Benefits of Juicing Ginger
Ginger is one of the oldest and most effective medicinal and culinary plants. It was first used in Southern China thousands of years ago. From there, it spread to India, Maluku (the Spice Islands), the rest of Asia, and West Africa. It made its way to Europe when the Romans established trade with India, but after the fall of the Empire, ginger was basically forgotten until Marco Polo rediscovered it on his journeys to the East.
When ginger made it to the Caribbean, it was found to grow well and made it into the local cuisine and folk medicine customs.
What is ginger?
Ginger is a plant with yellow flowers. The edible and medicinal part of the plant is the rhizome, or root. When the ginger stalk withers, the rhizome is harvested and scalded to prevent it from sprouting.
If you eat Chinese or Indian food, you’re familiar with the spicy flavor of ginger. It is also a frequent accompaniment to sushi in its pickled form (gari), where it is used as a palate cleanser. For Westerners, ginger might be most familiar when used in gingerbread cookies.
Ginger also has amazing benefits to your health. It is often steeped in boiling water for tea and served with honey and lemon, but fresh ginger juice is growing in popularity. As often happens, modern science is beginning to understand the wonderful compounds that make ginger so effective against so many illnesses and chronic conditions. Ginger juice is a terrific way to keep the entire body in optimal health.
Health Benefits of Ginger Juice
Ginger juice has a strong, spicy taste that many consider a treat. As an added bonus, ginger extract is full of health benefits.
Ginger is Effective Against Many Digestive Issues
Ginger is an excellent balm for those with stomach problems, and it has been used to ease these issues for centuries. Modern research confirms that ginger is effective in treating nausea and vomiting from morning sickness, overindulgence, motion sickness, and even chemotherapy. There are some who swear it helps alleviate hangovers. It can alleviate the pain of ulcers and in the intestinal tract, it is effective against gas and bloating.
Ginger juice is particularly effective against stomach issues when combined with peppermint and honey. When consumed before or with a meal, ginger juice aids digestion because of its effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase.
Ginger is a Traditional Remedy for Cold and Flu
Hot ginger tea with honey and lemon is a classic formula for easing colds, sore throat, and flu symptoms. Because of its warming qualities and benefits to blood circulation, it can aid respiration, and its anti inflammatory properties can ease aches and pains. Studies have shown that fresh ginger is much more effective at protecting the respiratory system than dried ginger, so it may be time to trade the traditional tea and make ginger juice.
Ginger Can Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation occurs with diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma, and some medical evidence indicates that dietary choices can have an effect on inflammation. Sugar. animal products, and processed foods have been shown to increase inflammation. In one study, the phytochemical properties in ginger were shown to act as an anti inflammatory.
Ginger Root Can Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have confirmed that one of the benefits of ginger juice is a drop in blood pressure. However, to see these reduction in blood pressure, you need to consume more than 4 grams of ginger root in a day. The only easy way to achieve this is to make ginger juice.
It is important to note that a sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to dizziness. Ginger root also contains salicylates, the chemicals in aspirin that act as a blood thinner. While this can have health benefits for some, it could cause problems for those with bleeding disorders.
Ginger juice benefits many people and allows natural solutions to many issues. However, it’s best to speak to your doctor before you start consuming large quantities of fresh ginger or ginger juice. Some of the properties of ginger are powerful enough that they could pose risks for some individuals.
Ginger Contains Cancer Fighting Antioxidants
Fresh ginger is an excellent source of antioxidants, and for this reason, it is effective against the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage cells. When free radicals build up in the body, they can lead to cancer and other diseases. While the body produces antioxidants of its own, there are significant benefits to including foods like ginger in your diet. Another compound in ginger juice, gingerol, suppressed tumor growth in a lab study. When you drink fresh ginger juice, you’re providing your body with a concentrated source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. It can help support the immune system and may help prevent cancer and other diseases as part of a healthy lifestyle.
What other nutrients does ginger contain?
Ginger actually doesn’t contain many vitamins or minerals, aside from being a wonderful source of antioxidants. Most of the amazing benefits of ginger come from its unique compounds like gingerol, shogaols, zingiberene, and zingerone. Ginger contains a small amount of iron.
Ginger Shots
Ginger shots are a little different from other juices in that the ingredients are often juiced separately. Most ginger shots are made by juicing the ginger individually and then adding accompaniments like honey, agave, pepper, and so on.
Ginger shots can be juiced in large batches and frozen in ice cube trays for later use. Lemon, honey, and spice are popular additions that can be added before freezing or after thawing. If you make ginger juice ahead of time, all you need to do is thaw one cube, and you’ll have a ginger shot with its immune boosting, energy enhancing, disease fighting, and anti inflammatory properties at hand whenever you need it. Perfect for pain and stiffness following a workout or when you feel a cold coming on.
Ginger Cayenne Lemon Immune Boost Shot
These healthy ginger shots are an example of a recipe designed to be made in a large batch. The ginger juice can then be frozen in perfect shot size in an ice tray.
- 3 medium lemons
- 2 cups chopped and scrubbed ginger
- 1 red apple
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne (or to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey, agave, or maple syrup
Turmeric Ginger Shot
- 4-5 inches of ginger root
- 3 Lemons
- 9 ounces of turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (needed to activate turmeric)
Other Ginger Juice Recipes
Refreshing and Spicy Fresh Ginger Juice with Lemon and Mint
- 3 Lemons
- 1/3 cups fresh ginger
- 1/3 cup honey, agave, or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
Juice ingredients and pour over ice. This ginger juice can also be diluted with water or coconut water to make a refreshing summer drink that is as delicious as it is healthy.