Let the Factoid-ing begin {is that even a word?!?!…well it is now}  Today a few fabulous factoids for you about Ginger.  For many the extent of ginger in their diet is the occasional “ginger ale” every now and then and maybe a few bites of that pickled ginger you get when you order sushi.  Well did you know that ginger is not only yummy but really good for you!?!?!

Ginger is one of the most powerful herbs for reducing inflammation.  Inflammation in the body, especially in the internal organs & blood vessels is present in almost all diseases. If that is not motivation enough to start shoveling in the ginger I don’t know what is!

Ginger also has phytochemicals structurally similar to the COX2 inhibitors found in Advil {also found in Strawberries}, which would explain why it can naturally reduce inflammation and pain. Not only does ginger have anti-inflammation properties & anti-cancer properties it is also a natural immune booster and can help stop the feeling of nausea {especially when combined with papaya}!

“In one clinical study of osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis patients, physicians found 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain & swelling after taking ginger into their diets.”
{Quote from Conquering Any Disease by: Jeff Primack / Medical Study: Srivastava KC, Mustafa t. “Ginger & rheumatic disorders.” Med Hypothesis. 1989 May 29(1):25-8}

So we now know who wonderful ginger is for you but its not likely that you are just going to pick up a piece of ginger and start gnawing on it…or maybe you will?!?!  Ginger is a great addition to all sorts of recipes.  The hubs and I add it to our smoothie every morning, enjoy a ginger dressing on salads and pasta and sometimes even grate a little off as a garnish on rice or chicken.  Here are some other yummy recipes that might kick start your love of ginger.  How about a lovely Ginger Vinaigrette or a big helping of Ginger Fried Rice?!  Looking for a healthy dinner option, try Ginger Steak Salad and for dessert a batch of Blueberry & White Chocolate Chunk Ginger Cookie.  What are some of your favorite ways to eat ginger?  Send in your recipes!!

Here are two tea recipes to help cure what ails you:

Firewater {natural pain killer}

• 1 large piece of ginger chopped into thin pieces
• small handful of goji berries {helps sweeten the strong taste}
• 6 cups of water

• Boil the root and goji berries in the 6 cups of water until only 2 cups of water remain {approximately 1 hour}.  Drink 2 cups of tea per dose.

* The goji berry improves the taste but this is Firewater…so expect the ginger flavor to have a serious kick.

Tea for Nausea

• Boil a few slices of ginger in water & drink warm.  Consumed with papaya will improve effects.

To your Health!

~ Jillian

*Information from “Conquering Any Disease”  by: Jeff Primack.