GINGER INTRODUCTION
GINGER, (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE), HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL
PLANT OF THE FAMILY ZINGIBERACEAE.
A tropical plant that has green-purple flowers and an aromatic underground stem (rhizome) . Its pungent aromatic rhizome is identified as a spice, flavouring, food, and medicine.
It was introduced to the West by the traders whom shuttled back and forth on the Silk Road between the Far East-China and the Mediterranean region since 130 B.C.(The Roman Empire).
Ginger is one of the oldest spices that is known for its strong and spicy aroma. It is one of the most used ingredients in any spicy dish that we prepare. Common forms of ginger include fresh or dried pieces(roots, flakes, granules and powder), juice, oil and extracts(ginger oleoresin). This spice has a slightly biting taste and is used to flavour sauces, dishes, breads and cookies, confections, pickles, teas and beverages.
It was introduced to the West by the traders whom shuttled back and forth on the Silk Road between the Far East-China and the Mediterranean region since 130 B.C.(The Roman Empire).
Ginger is one of the oldest spices that is known for its strong and spicy aroma. It is one of the most used ingredients in any spicy dish that we prepare. Common forms of ginger include fresh or dried pieces(roots, flakes, granules and powder), juice, oil and extracts(ginger oleoresin). This spice has a slightly biting taste and is used to flavour sauces, dishes, breads and cookies, confections, pickles, teas and beverages.
BENEFITS OF GINGER
Ginger contains about 2% essential oil, the principal component is gingerol. After the fresh ginger is cooked or dried, the gingerols are broken down into zingerone and shogaols. The ginger oil and ginger oleoresin is distilled from rhizomes for use in the food, perfume and pharmacy industries.
Ginger tops the list of natural remedies for its incredible healing power. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-emetic properties, along with being rich in antioxidants. It decreases inflammation and swelling due to its ability to inhibit prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. It is used to treat innumerable ailments because of its powerful therapeutic and preventive effects. It has a long history of use in Asian, Arabic and Indian herbal traditions and is an excellent remedy for maintaining digestive health and functioning.
• Ginger is used in Asian medicine as an herbal remedy for stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Many digestive, antinausea, cold and flu dietary supplements contain ginger extract as an ingredient.• Ginger is used to alleviate postsurgery nausea as well as nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy.
• Ginger has been used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain.
