Remember when you got the stomach flu as a child and your mom or dad gave you ginger ale? Turns out they were calling upon centuries of wisdom. Ginger has been used since ancient times as a digestive aid and recent scientific studies have proven that ginger does, in fact, relieve nausea and upset stomachs. Preliminary studies have found that ginger may lower cholesterol and help prevent blood from clotting. Ginger is also being investigated for its effect on a number of cancers. Much more research is needed to determine the effect on humans, but there is some evidence that ginger may kill cancer cells in test tubes. (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm)
Deepak Chopra, a practitioner of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian lifestyle, says in his cookbook that ginger has a strong cleansing effect on the body and soothes and cleans the respiratory tract, making it a good choice during cold and flu season. He also says that ginger tea can help reduce cravings for sweet and salty snacks. Others believe that ginger has anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce pain.
Ginger tea is one of the easiest ways to consume ginger. Simply steep a few slices of fresh ginger in boiling water. Ginger is also a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine and, of course, in holiday treats. As with anything else, moderation is key. As Mark Vincent of the University of Western Ontario notes, there is no “guarantee that long-term ginger consumption is risk-free”. (http://bit.ly/unXUmh) And you should always consult a physician before treating yourself with ginger or any other “superfood”, especially if you are pregnant or have any underlying medical conditions
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