Superfoods: Ginger

It's so amazing the transitions that we go through in life and the changes that we make. Often times we make changes that we would never have anticipated ourselves taking part in, yet these changes are many times for the better. When I started making changes in my dietary lifestyle I learned how extremely important our digestive health is and the integral part it plays in our immune health. You cannot separate one from the other. I realize over the past several weeks I have sung the praises of many Superfoods. They are truly wonderful. I honestly do not know of any that are as potent or have the same properties of ginger root.

Ginger is grown predominantly in Asia and the Caribbean. It has medicinal and culinary uses. It has a lovely flavor with a spicy kick. It is in the same plant family as turmeric. This does not surprise me knowing the properties of turmeric. They also look very similar. I have had ginger as a regular part of my health regimen for several years. Over the past year I am to the point where I consume it almost daily. I put it in smoothies, cook with it, use it in tea, and put it in desserts. It is excellent for digestion.

It relieves nausea very well. It's super for pregnant mom as to be for soothing their stomachs without any nasty side effects. Sometimes eating out can be an adventure, a dangerous one in fact. Consuming raw ginger can help in a pinch to relieve stomach distress from food sensitivities. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, especially combined with turmeric. You can eat the root raw, make a tea with it, or take a high quality supplement. Get organic whenever possible. If you have a cold or are congested eating small prices of raw ginger throughout the day as well as blending in a smoothie can be very effective for immune support in addition to being a mucous solvent. That means it breaks up all of the yucky gunk.

This phenomenal root also can be pressed for its essence or essential oil. Topically you can take advantage of its healing anti-inflammatory properties by blending with a carrier oil and applying to the inflamed joints and muscles. You can also rub it with a carrier oil on your stomach for relief from digestive distress.

There are just too many incredible ways to use ginger. Here's a smoothie recipe to try it out with:

1-2 handfuls organic kale
1/2-2/3 cup pineapple
1 date
1 Tbsp coconut butter
2 inch hunk raw organic ginger root
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 cup ice

Blend and enjoy!