Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Part II
Hello, again!
I am back again, putting a highlight on the awesome ginger root (Zingiber officinale) with some additional, and possibly repetitive, information to compliment the prior blog post on ginger which you can find here. So let's get started!
Here are some beautiful photos of ginger for your viewing pleasure...
Ginger root (Z. officinale) is a commonly used herb that has been used for over 2,000 years for its claimed therapeutic value. In addition, it is one of the most commonly used dietary condiments in the world. The global ginger market is predicted to reach $4.18 billion USD by the year 2022. The largest producer of ginger is India. Interestingly, in the 13th and 14th centuries, you could purchase 1lb. of ginger for the equivalent cost of purchasing a sheep! Another interesting snippet of information is that it is supposed that Queen Elizabeth I is the one who came up with the gingerbread man cookie which we all know, and hopefully, love. I know I sure do!
Usage Forms: fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, powdered, and ground.
Flavor: peppery with a slight hint of sweetness.
Aroma: spicy, strong, sharp, and warm. The spicy aroma is due to the presence of ketones (mainly gingerol).
Main Chemical Constituents: [6]-gingerol, and [6]-shogaol. Gingerol is in an abundance (depending on the timing of harvest) and is what gives ginger root its pharmacological properties.
Therapeutic Properties: analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antinausea, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral, hypocholesterolemic, and hypotensive.
Therapeutic Uses: arthritis, cancer, chemotherapy-induced nausea, colds, colorectal cancer prevention, enhance blood circulation, general muscle discomfort, headaches, hypertension, menstrual cramps, migraines, motion sickness, nausea, osteoarthritis, pain, peptic and duodenal ulcers, post-surgery nausea, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, seasickness, swelling, ulcerogenesis, and vomiting.
Safety/Contraindications: Ginger root (Z. officinale) has GRAS status in the United States as a food additive. It is recommended to avoid use if you are on blood thinners/anticoagulant drugs. Individuals with a history of gallstones should avoid using because ginger root may cause an increase in bile flow. Although popular to use during pregnancy, it is advised to consult with your primary care physician before using if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Some individuals who consume ginger root or ginger root products may experience gastrointestinal upset.
Check out this great Ginger Tahini Dressing recipe made by Genevieve Sherrow, candidate, Master's of Science in Nutrition, and Elizabeth Kirk, Ph.D., Core Faculty, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Bastyr University. Enjoy!
Ginger Tahini Dressing
2-3 tablespoons raw sesame tahini 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1/2 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons mirin or cooking sake 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup 2-3 teaspoons fresh ginger root, minced 1/2-1 clove of garlic, crushed Crushed black pepper and sea salt to taste In a mixing bowl, whisk together ingredients until mixture achieves a thickness.
Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 4
Here are a few additional resources with some great, healthy recipes for ginger! Feel free to comment if you try any of these or if you have any of your own to share!
References
Anh, N. H., Kim, S. J., Long, N. P., Min, J. E., Yoon, Y. C., Lee, E. G., Kim, M., Kim, T. J., Yang, Y. Y., Son, E. Y., Yoon, S. J., Diem, N. C., Kim, H. M., & Kwon, S. W. (2020). Ginger on human health: A comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 12(1), 157. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010157
Bastyr University. (n.d.). Ginger: Boundless culinary and medicinal applications. https://bastyr.edu/news/health-tips/2011/09/ginger-boundless-culinary-and-medicinal-applications
Benzie, I. F., & Wachtel-Galor, S. (2011). Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
Eat Fresh. (n.d.). Search results. EatFresh. https://eatfresh.org/search?search_api_views_fulltext=ginger
Ginger Market to Reach US$4.18 Billion by 2022 With Growing Popularity About Its Medicinal Benefits - TMR. (2019, February 19). PR News Wire. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ginger-market-to-reach-us4-18-billion-by-2022-with-growing-popularity-about-its-medicinal-benefits---tmr-300797797.html#:~:text=All%20Products-,Ginger%20Market%20to%20Reach%20US%244.18%20Billion%20by%202022%20With,About%20Its%20Medicinal%20Benefits%20%2D%20TMR&text=ALBANY%2C%20New%20York%2C%20Feb.,by%20the%20end%20of%202022
Have A Plant. (2009, November 23). Ginger root. https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/ginger-root/?view=recipes
Khodaie, L., & Sadeghpoor, O. (2015). Ginger from ancient times to the new outlook. Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.17795/jjnpp-18402
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (n.d.). Ginger. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ginger
Mowrey, D., & Clayson, D. (1982). Motion sickness, ginger, and psychophysics. The Lancet, 319(8273), 655-657. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(82)92205-x
Najim, A. J. (2017). Potential health benefits and scientific review of ginger. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 9(7), 111-116. https://doi.org/10.5897/jpp2017.0459
National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Ginger. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
Ryan, J., & Morrow, G. (2010). Ginger. Oncology Nurse Edition, 24(2), 46-49. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5008850/
Sharma, J. N., Srivastava, K. C., & Gan, E. K. (1994). Suppressive effects of eugenol and ginger oil on arthritic rats. Pharmacology, 49(5), 314-318. https://doi.org/10.1159/000139248
United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Ginger. SNAP Education Connection. https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide/ginger
United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Recipes. MyPlate | ChooseMyPlate. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplatekitchen/recipes?
University of California Los Angeles. (n.d.). Medicinal spices exhibit - UCLA biomedical library: History & special collections. UCLA. https://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/biomed/spice/index.cfm?displayID=15
