GingerGinger is a plant with yellowish-green flowers and leafy stems, primarily grown in warmer parts of China, Japan, and India. It is being produced more and more in the Middle East for medicinal purposes.  Ginger is used fresh, powdered, dried, or as an oil or juice.

Most of us know of ginger as a spice; the ginger spice comes from the plant’s roots.  You may have heard it called ginger root, or simply ginger.  It is a very common ingredient in recipes.  In foods and beverages, ginger is used for flavoring.  The distinctive fragrance and flavor of the root come from its natural oils, often used as a fragrance for soaps and cosmetics.

Ginger is commonly used for various stomach problems, including morning sickness, motion and seasickness, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colic, vertigo and nausea.  One of the chemicals in ginger is used as an ingredient in antacid, laxative and anti-gas medications.

Because ginger contains chemicals that may reduce inflammation, it is not hard to believe that it effectively reduces muscle pain and exercise-induced muscle soreness.  Studies show that taking ginger by mouth works as well for pain in hip and knee osteoarthritis as drugs such as ibuprofen.  Some research also shows that applying ginger gel or oil to the knee can relieve osteoarthritis pain.

One last note on ginger’s many benefits – some people pour the fresh juice on their skin to treat burns or apply the ginger extract to the skin to prevent insect bites.

The next time you see that crazy-looking root in your local grocery store, take note!  Ginger is not just for cooking anymore.  Reap the anti-inflammatory benefits as well!

 

Some of our customer favorites from our anti-inflammatory meal delivery service, Feed Your Vitality included ginger.  Try this one-pan Stir Fry recipe and see for yourself how delicious ginger can be!

Gingered Stir Fry

Gingered Stir Fry

Easy Stir Fry is a mixture of colorful vegetables and protein sautéed in a sweet and savory sauce that makes for a simple weeknight meal!
Course Main Course
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • olive oil
  • ½ sweet yellow onion sliced
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 medium sweet yellow pepper sliced
  • 1 tsp minced fresh gingerroot or to taste
  • ½ tsp grated orange peel
  • 2 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp pepper or to taste
  • cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
  • 12-16 oz cauliflower rice prepared (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the broccoli and water. Cover and steam 6-8 minutes, or until tender or cooked to your liking.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute chicken in olive oil until still slightly pink. Add onion (and more olive oil if needed) and continue cooking until tender and translucent. Chicken should now be cooked through.
  • Add yellow pepper to the skillet with Braggs Liquid Aminos and saute for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
  • Stir in broccoli, adding the ginger, orange peel, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper (optional). Toss to coat all vegetables and chicken.
  • Serve hot over cauliflower rice if desired.

Notes

  • Try using red, orange or a combination of brightly colored peppers with the broccoli for vivid variations.
  • Add additional vegetables to change up the recipe every time you make it -- add mushrooms, cauliflower, jalapeno peppers, zucchini, etc.
  • Turkey, shrimp, spicy chicken sausage and flank steak are all good options for protein. 
Keyword Anti-Inflammatory, Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Complete Meal, Entree, Ginger, Side Dish

#ginger #healthbenefits #antiinflammatory #recipe #stirfry

 

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