The chances are that you already have ginger powder in your kitchen cupboard. After all, this spice is a favorite in all kinds of savory and sweet dishes. However, to tap into the impressive health benefits of this incredible superfood, you may want to look beyond that dusty jar. To enjoy the health properties of ginger, it’s essential that you invest in the best – here’s why.
The Health Benefits of Ginger
Let’s remind ourselves of some of the health benefits of ginger. Used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for all kinds of health problems, ginger has become a go-to ingredient in the health world.
Helps Prevent and Treat Cold and Flu
Ginger is a common ingredient in immune-boosting tea, but how exactly does this root help boost immunity and fight colds and flu? According to a study published in 2013, fresh ginger can battle human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) infections – one of the viruses responsible for the common cold.
Eases Nausea
According to recent studies, ginger may help root out nausea. In the largest study to date, researchers evaluated the benefits of ginger for patients undergoing chemotherapy. They found that as little as one-quarter of a teaspoon of ginger cut symptoms of nausea by 40 per cent. This is great news for anyone battling nausea caused by morning sickness, motion sickness or indigestion too.
Fight Infections
Ginger is full of gingerols – compounds that have been shown to play a role in reducing the risk of infections. Studies suggest it could even help tackle drug resistant microbial diseases, as well as common fungal infections like athlete’s foot and thrush.
Why You Deserve Only the Best Ginger
Not all ginger is created equal. To enjoy all the benefits of this potent superfood, it’s essential that you track down the best.
Fresh vs. Ground
Ginger is available in two main forms — fresh or ground up in powder form. As ginger powder undergoes processing, it would be tempting to assume that it may not offer as many health benefits as the fresh kind.
However, it’s not as simple as that. While the processing of fresh ginger does reduce some of the gingerol contained by the root, it actually increases other important compounds like shogoals. This could potentially make it even more effective in treating a range of different health problems.
While fresh and dried ginger might taste quite different, the same rule applies when buying them: the fresher the better. When shopping for fresh ginger, make sure you pick a root that’s firm with relatively smooth skin. And for the most potent ginger powder, buy the best quality you can find. This means choosing a powder that has been dried at low temperatures shortly after being harvested, ensuring it retains the ginger root’s high nutritional value.
Go Organic
When it comes to superfoods, it’s always best to choose organic. Products labeled as ‘USDA organic’ must only contain organically produced ingredients, with absolutely no added ingredients. This means you can rest easy knowing that your supplement is free from any potentially dangerous pesticides or GM ingredients. If you’re planning on incorporating ginger into your everyday life, it’s really important to invest in the best quality ingredients for great long-term health. Read more about the benefits of organic superfoods.
Whether it’s fresh or dried, ginger offers a wealth of incredible health benefits. But to make the most of them, it’s essential you invest in the best. This means choosing your ginger powder carefully, and always prioritizing quality, certified organic products. To learn more about this everyday superfood, take a look at this post on the amazing health benefits of ginger from our sister site, Superfood World.
