Is ginger healthy?

You’ve probably seen them in the supermarket or at a juice bar, those little bottles of ginger. We often hear the question: “Is ginger healthy?”. The short and sweet answer is yes. Ginger is healthy. If you’ve never tried a ginger shot, you should. Or even better: make it yourself. A ginger shot is one of the best ways to start the day.

With a serving of ginger in the morning, your body is immediately ready for the day! We ask so much of ourselves, so be kind to your body. Ginger is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways to boost your health. So what are you waiting for? Add some ginger to your meals or to your smoothies and enjoy the powerful flavor and health benefits it offers!

The benefits of ginger

You can use ginger root for much more than just adding a little spice to your food. Ginger has a typical taste that gives your dishes that little bit extra, but ginger root is not only loved by foodies. Ginger is also very healthy and even has certain medicinal properties. In Chinese and Indian culture, ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat all kinds of diseases and conditions. The question “Is ginger healthy?” is answered right away! The secret of ginger lies in the gingerol. This is an organic compound in the ginger root that gives the root its sharp taste. Of the more than 100 different substances in ginger, gingerol is the most beneficial. Ginger is known as a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, thanks to the gingerol.

Ginger calms the stomach and aids digestion

Ginger is a natural remedy that helps with nausea and an upset stomach. Are you pregnant and do you regularly suffer from morning sickness? Then try ginger tea, take a shot of ginger or add some ginger to your smoothie. Had one too many drinks last night? Then ginger is also your best friend, because it helps with a bad hangover. Ginger root not only helps with stomach problems, it helps with healthy digestion, reduces bloating and constipation. An additional advantage is that ginger ensures better absorption of nutrients, because it helps with healthy bowel function.

A real boost for your immune system

Nowadays, we easily run ourselves ragged. This has an effect on our physical condition and our immune system. Adding ginger to your daily diet is therefore a good way to arm your body against this. As a powerful antioxidant, ginger helps you tackle the free radicals in your body. Ginger has a cleansing effect on your lymphatic system. With a daily portion of ginger, you ensure that waste products do not accumulate and are quickly removed. Do you feel sick?

and miserable, you will find that an extra shot of ginger will do wonders. Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps with infections. Your immune system does not have to work as hard.

Ginger against infections

Ginger has certain antibacterial properties and therefore works against bacteria. A ginger shot helps to get harmful bacteria out of your system. Studies have shown that ginger helps with at least two types of pathogens, staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. Two bacteria that can make you very sick, but ginger protects you against. It has also been proven that ginger has an anti-fungal effect.

Your metabolism in high gear

A cup of ginger tea or ginger smoothie is not only a way to start your day spicy. If you want to lose a few pounds or build muscle, it is also a nice boost for your metabolism. Ginger ensures that your stomach produces more acid and that stimulates your metabolism. Your burning is therefore in a higher gear. You will burn more calories during your workouts and ultimately also more fat. Ginger is therefore not only healthy, but also helps with losing weight.

Faster recovery after a heavy workout

The time you give your body to recover after a workout is at least as important as the workout itself. If you have muscle pain, it is due to the tiny tears in your muscles. The tears will first have to repair themselves and then the muscle will have become a little stronger again. That is why rest is so important. We already mentioned that ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory, so ginger can also help your body recover faster after exercise.

Ginger affects glucose levels

When you feel anxious, it is often because of your glucose levels. Peaks and dips in your blood sugar levels can cause you to feel restless, binge eating, crashing and dizzy. People with diabetes are more susceptible to these symptoms because their bodies are unable to maintain their own glucose levels. People without diabetes can also suffer from unhealthy sugar peaks and dips. It is important to ensure that your blood sugar levels remain stable and ginger can help with that. So the next time you want to reach for that bar of chocolate, that slice of cake or another sweet because you are suffering from a sugar crash, just have a ginger smoothie or a ginger shot.

Make your own ginger shot

Did you know that when you add just a spoonful of grated ginger to your tea, your body will benefit from it? If you really want to give your body a boost, it is best to take a ginger shot. Not everyone has the luxury of a juice bar around the corner. Fortunately, you can also make a ginger shot at home. With a little help from a slow juicer or blender , you too can give your body a daily power boost.

Ginger shot recipe

Ingredients (2 ginger shots)

• Two ginger roots
• ½ lemon
• Cup of water
• Agave syrup / honey

Supplies

• Blender
• Bowl or container
• Clean tea towel or cheesecloth (to strain the ginger mixture)

Steps

1. Peel the ginger and cut it into slices of about half a centimeter thick. If you have a high speed blender you don't even have to cut slices.
2. Put the ginger pieces in the blender jar and add some water to blend everything well. Half a cup of water is often enough.
3. Blend the ginger pieces until smooth.
4. Place the clean tea towel or cheesecloth over the bowl, pour the ginger mixture onto the cloth. Fold the points towards each other and wring the cloth out well. We don't want to waste any of our ginger shot.
5. In the bowl you now have the base of your ginger shot. Season it with half a squeezed lemon and add some agave syrup to taste. Stir and it's ready.

Serve in a small glass or store for a few days in a sealed bottle (preferably vacuum-sealed) in the refrigerator.

Is ginger healthy?

The question: “Is ginger healthy?” we have hopefully answered for you. Eating ginger daily or drinking it in the form of a ginger shot has many benefits. Are you simply looking for an extra boost? Or do you want to improve your sports performance? Ginger is your answer!