Some of us may only be familiar with ginger in the form of the refreshingly familiar drink ginger ale. But did you know that ginger is a major spice used in Asian dishes, and can also be incorporated in cookies, biscuits, cakes and other desserts?
Ginger root actually originated in China, and then its use spread to other parts of the world including India, West Africa and the Caribbean.
Aside from being a culinary delight, ginger is also known for its numerous health benefits. In Asian medicine, ginger root is used for nausea, stomach problems, cold, flu and diarrhea. It is also good for treating rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and muscle pain.
In addition, ginger is known to reduce the risks of certain cancers. The other health benefits of ginger include reducing the incidence of gallstones, helping reduce your cholesterol level, as well as easing nausea and morning sickness.
If you want to have a unique and truly healthy drink, boil ginger in a pot of water, add honey and a squeeze of lemon – and drink it like tea. Enjoy!