Ginger- Why it is good to have it in winter.
Ginger
or Adrak, as it is popularly known, makes for one of the most important
spices used in the Indian kitchen; pungent and aromatic, it has also long been widely used for its medicinal properties.
Now that winter is setting in, you would need foods that warm you up
and boost your immunity. Ginger has proved to be one of the most
prominent staples for many home remedies. According to the book Healing
Foods , the pungent root is known for its ability to
settle upset stomach and alleviate nausea. Studies have shown that its
volatile oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease the
symptoms of colds and flu, headaches and menstrual pains.
As per
Nutritionist, we recommend ginger
to people with pollutant allergies, considering it helps clear off the
mucus. It also helps in digestion, prevents colitis, comforts your tummy
in case of any inflammation and avoids other gastric issues in the
stomach. It is also known to keep your body warm, especially during
winter. You should be adding more ginger in your tea, foods and wherever
possible."
Here are some of the reasons that will compel you to add ginger to your daily diet this winter-
1. Ginger helps keep your body warm
Warming
up with just a cup of tea wouldn't help, but an addition of a generous
amount of ginger may keep you warm and cozy. Try adding a dash of ginger
in your brew as it's thermogenic properties stave off the chills,
keeping your body warm.
The onset of winter generally involves growth of bacterial and viral infections that may further cause allergies and congestion. Ginger's antiviral actions include stimulating macrophage activity, preventing the viruses from attaching to the cell walls, keeping you away from infections. Ginger tea will help keep you away from the cold and flu season.
3. Ginger fastens digestion process
We often seek to comfort ourselves with rich and heavy foods in this dark and cold winter, and end up devouring large fat-laden meals, creamy soups and heavy desserts. All this indulging does take a toll on our digestive system. Ginger's carminative properties and its volatile oils help ease digestion and soothes the walls of our gastrointestinal tract.
4. Ginger boosts immunity
Ginger
has antibacterial properties that help support the immune system and
further prevent you from falling sick with cold or flu. So, a cup of
ginger tea or syrup may help you stave off any viral or bacterial
infection.
How to make the best out of ginger this winter?
For
some ginger tea all you need to is mix one teaspoon freshly grated
ginger, juice of half lemon and one teaspoon honey in a mug. Add boiling
water and take it at the first sign of a cold or chill, or even for a
bout of indigestion or nausea.