Description: Did you know that ginger can be used to boost your immune system’s anti-viral capabilities? With its powerful healing compounds and rich antioxidant profile, ginger is a must-have ingredient and an excellent home remedy for when you’re under the weather. Check out our ginger facts and recipes below! 

In many cultures around the world, ginger is used for healing properties and is a common ingredient in many traditional flu remedies. With the spread of Covid-19 around the world, it is more important than ever to take care of your health and to strengthen your immune system. Covid-19 is a respiratory disease and currently has no medical cure - we rely on our innate immune systems to protect us and to battle the deadly virus. Ginger is not only renowned for its immune-boosting traits; it is also a delicious addition to many hot dishes, teas, and cold drinks. For an extra burst of flavor and immune system support, why not add some chopped ginger to your breakfast juice or smoothie? Check out the  best cold press juicer online and follow our guide to find out why you should include ginger in your diet to stay protected from bugs and flu! 

Ginger Can Kill Bacteria 

You might be wondering how ginger is right for you? Ginger has many incredible benefits when it comes to both flavor and health. One of the main reasons that ginger is considered a health food is that ginger has antibacterial effects on certain harmful microbes. Studies have discovered that ginger is potentially effective against bacteria, which causes frequent throat and respiratory ailments. For example, one study found that raw ginger may combat the spread of streptococcus; a microbe that can cause painful throat infections. 

Ginger Is Antiviral 

Although some types of throat pain are caused by bacterial infections, many seasonal colds and flu are viral in nature. This is also true of Covid-19, which is a type of coronavirus like the common flu. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be killed with antibiotics and require anti-viral medication to treat. Some viruses, like Covid-19, do not currently have anti-viral cures. This is where ginger comes in! Did you know ginger is suitable for cold and flu symptoms and can even help your body fight off the underlying viral contamination? Regularly consuming raw ginger can make you less likely to develop a severe infection, also if you do become affected with a virus, because ginger helps shield healthy cells. 

Ginger Boosts Immunity

Ginger is commonly taken medicinally in Indian, Chinese, and South American cultures because it is believed to prevent disease and contribute to a long and healthy life. Science shows that it is effective to take ginger for the immune system. Ginger is made up of bioactive compounds like gingerol - which helps the body tackle infections - and is packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to long term health because they protect cells and help clear out free radicals (damaging compounds that attack cells and can lead to diseases like cancer.) Although most fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, raw, organic ginger can give your immune system a boost and keep it fired up to ward off disease.

Ginger is Anti-Inflammatory

Ever wondered why your throat and chest feel swollen and irritated when you have a cold or respiratory infection? Scientists believe that a lot of these symptoms are produced because of inflammation in the body. When a virus or bacterial infection threatens your immune system, your body’s immune response causes swelling, which amounts to painful but well-known flu symptoms. Ginger can cure flu-like symptoms because it has a soothing effect on the immune system and prevents excessive inflammation, while still supporting your body as it fights the illness. Try a restorative ginger drink next time you feel fluey! 

Drink Ginger Tea 

Ginger is spicy, and its warm, aromatic flavor can have a healing and calming effect on sore throats. This easy recipe for ginger tea can help ease your symptoms if you are suffering from a sore throat. You should chop up some large pieces of ginger, rinse them or remove the skin, and boil them in a pan of water for about half an hour. Pour the liquid through a strainer and allow to cool slightly, then drink while the mixture is still warm. You should feel the benefits straight away! For an extra soothing effect, add a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon.

Add Ginger to Soups and Curries

Ginger is also a great ingredient to add to food. Many Thai, Indian, and Chinese recipes include fresh ginger in their preparation, and ginger root can be easily found in most supermarkets. If you’re making a spicy dish, like a vegetable or seafood curry, grate or finely chop some ginger and include it when you add your other spices. Japanese dishes, like ramen soup, also make great use of ginger. To make a delicious and healthy ramen broth, boil a chicken carcass in water with ginger, onions, black pepper, and celery for several hours and then serve with noodles. Perfect comfort food for when you don’t feel well! You can also add ginger to carrot or squash soups. This is a wonderful combination for the immune system as root vegetables are great sources of Vitamin A and C, which help raise your immunity levels. 

Ginger Juices and Smoothies

If you’re looking for cold ginger drink recipes, try adding some raw ginger to a fruit juice or smoothie. Simply peel and chop some ginger and add it to your blender, juicer, or cold press with your other fruits and vegetables. Give yourself a super antioxidant blend by juicing beetroot, spinach, apple, carrots, and lemon juice for a nutritious and vitality-boosting snack.

 Combine Ginger With Other Spices

For best results, try combining ginger with other spices to help unlock its active, anti-viral, and antibacterial properties. Common herbs and spices like lemongrass or cinnamon also contain antioxidant and infection-fighting compounds and make powerful combinations when paired with ginger. Try using fresh ginger in your baking and create a ginger and cinnamon loaf. Or add lemongrass and ginger to soups and broths to get these best out of these healing herbs. 

That’s it from us on the many ways that ginger is used. We hope these tips keep you healthy and your immune systems strong!

Final Call: Are you a wizard in the kitchen? Do you have a secret ginger recipe for when you’re sick? Have you tried any of the recipes in this post? Let us know in the comments!

Author’s bio:

Catherine Wiley is a freelance writer with a deep passion for healthy cooking. Even she does not define herself as a food blogger, she mainly writes about wellness and food with an eye for healthy and organic recipes. She is also an adventurous traveler who loves to explore other continents for their rich cooking secrets.

This article was submitted exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Catherine Wiley 

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