Ginger Enhances Digestion
Superfoods are foods and herbs that have a unique concentration of nutrients that synergize together to boost potential. These foods are typically loaded with a combination of critical fatty acids, anti-oxidant phytonutrients and essential amino acids. Ginger is a superfood herb that has been used in many different regions of the world.
Ginger is used throughout the world in countries such as China, Japan, India, Greece, Caribbean countries, England and the USA. It is made into ginger teas, ginger-ale, ginger beers, ginger bread, ginger snaps and ginger biscuits. Almost every culture has historically used it for its powerful ability to enhance immunity, improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
This incredible superfood herb is 13th on the anti-oxidant list boasting an impressive ORAC score of 28,811. Ginger is composed of several volatile oils that give it it's characteristic flavor and odor; zingerone, shogaols, & gingerols. These oils are powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic agents (1). In addition, it inhibits cancer cell formation while firing up our body's own inborn ability to destroy the cancer cells formerly present (2, 3, 4).
Ginger Improves Digestive Function
Ginger has classically been used to improve the digestion process. Nine different substances have been found that stimulate serotonin receptors in the gut which provides benefits to the gastrointestinal system. This reduces gut related inflammation and enhances nutrient absorption.
Ginger is classified as a carminative (reducing intestinal gas) and an intestinal spasmolytic (soothes intestinal tract) while inducing gut motility. Ginger is known to reduce fever related nausea, motion sickness, and feelings of "morning sickness." Additionally, it helps aid in the production of bile, making it particularly helpful in digesting fats (5, 6, 7).
Ginger is also an important part of a de-inflaming, natural pain-relief program. One compound called 6-gingerol has been shown to significantly inhibit the production of a highly reactive nitrogen molecule, nitric oxide, that quickly forms a dangerous free radical peroxynitrite. Additionally, ginger helps to protect the bodies stores of glutathione (the super anti-oxidant and free radical destroyer) (8, 9). Due to its effect on glutathione and nitric oxide, ginger has been shown to protect the brain and nervous system from degenerative stress (10).
Ginger is also very high in potassium which aids in electrical energy production and detoxification. It is a great source of manganese which protects the lining of the heart blood vessels and urinary tract. Ginger contains silicon which enhances skin, hair, teeth & nails. It helps assimilate calcium and reduces inflammation in the bone tissue aiding the development of strong bones and teeth.
Functional Uses for Ginger:
Personally, ginger is something I recommend for a majority of my clients to use on a regular basis. This includes using ginger in teas, fresh ginger on salads and meats and in green juices. Sometimes, I recommend supplementing with detox products that have ginger as it helps to aid in digestive function and liver detoxification.
Ginger helps stimulate digestive juices such as hydrochloric acid from the stomach and bile from the liver and gall bladder. This is why it is good to have ginger on or with your largest meals of the day. The Asian culture has used ginger in many of their dishes and you can even find pickled ginger with grocery store sushi packs.
I recommend grating fresh ginger on meat, salads and stews. You can also use dry, powdered ginger if you are unable to access fresh ginger. It is quite pungent so use it mildly and it will provide you with excellent health benefits.
De-Inflaming Ginger Ale
The Europeans developed ginger ale many years ago and it was thought to be health tonic that would benefit a wide variety of ailments. That is until the 20th century when it became highly processed and full of sugar and artificial flavorings. Traditional ginger ale was simply fermented ginger tea. The fermentation process activates ginger's full nutritional potential and it produces enzymes and probiotics for a powerful digestive health formula.
My de-inflaming ginger ale uses coconut water which is rich in electrolytes and low in fructose. The sugar in the coconut water provides the nourishment for the good microbes to flourish. As they metabolize the sugar they produce B vitamins and organic acids that give the drink it's natural effervescence and characteristic flavor. You should be able to find a coconut water kefir starter called Inner Eco at your local health food store.
2 Tbsp of Coconut Water Kefir
1-2 cups of coconut water
2-4 oz of fresh ginger grated
Combine all ingredients and let sit and ferment for 24 hours to provide an amazing, probiotic enriched soda alternative.
