Britt Brandon CFNS CPT - Ginger for health : 100 amazing and unexpected uses for ginger

Avon, Massachusetts

This book is dedicated to the loves of my life: Jimmy, Lilly, Lonni, and JD.

Do you want to lose weight? Alleviate allergy symptoms? Moisturize your skin? Treat dandruff?

What if I told you that there was a special root that had been used for thousands of years to effectively treat these and other issues, and that this unique wonder-root may very well be in your refrigerator right now?

This powerful superfood that could possibly change your life for the better is none other than ginger, an age-old root that not only improves healing, promotes vitality, and improves the bodys functioning, but is also versatile enough to include in a variety of dishes that range from sweet to salty, and spicy to subtle. And to add to the world-wide reputation of this amazing superfoods healing capabilities are the new scientific studies done over the past decades that have shown that this herb contains powerful unique vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and compounds that literally work wonders in every area of your health and life!

While traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines have relied on the ginger root for healing common ailments for thousands of years, this herb has only recently made an astounding reputation for itself as a superfood that is capable of not only healing minor illnesses, but safeguarding and improving overall health as well. With a growing percentage of the population turning to natural treatment methods as opposed to modern medicines, the ginger root and its natural healing capabilities have been thrust into the spotlight, commanding the attention of natural healers and those seeking natural health-improving dietary elements. And, in fact, recent scientific studies and in-depth research have now identified the powerful compounds in the ginger root that can improve the bodys natural processes and minimize a number of common conditions experienced by people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. From diabetes to heart disease, to colds and flus, to cancers, the natural healing power of ginger has shown to be quite extraordinary.

And, in addition to its healing powers, ginger also makes the perfect addition to a natural beauty regimen. With a number of simple, yet effective, applications for the skin and hair that utilize ginger and all of its healing nutrients and phytochemicals, anyone can improve the appearance and health of their skin and hair. Beauty-boosting benefits from the same nutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, oils, and enzymes that promote internal health throughout the body can naturally improve the health of your bodyinside and out!

On the following pages, youll find 100 benefits and ways to use this delightful ingredient that can not only add spice to your culinary creations, but improve your health, beauty, and life in astounding ways!

Before we start talking about gingers benefits, lets talk about what ginger actually is. You may be surprised to learn that the ginger you know and love is actually the root of a beautiful red, white, or yellow and green flowering plant that belongs to the zingiberaceae family, to which other well-known spices like turmeric and cardamom also belong. The ginger root is a knotted, tubular-shaped root with a light yellow, white, or red flesh that is covered with a silvery exterior coating. The name ginger originated more than 3,000 years ago in early Sanskrit writings that referred to the root as gingivere, meaning horn root, which describes the roots unique appearance.

Depending upon how young the plant is at the time of harvest, the ginger roots exterior coating can be thick or thin. The thickness of this shiny coating is an indication of the roots nutritional content, as ginger roots that are allowed to age to a year or more before harvest have been shown to provide beneficial oils in a greater concentration than the roots of plants harvested earlier. When selecting ginger, you want to make sure youre buying fresh varieties of the later-harvested, more beneficial roots, so look for roots that are firm and heavy for their size, with a smooth exterior and a spicy fragrance that signifies a rich concentration of nutrients. Avoid roots that feel light for their size or have wrinkled flesh, as these roots were either selected too early or are too aged, either situation yielding a ginger root with far fewer nutrients and phytochemicals.

When storing ginger, the roots can be wrapped in paper towels, placed in a sealable plastic bag, and stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or the freezer for up to two months. Dried ginger can be stored in an airtight container set in a cool, dark space for up to six months. Pickled ginger can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three months. To prepare ginger, simply peel the exterior coating with a peeler, and mince, slice, shred, or grate as needed. A helpful tip when slicing ginger is to slice the root perpendicular to the fibers; this will help minimize the stringiness of the fibers within the slices.

The ginger plant has been used around the world by countless cultures and civilizations, but it originated in China. But while the plant is indigenous to Asia, it has spread throughout the world over the past 5,000 years. Ginger has been a well-known staple of cultures and civilizations around the world, as seen in documents that date back thousands of years, mentioned by Greek physician and pharmacist Pedanius Dioscorides; seen in the writings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius; found in the Arabic collection of folk tales, One Thousand and One Nights; and even referred to in the Koran. The plants popularity spread from China to the Maluku Islands (called the Spice Islands); around A.D. 100 ginger quickly took hold in West Africa, the Caribbean, and then Europe. While these various cultures used the ginger root for similar purposes, the unique uses that were discovered for the special spice increased and improved over time. Once thought to be an effective reliever of stomach issues and common colds, the ginger root evolved into an aphrodisiac, a sore throat soother, a blood cleanser, a wound healer, and much more! Over the course of time, this root has been used in every form imaginable: powdered, crushed, minced, sliced, and pickled. Even when candied, this root contains natural compounds that promote health in every form. Today, the scientific exploration of the ginger roots compounds still continues to unveil new and exciting capabilities and uses.

Over time, as the rapid growth of the harvesting and exportation of ginger proved successful and lucrative, the race to become the leader in the ginger industry narrowed to just two countries: China and India. While China held the lead for a number of years, India currently holds the top spot for ginger production and exportation with an astounding 703,000 tons of ginger produced in 2012. 2.1 million tons of ginger are produced annually worldwide, giving the consumers of the glorious root peace of mind in knowing that their favorite flavor and health enhancer will be available year-round for the foreseeable future.