All food contains all of the nutrients we need to be healthy, it is necessary to eat various foods in sufficient amounts. A good diet will include many different foods, and sufficient in quantity and quality to meet an individual’s need for food energy and other micro nutrients.

Peanuts

Pears

Peas

Peppers

Persimmons

GINGER

Typical serving size:

Varies

HOW IT HARMS

Bleeding problems Miscarriage Inflamed membranes

WHAT IT HEALS

Motion sickness and nausea Pain Cancer Flatulence Ginger is an herb and a rhizome, an underground root
Fresh ginger can be found at any supermarket, but dried and powdered forms are readily available, as are ginger juices and teas
In addition to being used for medicinal purposes, it’s widely employed as an important cooking spice, especially in Asian countries such as India and China
The key active components of the ginger are thought to be volatile oils and phenol compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols

Health Benefits

Helps relieve nausea and motion sickness
Various forms of ginger—nonalcoholic ginger ale or beer, pills, and candied gingerroot—have been used to counter the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness
One study found that ginger was as effective as the prescription medication scopolamine in preventing motion sickness, without causing the drowsiness that sometimes comes with the drug
Relieves pain
Because ginger blocks the pro-inflammatory hormones, it may also be useful in helping people who suffer from the pain of migraines; studies suggest that taking ginger at the first sign of a migraine can help reduce symptoms
Furthermore, ginger may help those afflicted by arthritis
Studies have shown that people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experienced less pain and swelling when they took powdered ginger daily
May help prevent certain types of cancer
A number of studies point to cancer-fighting properties of ginger
In one from the University of Michigan, ginger was found to cause ovarian cancer cells to die; in another, gingerroot supplements reduced inflammation in the colon, which suggested that ginger may have potential as a preventive measure
Tumors induced in laboratory animals grow much more slowly if the animals are pretreated with beta-ionone, a compound found in ginger

QUICK TIP:

Relieve a cold with ginger tea Here’s a comforting way to relieve the chills and congestion of a cold: Make ginger tea by simmering one or two slices of fresh gingerroot in water for 10 minutes; add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor
Can reduce flatulence
Ginger, like peppermint and chamomile, can be used to treat gas, along with its associated bloating and pain
Adding a slice or two of peeled raw ginger to bean dishes is said to reduce the flatulence these foods often cause

Health Risks

Blood clotting
Do not eat ginger if you have bleeding disorders as it may inhibit clotting
Low blood sugar
Ginger may lower blood sugar levels, so monitor your sugar carefully or talk to your doctor about changing medication
Pregnancy
Some studies raise concerns of miscarriage and other problems with intake of ginger during pregnancy, such as risk of malformation
However, other studies state ginger is safe to use for morning sickness if taken for short periods (no longer than 4 days)
Discuss benefits and drawbacks with your doctor
Mouth and mucous membranes
In botanical medicine, ginger is considered a warming herb, one that causes the inside of the body to generate more heat, which can inflame the mouth and mucous membranes
Avoid it if you find consuming it uncomfortable

Allergies

Add a slice to tea as it brews

Sprinkle chopped candied ginger over morning oatmeal

Stir a heaping spoonful of grated ginger into mashed sweet potatoes

Buying Tip

When buying fresh ginger, look for plump roots without blemishes

Storing Tips

Store unpeeled ginger in a sealed plastic bag with all the air pressed out in the refrigerator

Make sure there is no moisture on the ginger before storing

Sealed in this manner, the ginger should last 2 weeks

Ginger can also be frozen for 1 to 2 months

WARNING

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FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION

Consuming ginger while on medications that slow bleeding, such as warfarin, may cause bleeding and bruises
If you are on these medications, do not eat ginger