Nutritional Benefits of Ginger Powder
Ginger powder is made from ginger that is dried and then ground.
Ginger powder is a great alternative for when you run out of fresh ginger.
Also, consuming a lot of fresh ginger can be difficult and when you buy ginger in supermarkets, it may be sold in a large quantity that goes bad if not used frequently.
Ginger powder is great for those who have a busy lifestyle. It’s more convenient to store & use and has a longer shelf life of almost 2-3 years if stored properly.
Ground ginger powder can be used as a spice in both cooking and baking. Ginger powder can also be used to prepare tea and health tonics.
Ginger has been used for thousands of years in both Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) and Chinese medicine. Ginger is thought to help with digestion in Ayurveda.
What does ginger powder taste like?
Ground ginger powder has a warm strong taste just like fresh ginger!
Perhaps, it is slightly stronger than fresh ginger as it is a concentrated form of ginger.
What nutrients does Ginger powder have?
According to eatwell.com, one inch of fresh ginger root contains:
- 9 calories
- 0g protein
- 0g fat
- 2g carbs
- 0.2g fiber
- 0.2g sugar
- 45mg potassium (2% RDA)
- 5mg magnesium (2% RDA)
Ginger powder has a trace amounts of nutrients, however, most of its benefits come from unique compounds such as gingerol, shogaols, zingiberene, and zingerone.
These unique compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can contribute to the numerous health benefits of ginger.
What are the nutritional benefits of ginger powder?
In Ayurveda
In India, ginger powder has been used in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) to enhance digestion, help with cough/flu and as an aphrodisiac.
In Modern Science
Ginger powder may help fight aging and age-related disease
Ginger powder is rich in gingerol, a compound that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals.
Free radicals cause oxidative stress in the body and are responsible for aging and disease as we get older.
Ginger powder may lower blood sugar levels
This is a new area of research, however, in a small study, it was found that ginger may have anti-diabetic properties.
Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve some heart disease risk factors.
Some human and animal studies have found that ginger may help lower bad cholesterol and lower high blood pressure.
Ginger powder may help with reduction of nausea
Studies have found that ginger may help with relieving morning sickness during pregnancy, chemotherapy and nausea after surgeries.
Researchers have determined that dry ginger powder has the highest level of the compound gingerol which helps in alleviating nausea.
However, more studies are required for conclusive evidence.
Ginger powder may help with digestion
When our bodies undergo delayed emptying of food from the stomach on a regular basis, we can experience chronic indigestion.
In a study, it was found that ginger quickened the pace at which the stomach is emptied.
This is not unlike the treatments in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) where ginger is prescribed for enhancing digestion by promoting better assimilation of nutrients and stoking the digestive fire.
Ginger powder may improve immunity
Ginger powder contains gingerol which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well as antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
This may relieve coughs, lower fevers, fight off infections, relieve headaches, and ease other symptoms associated with common colds and the flu.
Ginger powder may help with menstrual pain
In a study, it was found that ginger powder helped to relieve menstrual pain just as well as ibuprofen when taken at the beginning of the menstrual periods.
Ginger powder may help with joint pain
Some studies have showed that ginger may be effective in reducing the pain from osteoarthritis. However, more studies are required to confirm this.
In Ayurveda, ginger is thought to help relieve pain and promote joint health.
Ginger powder may help with weight loss
Some studies have shown that ginger may have a role to play in weight loss.
A human study showed that ginger helped reduce the Body Mass Index (BMI).
Animal studies showed that ginger help reduce body weight.
However, further studies are required to be more conclusive.
Ginger powder may help with migraines
Some studies have found that taking ginger powder decreased migraine symptoms.
However, more studies are required to confirm this.
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How to eat ginger powder?
Ginger powder can be consumed as a health tonic in the following ways:
- Prepare a cough/flu health tonic by adding 1/2 tsp of ginger powder to 1 cup of hot water. Add 1 tbsp of jaggery. Mix and drink up.
- Ginger Tea: add 1 tsp of ginger powder to a boiling pot of hot water (2 cups) and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes. Pour into your cup and add a slice of lemon and honey / other sweetener for a cup of ginger tea.
Ginger powder can be used in cooking and baking.
It can be used in:
- Cakes, Cookies, Biscuits etc
- Oatmeal
- Juices and Smoothies
- Curries
- Lentil Dahls
- Rice dishes such as biryani
- Both Vegetarian and Meat dishes
- Soup
- Salad dressing
- Ginger tea
- Health tonics
- Drinks e.g. ginger ale
How much ginger powder should I eat per day?
Experts recommend consuming 3/4 tsp of ginger per day.
Are there are side effects of ginger powder? Is it safe to eat for everyone? Am I allergic to ginger powder?
As with all foods, it’s always best to eat a little bit to start out with (if you’ve never eaten it before) to check if you have any side effects.
There are a few instances when you need to be careful when consuming ginger powder:
- Ginger powder may cause heartburn
- Ginger powder may cause burping, diarrhoea and stomach discomfort when taken in high doses
Consult your GP if you have any conditions and have some concerns about consuming ginger powder.
How to store ginger powder?
Store ginger powder in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight or heat (such as your stove) if you intend to use it on a daily basis. Can be stored for up to 12 months this way.
If you do not use it often, the best way to store ginger powder and extend its potency is to store it in the refrigerator. Once open, place in an airtight zip lock bag, place in a container and store it in your refrigerator. You need to ensure that ginger powder is stored in a cold, dry place. Moisture should not enter inside the ginger powder.
Ginger powder does not go off and can be stored for a long time. However, it may lose its potency and taste if not stored well.
Ginger Powder Recipes
Check out our ginger powder recipes below:
Easy to Make Turmeric Ginger Latte without Coffee / Caffeine Drink
Easy Winter Breakfast Oats with Ginger Molasses Persimmon Pomegranate Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds
Paneer Tikka Masala – Indian Curries – Vegetarian Recipes UK
Eggless Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe – Baking Recipes UK
Are there any other uses of ginger powder?
Ginger powder can also be used in:
-
- Ginger oil for achy joints
- Ginger compress for achy joints or sprains
- A Ginger toner for skin care
- Ginger and milk face mask for a youthful glow
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Nutritional benefits of ginger powder
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post on ginger powder as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I found most of these benefits of ginger powder whilst reading online blogs, articles, newspapers and through people.
Please feel free to comment, share, add or subtract anything from this article 🙂
Have a lovely day!
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