Defy age with ginger

Antiseptic, digestive, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, aphrodisiac, carminative...you name it and the medical epithet fits the ginger root! But the fact that it keeps youth on your side is probably its most attractive benefit. Gaynor Borade gets to the bottom of this root and tells you how to incorporate it in your diet

The root of its goodness
Popularly referred to as the ‘synergetic’ herb in Ayurveda, the root is a storehouse of medicinal properties. In fact, its medicinal value is appreciated in different cultures across the globe. So what exactly makes this wondrous root so unique in qualities and versatile in application in today’s day and age?

Mumbai based nutritionist and dietician Dr. Dalal says, “In general, ginger is good for almost everything. It boosts immunity and promotes good health.” The best part is that it’s so easy to obtain and it enhances the flavour of any recipe!

God’s gift to womankind
Research reveals that ginger contains volatile oils and phenols which hold medical benefits that are especially good for women. With stress levels hitting the roof, ageing signs set in at a very early age. Ginger is considered extremely beneficial for its anti-ageing properties and its ability to reduce natural hair loss. All you need is a daily intake of either ginger powder in green tea or fresh ginger extract in just about any meal preparation and you’re sorted.

That’s not all; just a daily dose of a tablespoonful of ginger extract and honey can even soothe your menstrual cramps. Ginger is also considered effective in reducing morning sickness during pregnancy, without causing any drowsiness. In addition, it’s great for the libido and controls your body odour!

Winter comforter
During winter, ginger is almost like a comforter that effectively promotes immunity to cold and cough. It is also a natural cure for patients of osteoarthritis, heartburn and rheumatism which get aggravated during the cold. Dr. Dalal says, “The sap of the ginger root is potent with anti-inflammatory properties that keep many age-related health developments like rheumatism and arthritis in control. The herb can be boiled in water to form a concentrate and consumed every morning with a cup of herbal tea to put aches and pains to rest.”

Be a ginger gourmand
Ginger can easily be incorporated in your daily diet. In fact, when added to food, it whets your appetite. The food market is now replete with green ginger wine, ginger candy, crackers and ginger ale, ginger spice tea, ginger rhizome stew with honey and ginger capsules. And if you want to explore beyond the bottled or packed ready-made options in the market, we suggest a few recipes to bring ginger goodness onto the dining table.

Ginger tofu soup
(Serves 4)

Ingredients
11/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup water
2tbsp cut mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped carrot
100 grams tofu
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground ginger
Finely chopped coriander or dill
Rice noodles
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
1. Bring the vegetable stock, water, carrots and mushrooms to boil.
2. Once the carrots are cooked, add ginger and allow the broth to boil for about ten minutes.
3. Add the tofu and let the soup simmer for a while.
4. Add rice noodles. Simmer until they are soft.
5. Top with coriander or dil leaves.
6. Add the black pepper and salt.
7. Serve hot.

Aloe ginger drink
(Serves 2)

Ingredients
2 tsp of finely grated ginger
1 cup each of orange and pear juice
2 ounces of fresh aloe vera juice
Salt, black pepper, lime and honey to taste
Water if required

Method
1. Blend the orange and pear juice together.
2. Add finely grated ginger and the fresh aloe vera juice.
3. Add a dash of lime, salt, black pepper and honey. Indulge anytime!