Ginger root is used extensively as a spice in many if not most cuisines of the world. Though called a root, it is actually the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. The active constituent of fresh ginger is gingerol, a relative of capsaicin. When ginger is dried, the gingerol molecules are converted into the much more pungent shogaols. Cooking ginger transforms gingerol into zingerone, which is less pungent and has a spicy-sweet aroma.
Ginger is also made into candy, is used as a flavoring for cookies and cake, and is the main flavor in ginger ale, a sweet, carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage. A ginger-flavored liqueur called Canton is produced in the Guangdong province of China; it is advertised to be based on a recipe created for the rulers of the Qing Dynasty and made from six different varieties of ginger. Green ginger wine is produced in th United Kingdom traditionally Crabbie's and Stone's, in a green glass bottle.
Medical research has shown that ginger root is an effective treatment for nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness or other illness. Ginger root also contains many antioxidants. Powdered dried ginger root is made into pills for medicinal use. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been recommended as "stomach settlers" for generations in countries where the beverages are made. Ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the United States in the past.
Ginger root Nutrition Facts: Calories, Carbs, and Health Benefits
Ginger root is composed of 78.89% water, 17.77% carbohydrates, 1.82% protein, and 0.75% fat. If you consume one teaspoon of ginger root it will provide you with 0.355 grams of carbohydrates. That translates to 0.27 percent of the 130 grams of carbohydrates people should include in their daily diet, according to the Institute of Medicine (US). That same in a 100 gram amount, ginger root supplies 80 calories and is a modest source of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) (12.31% of the Daily Value). So if you have ginger roots in your diet, it helps your body to produce red blood cells (RBCs) and neurotransmitters, break down peptides into amino acid monomers so that it can be used in the body, decrease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (in females) and it is effective against mood disorders like depression, because vitamin B6 is responsible for creating neurotransmitters and regulates emotions through hormones like serotonin and dopamineanemiamorning sickness during pregnancy in women. Besides it it contains a considerable amount of Copper attaining 25.11% of the Daily Value in a 100 g (3.5 Oz).
Ginger is not a root, actually it is a rhizome. A rhizome is an underground stem.
The ginger plant is an herb.
Ginger is a part of the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric and Cardamom are included in this family.
There are many health benefits associated with ginger. Anti- inflammatory properties, blood sugar regulation, and gastrointestinal relief are some of the important benefits.
Ginger was introduced to the West Indies and Mexico by the Spanish after their conquest in these two countries, and by 1547 ginger was being exported from Santiago to Spain.
Generic name ginger is “Zingiber” which is is derived from the Greek zingiberis. This word in turn comes from the Sanskrit name of the spice, singabera.
In Japan, slices of ginger are eaten between dishes or courses to clear the palate.
In Burma, ginger is used in a salad dish called “gyin-tho”. This dish consists of shredded ginger preserved in oil, and a variety of nuts and seeds.
There are 80 calories in 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of ginger. The oil of ginger finds use in perfumes and medicines as well.
The English nomenclature i.e. “ginger”, comes from the mid-14th century, from Old English gingifer; also from Medieval Latin gingiber. It is also derived from Greek name zingiberis, and from Prakrit (Middle Indic) singabera.
Depending on variety, the flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color.
Ginger has many important vitamins and minerals. It also comprises gingerol, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and linked to numerous health benefits.
Ginger has many important vitamins and minerals. It also comprises gingerol, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and linked to numerous health benefits.
In research studies it has been noted that ginger may also reduce DNA damage from radiation and offer some protection from industrial pollutants.
