Food as Medicine: Ginger

If cooking isn't your thing, rest assured that not all medicinal foods need to be cooked to reap the benefits. Sometimes blending them into a juice, or a smoothie has just as much of an impact. For instance, ginger doesn't need to be cooked to provide medicinal benefits.

Ginger has "potential for treating a number of ailments including degenerative disorders (arthritis and rheumatism), digestive health (indigestion, constipation and ulcer[s]), cardiovascular disorders (atherosclerosis and hypertension), vomiting, diabetes mellitus, and cancer." Ginger also has "anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties for controlling the process of aging". One of our favorite recipes is a delicious ginger pear juice!

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Ginger Pear Juice

Ingredients:

• 1 inch knob of ginger

• 1 Asian pear

• 6 leaves romaine, or kale, or both if you're feeling adventurous

• 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. Wash all produce thoroughly

2. Juice all other ingredients

3. Give it a stir and enjoy immediately

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References:

Mashhadi, N. S., Ghiasvand, R., Askari, G., Hariri, M., Darvishi, L., & Mofid, M. R. (2013). Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. International journal of preventive medicine, 4(Suppl 1), S36–S42.

Shukla Y, Singh M. Cancer preventive properties of ginger: A brief review. Food Chem Toxicol. 2007;45:683–90

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This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.