The many uses of Ginger

Winter has certainly been flue season and there’s no better natural remedy against a nagging cold than ginger. In both ayurvedic, which is an ancient system of health native to India, as well as traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is considered the best home remedy for colds. Scientists have isolated several chemicals in ginger that have specific effects against the most common family of cold viruses, the rhinoviruses. Other elements in ginger, gingerols and shogaols, help relieve cold symptoms because they reduce pain and fever, suppress coughing and have a mild sedative effect that encourages rest.

Apart from its health benefits, ginger also adds a unique flavour to any dish. In many cuisines throughout the world it is used as a spice, but it can also be candied and used as flavouring for candy, cookies, crackers and cake. Another popular use of ginger is ginger beer, a drink that is loved by young and old. And who’ll ever be able to forget the gingerbread man?

Here’s a nice recipe that incorporates ginger in an innovative way:

Sesame-ginger chicken

Ingredients

11/2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon ginger juice
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Nonstick spray