Crucial in any true apothecary’s and epicurean’s pantry, this effective stimulant, antioxidant and physical cleanser is surely underestimated in everyday cooking. So why add a few sparkling here and there? Here are few benefits you can get from ginger (its delicious tastiness put aside) :
Glowing skin
They say you are what you eat. With more than 40 antioxidants (which slow the decay of cells), ginger is assuredly a beautiful plant. Its antibacterial components make it the best natural acne-fighting weapon. They minimize the rate of acne formation and eruption by clearing the bacteria causing it. Also, the warming feeling it creates is not only appealing in the cold season, it also increases the peripheral circulation so every inch of skin feels the ginger glow. Basically, daily ginger consumption proves to detoxify the inner self, which in turn radiates inside and out. Simple math.
Abundant energy level
You are a true early bird? The kind that enjoys 7 am running sessions? Then add some chopped ginger to your morning porridge or swap your usual espresso for a ginger shot and get the metabolism boosting effects you need before you start a big 10k. With its thermogenic properties (which stimulate the nervous system), ginger increases energy expenditure and accelerates metabolic activity. Rather than adding on yet another spinning class to your already sweat inducing week, well-chosen food can work with you on the extra mile. Also, its compound known as gingerol (an anti-inflammatory) is proven to reduce after-workout pain and swelling. Stay brave: this powerful root will encourage you to keep up while the rest of us are barely waking up.
Fight heavy weekends
Need to rebalance after an overly indulgent summer? Ginger can help you with that. First, eat a bite of fresh ginger just before dinner to stoke a dull appetite while firing up your enzymes. Its ability to balance digestive problems will encourage the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. It will surely make that green juice even more powerful! The spice will stimulate internal cleansing and revive sluggish digestion. You need one last argument? It’s the spice of choice for hangovers. An upset stomach and nausea are often one too many symptoms of your last long night. Try a warm mug of ginger tea to settle things down and feel the relief in your belly.
Although there is much more to know about the ingredient, you can now peacefully munch on ginger or spice up that curry leftovers. The benefits will be as bold as the flavor.
Collaborator
Marie-Hélène Chagnon St-jean