How To Use Fresh Ginger Root

Ginger root is a popular spice that can be added to many different dishes for an added touch of spiciness. In addition, ginger root has been used as a natural medicine for many centuries to help cure many ailments. It's pungent taste and sweet aroma, as well as the medicinal benefits are largely due to the volatile oils known as gingerols and shogaols.
Ginger root is a chunky root with a light brown or tan skin, and the inside flesh is a soft yellow. It is available year round in the produce section of the grocery store, and it is also available in the spice section in powdered form. However, in order to obtain the maximum health benefits of ginger it should be consumed in its fresh state.
In order to use fresh ginger root, it needs to be washed and peeled. Then depending on what it is needed for, it can be grated, diced or juiced in a juicer.
Using Fresh Ginger Root in Foods
Fresh ginger root is great when added to foods. Grated ginger goes well in stir-fries, meat and potato dishes, marinades and dressings as well as in baked goods. When using it in stir-fries it can be added at the beginning of the cooking process, or at the end for more flavor.
Grated ginger root is tasty in tea along with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or just about any other spice. A natural sweetener may be added to help take away some of the zing of ginger.
It is also very good in freshly squeezed fruit juices that are made at home in a juicer. It goes great with pineapple, mango, apples, peaches, pears and many other fruits.
Using Ginger for Medicinal Purposes
Ginger root has been proven to help with digestive problems such as heartburn, gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea. This is because the ginger juices help to promote the secretion of digestive juices that help to break down the foods in the stomach. Eating ginger along with a meal, or drinking a ginger tea afterwards can help to obtain these benefits.
According to studies ginger root is more effective in relieving nausea and vomiting due to motion, pregnancy, surgery and fever than over-the-counter drugs. Drinking a ginger tea helps to relax the stomach muscles to keep them from cramping so that the nausea is reduced.
Ginger is also very effective in helping to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. It can be used internally as well as externally to find immediate relief. The best way is to grate ginger and apply it to the inflamed area in a hot compress. The warming effect of ginger immediately begins to soothe the inflamed area.



For more information on how to prevent disease and live a long and healthy life, visit LivingFood101. For ideas on how to add ginger to your diet visit: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Add-Grated-Ginger-to-Your-Food