Ginger is a triple threat in the food world.  Eat it as a food, because it tastes so good, spice up your dishes with it to add nutrients and flavor, or use it medicinally to heal what ails you and keep your body strong.

“Healthy foods” don’t always sound appealing, but with spices such as garlic, turmeric, ginger and many others, these foods can turn into the best meals of your life. Whether you’re just beginning to start eating healthier, or you’ve been doing it for a while, ginger is one of those perfect gifts to the world of food.

Ginger was known in Arab countries as far back as 650 A.D. It was originally cultivated in South Asia, and now is mostly sourced from India, China, the Caribbean and East Africa. A perennial creeping plant that can grow from 1 to 3 feet tall, it requires a tropical climate with both a heavy rain season and a hot dry season. These nutritional powerhouse plants are harvested after nine to ten months, and then sent to local grocery stores.

This week, I wanted to share what I know about ginger, because it is one of my absolute favorite foods. Why? One, because I love the spicy, refreshing taste so much that it puts a huge zing in my step. And two, because of it’s amazing health properties or what I like to call "super powers." I don’t know about you, but when I’m eating great, taking in tons of nutrient dense foods and living an active life style, I almost feel like a super hero. The minute sugar creeps into my system, I want to become a couch potato. This is why I became a Wellness Hunter in the first place.

I used to be sick all the time and never knew just how unhealthy I was until I started changing what I consumed. Dr. Nick Barnes from 212 Degrees of Wellness in Wildwood has said:  “We often can only feel 10 percent of what is really going on below the surface of the body, and sometimes we feel nothing bad at all.” For this reason alone, it’s important to power up your body with the fuel it needs to be on the road to super hero stardom.  Ginger is one of the best foods out there that can help whip you back on the path to health. How you say?

This strong antixoidant and anti-inflammatory plant is high in potassium and is a good source of magnesium, copper, silicon, manganese and vitamin B6. The root contains many health benefiting essential oils such as gingerol, farnesene, shogaol, zingerone, and small amounts of β-phelladrene, cineol, and citral. These unique oils offer many of gingers healing properties.

Scientific research has shown how incredibly beneficial ginger is to our health. It can help:

• improve digestion
• reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms
• with treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems 
• pain relief, such as migraines and menstrual cramping
• normalize cholesterol levels
• prevent arteriosclerosis 
• prevent internal blood clots
• stimulate circulation of the blood, cleansing the bowels and kidneys
• remove toxins from the body
• treat nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy
• relieve indigestion and stomach cramping
• as a strong decongestant
• ease joint stiffness and pain
• nourish the skin
• reduce anxiety

Common ways to put ginger to use:

• The suggested amount is 1/3 tsp. ground ginger, 1 tsp. fresh ginger root, up to three times daily or a daily supplement. 
• Use as in immune tonic, helping to relieve symptoms of colds and flu, or to keep your system strong.
• Drink ginger tea after a bath or shower as it encourages sweating allowing toxins to be released through the pores of your skin. 
• Chew a piece of candied ginger for a sore throat or to prevent motion sickness.
• Add ground, peeled and sliced or grated ginger to veggies, sauces and meats.
• Juice in a juicer to add to smoothies, juices and water. It may be kept refrigerated in a sealed container up to three, days.

Here's some tasty food recipes to try, and as far as drinks go, below are two of my ultimate favorites. Enjoy!

Mango Tango Cocktail
Apple, Lemon, Ginger Juice

Editor's Note:

• Do not overuse ginger in early pregnancy or with peptic ulceration.
• Ginger may interact with some medications, including the anti-coagulant drug warfarin, which can cause severe bleeding.
• Ginger is not recommended for people suffering from gallstones, as it promotes the production of bile.
• As always, please consult your doctor with any questions before use.