Healthy living starts in the kitchen. With the temptation and ease of processed foods, it can be difficult to choose a healthy alternative especially if it means more preparation and valuable time – but your health is worth it!
Each week we will go back to the basics to explore how to spice up some of our favorite regulars or invent some new favorites to live healthier, more natural lives. Food that is not only tasty, but also a nutritious source of energy and sustenance. Together we will use food as medicine. It can be intimidating to try new things especially when you don’t know what it is good for or how to prepare/cook it. Let’s learn together. Starting with Ginger.
Ginger 101
Ginger is a versatile Asian herb that adds a sweet, peppery flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Ginger can be found in a fresh or dried state.
Where does ginger come from? Where can I find it?
Ginger is a spice native to the warm climate of Asia. You can purchase ginger in its natural root form in the produce section of your local grocer or in its powdered form in the spice aisle. Ginger root will spoil. One trick to make it last longer is to keep it in the freezer, and grate or slice off the section you need.
How does ginger help my health?
Ginger works primarily in the digestive system but has also been shown to impact the nervous system.
Decreases inflammatory cytokines
Modulates leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis
What medical symptoms is ginger good for?
Nausea
Migraines
Diabetes
Heavy Periods
Anti-inflammatory properties
Let’s try it out with a couple recipes!
Ginger Mango Infused Water
New to ginger? Start by adding ginger to your water to add a little kick! Whether sipping poolside on a warm day or using as a workout refresher, this is a great way to introduce the healing power of ginger into your daily life.
Not a fan of mango? Try pairing with another fruit like pineapple.
INGREDIENTS
1 inch of ginger root, peeled and minced
1 cup of mango (frozen or fresh), cut into small, bite-sized pieces
DIRECTIONS
Place ginger and mango into a pitcher, fill with ice and water. The purpose of the ice is to separate the mango and ginger from the water in an effort to retain them while pouring for continuous flavor diffusion. Refrigerate for at least an hour and stir before serving. Allowing the water to rest before consumption will provide time for a more flavorful beverage.
Stays fresh for 24 hours after preparation. Serves 6-8.
Thai Chopped Salad with Fresh Ginger Dressing
Try substituting this ginger recipe for one of your regular salad dressings. Check out the video at the very bottom of this page!
SALAD INGREDIENTS
4 c chopped Romaine
½ head chopped red cabbage
½ c sliced carrots
½ c snap peas
1 chopped yellow pepper
1 chopped red bell pepper
3 green onions
½ c cashews
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
1/3 c natural peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
2 T local honey
3 T ginger
2 T rice vinegar
2 t sesame oil
DIRECTIONS
Mix together salad ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together dressing ingredients adding water to dilute to desired consistency. Either drizzle salad dressing over the salad or serve on the side. Serves 2-3.
