Ginger is incredibly healthy. It has been used for 5000 years for its healthy and healing properties, so everyone knows that by now. However, it is good to be aware of how you use ginger and not to consume too much of it. We tell you all about it in this blog.
Cooking with ginger
Ginger has an unmistakable flavour that is spicy, sweet, fresh and spicy all at once. The root of the ginger plant is often used as a flavour enhancer in Asian cuisine. If you fry ginger, it loses its fresh tone but a strong aromatic flavour takes its place. Apart from being used in your dinner, ginger is also very suitable for making tea, for use in biscuits and cakes or for adding it with pieces of pear to your yoghurt. You can also buy gingerbeer and ginger jam in the supermarket.
What is ginger good for?
Ginger really offers a huge amount of healthy properties. It contains fibre and various vitamins and minerals that protect your body from inflammation. It helps against nausea and menstrual cramps, and it promotes the absorption of nutrients while helping to regulate insulin levels. It is no coincidence that ginger is popular with women who suffer from menopause complaints, rheumatism, menstrual complaints and, of course, with women who want to lose weight! Everyone who wants to be healthy uses a little ginger every day.
Because the benefits of ginger are so extensive, we use it in many of our teas. For example, it is in our Skintight to help you lose weight, in the Women's Pause to reduce menopause symptoms, in Make your bedrock to kick-start your sexual appetite and in the Bloody Hell to fight cramps and other menstrual complaints. And sometimes we use it because it just tastes so good. Like in our Tutti Frutti Ice Tea blend, for example. But... can you eat too much of it?
Disadvantages of ginger
The answer is yes. As with anything else, ginger can also be harmful to your health. So don't overdo it. A small piece of fresh ginger or a small spoonful of ginger powder per day is really enough to reap the health benefits. Excessive consumption can cause problems with your stomach and/or intestines. It can cause dehydration symptoms and if you consume too much ginger, you may even become drowsy, dizzy or confused. There are even a few situations in which it is best to avoid ginger altogether.
When should you avoid ginger?
Ginger should be avoided if you suffer from gallstones as it increases stomach acid levels. Also, if you have a heart condition, you should be careful with ginger as it can increase the heart rate. Since ginger raises your body temperature, you should not use it if you have a fever. Furthermore, ginger is not suitable for people taking blood thinners and for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do you doubt whether ginger is suitable for you? Always contact your GP or specialist.
Fresh ginger or ground ginger?
Don't worry, you won't overdose on ginger. After all, it has a very sharp flavour and is more likely to be good for you than bad. And after reading this blog, you will be much wiser. Ginger is not only available fresh, but also in other forms such as oil, powder and juice. The effects are basically the same but fresh ginger is still the best. It is a medicinal plant for a reason, so the more you process it, the less its medicinal effect will be.
Don't like the taste of ginger?
As mentioned, if you don't use too much of it, it offers nothing but benefits for most people. Would you like to enjoy the benefits but you are not so fond of the strong taste of ginger? Then drink our ginger-enriched teas. They are tasty and healthy. You can find a selection here.
