginger will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 month. In this case, the peeled root should be cut into thin slices, dipped in sugar syrup (1 part sugar to 1 part water) and boiled for 10 minutes.

You can also make a paste from peeled and grated ginger root using a blender. Then they put it in a large plastic bag, remove the air, tightly tie it, give the paste the shape of a thin plate and put it in the freezer.

It is very convenient to store ginger in this form, and if necessary, you need to break off a piece of ginger from the plate, then tightly tie the bag again and put it in the freezer.

A large amount of useful substances is contained at the surface of the ginger root, therefore, when peeling it, cut off the skin in a very thin layer.

For cutting and cutting ginger rhizomes, it is undesirable to use wooden utensils, which easily absorb a specific smell. It is best to grind the spice with a fine grater.

Some medicinal and cooking recipes suggest the use of ginger juice, which can be obtained by pressing the grated root. Juice is used to dress salads and sweet dishes.

Dried ginger is usually soaked before consumption. Keep in mind that it is spicier than fresh, so if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, you can replace it with 1 teaspoon of dried root powder.

Very interesting video about ginger! Worth a look!

Honey, ginger and lemon for immunity:

English scientists Walton Barrett and King Dansley in the mid-1990s conducted a full-scale study of the properties of ginger and its effect on the protective functions of the body. According to laboratory data, ginger has a surprisingly strong stimulating effect on our immune system.

Here is the experiment the scientists conducted:

Two groups of people were placed in an artificially created environment, which was filled with viruses, similar to the atmosphere in public transport during the cold season. At the same time, one of the groups regularly received 20 drops of ginger tincture on an empty stomach 2 times a day, and the control group received a placebo (a drug that does not have any medicinal action, but similar to his medicine appearance). In the first group, in 97% of cases, the body's resistance to viruses increased. Moreover, it persisted for 7 days after discontinuation of the drug. In those who took the "fake" infusion, resistance increased by 15% (which is a normal result and is associated with the psychology of people taking and "believing" in the medicine). But, alas, after the abolition of the reception, the body's resistance from the first day fell to normal.

Thus, scientists were convinced that with the help of ginger tincture alone, the body's resistance increases several times, all defense systems are turned on. Therefore, doctors advise taking ginger for the onset of a cold, for the flu, and for bacterial complications that have arisen, such as sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.

A recipe that improves the functioning of the immune system and the whole organism as a whole:

Ingredients:

• Ginger - 400 g.
• Lemon - 4 pcs.
• Honey - 200 g.

Cooking:

We wash the lemons under warm water and cut into 4-6 slices so that they can easily pass into the narrow neck of the meat grinder. There is no need to peel the skin from lemons, as it also contains a lot of substances useful for the body and valuable oils.

Remove skin from ginger and cut into small cubes. Ginger can be grated, but this will be a longer and more laborious process.

Grind slices of lemon and ginger in a meat grinder. This can be done with a blender, but the immersion option will not do the job. For pureeing, it is better to use a shaker bowl, which, at the same time, crushes and mixes the products.

We spread the ginger-lemon gruel in a glass container and fill it with honey.

The healing elixir must be infused for at least 7 days.

Application:

This remedy should be taken 1 tablespoon in the morning 15-30 minutes before breakfast with a glass of water. With daily use, this tool will help cleanse the vessels and cope with excess weight. To fight the flu or a cold, a little drug can be added to tea and drunk several times a day.

Content

There are spices that are used not only in cooking, but in cosmetology, folk medicine and many other industries. Ginger root is such a remedy. The composition is rich in amino acids, fiber, different groups of vitamins, micro-, macroelements. Due to this content, the root has a lot of useful substances. This useful spice was known three millennia ago. Even then, ginger conquered oriental cuisine, hitting medicine with its properties. It is also known as white or horned root.

The benefits and harms of ginger root

The universal composition of the root affects medicinal properties plants. The presence of various components provides antiseptic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, tonic, soothing effect of this remedy. Establishing the processes of the digestive system, accelerating the metabolism makes the spice indispensable for weight loss.

Despite all the beneficial properties of ginger root, it must be used with caution - large doses or improper use can harm the body. The spice has a warming effect, so use it for medicinal purposes during the heat (when high temperature) it does not follow. The use of pickled ginger for people suffering from gastritis and stomach ulcers is dangerous to health.

Application in medicine

O healing properties spices have long been known to mankind. Ginger root is used both for the treatment of diseases and for their prevention. The tool is used in the form of teas, decoction, powder (dry ground ginger). under the guise food additive the diet includes fresh, canned, pickled ginger. What conditions and diseases are treated with this root?

1. The tool has a general strengthening effect. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help improve the immune system. The white root is very effective in fighting viral diseases.
2. Digestive system. The unique composition of tropical spice helps to improve metabolism, the production of gastric juice, and the normalization of secretion. With unpleasant belching, indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, ginger decoctions and teas help well.
3. Urogenital system. Treatment of the kidneys with a horned root is due to diuretic properties. With problems in sexual life, the use of spices helps to increase libido, cure potency and prostatitis in men. The use of ginger by women has a positive effect on the tone of the uterus, which not only increases sexual desire, but also helps to resolve painful menstruation.
4. The cardiovascular system. The properties of the root help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, cleanse the blood. The tool does not allow blood clots to form, normalizes blood pressure, improves brain activity, memory.
5. Oncology. In such diseases, it has been observed that the use of ginger leads to inhibition of tumor growth.
6. Pain in joints and muscles.
7. Diabetes. Root juice is able to reduce the level of bad cholesterol.

How to use for weight loss

By speeding up the metabolism, ginger helps to burn excess weight. In some way, the root has become a panacea for those who want to quickly and easily reset overweight. Many people like this technique because they do not need to exhaust the body with various diets, daily sports. To achieve the result, you just need to add ginger root to your daily diet.

Provide fast weight loss this tool will help, along with other components that promote fat burning, reduce body volume. One of the popular recipes is ginger tea with honey and lemon. It is prepared very simply: the grated root is poured with boiling water, honey is added, the juice of a lemon slice is squeezed out. Such a drink not only helps to burn excess weight, but also dulls the feeling of hunger. Tea is recommended to be consumed 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

From a cold

With the constant use of ginger root, the risk of contracting the flu or a cold is very small. But not everyone regularly drinks such tea. Helps you get back on your feet quickly during a cold or flu simple recipes based on ginger. Drink 3 cups of hot tea with this remedy daily. For the treatment of cough and runny nose, there are separate recipes:

1. If you have a wet cough, drink milk with the addition of dried ground root, if you wish, you can add honey and turmeric.
2. For bronchitis and dry coughs, use ginger juice mixed with lemon and a little honey.
3. Sinusitis and runny nose are treated quickly with this recipe - fresh horned root juice is mixed with sugar in a 1: 1 ratio. The resulting mixture is instilled into the nose, 1-2 drops in each nostril.

During pregnancy

Ginger is a storehouse of nutrients. During pregnancy, the female body needs vitamins and minerals more than ever. At this time, most expectant mothers prefer medicines of natural origin. During pregnancy, ginger helps fight toxicosis, because. is a good antiemetic. The root will relieve nervous tension and restore normal sleep, improve the functioning of the digestive system and strengthen the body. Its use has a good effect on the beauty of hair, appearance.

But no matter how useful ginger is, you need to use it very carefully. This remedy can not only cure, but also harm. Excessive consumption of ginger sometimes leads to bad consequences. Experts strongly advise against taking ginger for women who are expecting a baby, who have had a miscarriage, and in late pregnancy.

To strengthen immunity

Due to its composition, ginger successfully strengthens immune system and fight against viral diseases. Its action is compared with garlic, but the main advantage of ginger is the absence of an unpleasant odor. Teas or decoctions are prepared from the root. In combination with other products that have a general strengthening effect, this gives tremendous results. Candied root is very popular. This sweetness is not only healthy, but also very tasty. Ginger is able to cheer up along with dark chocolate and fight depression during the autumn blues.

Can ginger root be given to children?

The use of spices by children in early age can lead to irritation and cause disturbances in the digestive system. Do not give this product to children under 2 years of age. At an older age, ginger is used as a prophylactic in the form of additives to tea or other foods. It is important to control the amount of root consumed. Large doses can discourage a child from taking this drug or, even worse, harm the child's body.

How to store and use ginger at home?

One of the important issues with the frequent use of the root is the storage methods of the remedy. It is important to preserve all its properties. There are the following ways to store ginger:

• At low temperatures. Peeled ginger is wrapped in cling film and sent to the refrigerator. This method is simple, but only suitable for short-term storage. In other cases, other methods are used.
• Freeze. This method allows you to save all the useful properties of the root for a long time. To do this, ginger is peeled and rubbed. Then put in a plastic bag and store in a hermetically sealed container.
• In the form of an alcohol tincture. To prepare the product, you will need 100 grams of root and a liter of vodka. Put the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, do not forget to shake it occasionally.
• Candied ginger. Such a root is stored in the refrigerator for 30 days.

Contraindications

Despite the mass of useful properties, ginger is not safe to use for everyone. The root should not be taken by people suffering from stomach ulcers, some disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Use in late pregnancy can cause premature birth, during this period ginger is strictly prohibited. It is undesirable to apply the root to the elderly, ginger activates the work of the heart and increases the rhythm. It is strictly forbidden to take the drug together with antihypertensive drugs.

Video: how to make ginger tea?

Ginger drink is an excellent universal remedy that helps fight many diseases, warm the body, restore nervous system and strengthen the body as a whole. To extract maximum benefit you need to know how to do it right. The preparation of a drink based on a white root depends on the purpose of the product. Brewing tea takes from 10 to 30 minutes, but tincture will take several hours. How to make a ginger drink, you will learn from the video below.