Ginger root has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and its unique flavor. From ancient Chinese medicine to modern times, this root has been used in many different ways to improve health and help with a variety of ailments. In this post, we’ll explore the health benefits and how you can incorporate it into your diet. We’ll also look at the different types of it, how to prepare it, and some delicious recipes that make use of this powerful spice. So if you’re looking to add a little zing to your life, read on to learn more about the health benefits of this root!
Ginger Root Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
It is a popular ingredient in many dishes and is also a staple in many natural remedies. Not only does it have a distinct flavor, but it also offers numerous health benefits. The root is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and provide a feeling of fullness. It also contains several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, it is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Nutritional value per 100 g ginger root:
- Biotin: 0.0045 μg
- Calcium: 37.14 mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 17.77 g
- Chloride: 4.7 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Choline: 2.6 mg
- Chromium: 0.2 μg
- Copper: 0.08 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8 g
- Energy (Calories): 80 kcal
- Fat: 0.75 g
- Iodine: 0.1 μg
- Iron: 0.6 mg
- Magnesium: 23 mg
- Manganese: 0.2 mg
- Molybdenum: 0.9 μg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.179 mg
- Phosphorus: 28 mg
- Potassium: 415 mg
- Protein: 1.82 g
- Saturated fat: 0.126 g
- Selenium: 0.4 μg
- Sodium: 13 mg
- Sugars: 0.82 g
- Vitamin A: 0 IU
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.081 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.041 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.8 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.179 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 11 μg
- Vitamin B12: 0 μg
- Vitamin C: 3.6 mg
- Vitamin D: 0 IU
- Vitamin E: 0.05 mg
- Vitamin K: 0.1 μg
- Water: 79.88 g
- Zinc: 0.3 mg
Ginger in India
The root originated in tropical Asia and spread to Europe in ancient times; it is mentioned by the Romans, listed in some of the earliest Chinese herbals, regarded in Ayurvedic medicine as a universal medicine.
- Scientific Binomial: Zingiber officinale
- Common English: Ginger Root
- Ayurvedic: Aardraka / Aadrikaa / Shrngibera / shrngavera / Katubhadra
- Unani: Zanjabeele-Ratab / Al-Zanjabeel
- Sanskrit: Adraka
- Hindi / Urdu: Adrak
- Bengali: Aada
- Marathi: Ale
- Telugu: Allam / Allamu / Allamu chettu
- Tamil: Lokottai / Ingee / Inji
- Gujarati
- Kannada: Alla / Shunthi
- Malayalam: Inchi / Enchi
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Home Remedies
- Nausea: Ginger has been used for thousands of years to settle unsettled stomachs. Studies have shown that it calms intestinal spasms and can significantly reduce nausea. Try slowly chewing a few pieces of candied ginger when indigestion strikes.
- Indigestion: Ginger is available in health food stores and many supermarkets. Although drinking carbonated beverages may sometimes cause indigestion, slowly sipping a small amount of real ginger ale may help alleviate the discomfort.
- Mumps: The dry ginger is considered beneficial in the treatment of mumps. It should be made into a paste and applied over the swollen parts. As the paste dries, the swelling will be reduced and the pain will also subside.
- Sore Throat: The root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Ginger tea can soothe throats made raw by coughing. A steamy cup of an aromatic herbal adrak tea can help clear a stuffy nose. To brew this tea, steep 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root in a cup of just-boiled water for 10 minutes. Sweeten as needed, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Diarrhea: In case of diarrhea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger is powdered along with a crystal or rock salt. A quarter teaspoonful of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery. It will bring quick relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.
- Travel Sickness: As a remedy for nausea, ginger is ideal for travel sickness and has been very successfully tested in clinical trials for severe morning sickness in pregnancy. It is effective treatment for motion sickness. Munch it or buy ginger capsules at the health food store. Ginger in capsules is ideal, but ginger snaps, candy or ginger ale can also prove effective, especially with children.
- Morning Sickness: Ginger is one of the most effective anti-emetics in the repertoire and can be taken in the form of ginger wine, ginger ale, or ginger snaps if the actual herb is not available. Ginger is quite safe to take for morning sickness during pregnancy and has been prescribed in doses of up to 1 g at a time in clinical trials with no ill effects.
- Pain and Aches: Ginger oil is used in external remedies to encourage blood flow to ease muscular stiffness, aches, and pains; a suitable homemade substitute is to add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger to 2 cups of sunflower oil and heat in a double saucepan over water for three hours. Strain and store the oil, when cool, in a dark place; use as a massage rub.
- Abdominal Pain: In Chinese and Indian medicine fresh and dried root are regarded rather differently, with the dried root believed to be more helpful for abdominal pain and diarrhea and the fresh root more suitable for feverish chills, coughs, and vomiting.
- Cramps: A massage with ginger oil is helpful to warm up muscles and dissolve cramps. Add it to a bath, a compress, or a lotion.
- Food Poisoning: The root reduces intestinal inflammation and lessens the effects of food poisoning. To treat these symptoms, drink a fresh cup of ginger tea, or take 500 mg in capsule form or 2 ml of tincture every two hours.
Side Effects
No known side effects and warnings if taken in proper quantity.