Ground ginger is used not only as a seasoning, but also as a medicinal product due to the presence of a large list of beneficial properties, taking into account possible contraindications. In order not to cause harm to health, you need to familiarize yourself with all the properties of the product and the features of its effect on the body.
Dry ground ginger: properties
Ginger is added to many dishes to add piquancy. Dried ginger has beneficial properties that help in the treatment of many diseases. Only ginger root is suitable for use in dry and raw form.
Ginger is a universal medicinal plant and has the following properties:
- helps cope with viruses;
- has an antioxidant effect;
- antiseptic properties;
- eliminates inflammation;
- has antimicrobial properties;
- has an expectorant effect;
- reduces pain symptoms.
Ginger is a perennial herbaceous plant. The leaves are narrow, long and similar to reed leaves. During flowering, yellow, orange or purple flowers open with a pleasant aroma.
The use of compounds from the root of the plant leads to improved mood, increased oxygen supply to the brain, thinned the blood, removed toxins from the body, and strengthened the immune system.
Description
Fresh ginger root can be added to tea, salads, baked goods, and the ground product is an excellent spice. The spicy root contains many vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fiber and essential oils. Essential oils contained in ground ginger have a beneficial effect on the functioning of all internal organs, human hair and skin.
The seasoning powder has a light yellow color, an spicy taste and a pleasant aroma. The list of benefits of ginger powder is long:
- eliminates the feeling of bloating and abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea;
- improves blood counts and normalizes sugar levels;
- accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
- relieves headaches;
- relieves inflammation;
- stimulates the immune system;
- removes toxins from the body.
In addition to its beneficial properties, the crushed product also has contraindications that must be taken into account so as not to cause harm to the body.
The nutritional value
The beneficial properties of ground dry ginger also include its nutritional value.100 grams contain about 340 kcal, proteins - 9 g, fats - 4 g, carbohydrates - 72 g, dietary fiber - 14 g, water - 10 g and ash - 5 g.
In what quantities you should buy a product depends on its purpose. Each recipe has its own dosage, which must be strictly followed. On store shelves you can find the product packaged in different weight categories: from 10 g to 1 kg.
Vitamins
The beneficial properties of ground ginger are explained by its high content of vitamins. Vitamin A, P, C, B vitamins. All of them are involved in strengthening the immune system, normalizing the functioning of internal organs, improving the condition of the skin, and maintaining normal blood counts.
Minerals
Mineral components are other benefits of dried ginger.
- It contains large quantities of macroelements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus.
- Microelements contained in the dry product include: iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc.
Ginger root contains active components such as gynerol and shogalol. Thanks to these components, it is possible to cope with the nausea that accompanies many diseases.
Uses of dry ground ginger
The beneficial properties of the seasoning do not disappear even during the process of grinding the fresh product. Ginger powder is used in cosmetology, cooking and almost all areas of medicine.
All the benefits of ground ginger are preserved during the preparation of tinctures, decoctions and other drinks that are used for pain, digestive tract disorders, colds, and also for weight loss.
In cooking
Ginger was widely used in cooking and medicine back in the ancient world.In addition, at that time it was very valuable; a pinch of spice could buy a fortune.
The fiery spice can be added to almost any dish. It can be added to cereals, cheeses, legume dishes, soups, salads, vegetable and mushroom snacks. Sauces and dressings for many dishes also acquire a piquant taste.
The seasoning is used during the preparation of dessert dishes and drinks. Gingerbread, tea and coffee are especially popular. It can be added to ice cream, pies, when canning compotes, preserves, and jams.
Each case has its own recommendations when it is better to add dry seasoning to a dish, and in what quantity. When cooking meat, spice is added 15–20 minutes before cooking in the amount of 5 g per 1 kg of meat. Add 1 g to the dough during kneading. The component is added to sauces after readiness in a dosage of 1–2 g.
Dry the ginger, while retaining all the benefits, you can use an oven, convection oven, or electric dryer. The dry product can be ground into powder using a blender or mortar. A similar mixture can be effectively used in folk medicine.
In folk medicine
Ginger has found its use in various branches of medicine. Due to the beneficial health properties of the ground product, tinctures, decoctions, and compresses are made from it:
- To prepare the tincture, you need to take 100 g of ground spicy mixture, add 1 liter of vodka and leave for two weeks in a dark place. Then the finished product is filtered. You can add honey. Take 5 ml of the drug before meals, twice a day, after diluting it in 100 ml of water. The product helps cure colds, nervous system disorders, and restore immunity.
- To prevent colds, take baths with a decoction based on the crushed product. Dissolve 25 g of ground spice in 500 ml of water. After boiling, cook for about 20 minutes. The resulting decoction is added to bath water. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes.
- Ginger is the best remedy for any type of cough. Add 2 g of ginger, 5 g of turmeric and a little honey to a glass of warm milk. Leave to infuse for 10–15 minutes. The resulting composition should be drunk in small sips throughout the day.
- For digestive disorders, use the following remedy. 5 g of hot seasoning and 2 g of nutmeg are diluted in 250 ml of water. The resulting composition should be drunk in two doses.
- For pain in bones and joints, compresses are used. Mix turmeric, ginger, ground hot pepper, a few drops of mustard oil and add 25 ml of hot water. The resulting pulp is distributed on a gauze bandage and applied to the sore spot for 30 minutes.
Since ginger accelerates metabolic processes in the body, proteins are broken down faster and excess calories are burned. The digestion process improves due to increased production of gastric juice, and spasms of the stomach and intestines disappear. As a result, the product is used as a means for weight loss:
- Make a mixture of turmeric and dry ginger in a ratio of 10:1. You need to take 2.5 g twice a day after meals.
- A massage with ginger oil helps to get rid of extra pounds. Add 5 g of powder to 200 ml of olive oil. Leave to infuse for two weeks. The finished tincture is filtered and used during massage.
- Wraps help cope with excess weight.In a cup, mix 35 g of ginger powder, 55 g of honey, 30 ml of lemon juice and the same amount of vegetable oil, 5 g of nutmeg. The resulting mixture is applied to problem areas, wrapped in cling film and left for 35 minutes.
Ginger tea is considered the most effective remedy. To prepare it you will need dried linden flowers, rose hips, and regular green tea. All components are taken in equal quantities. Add 30 g of the resulting mixture to the teapot, add 2 g of ginger powder and pour boiling water over it. Drink tea before meals.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, ginger mixture is used to smooth and lighten the skin, get rid of wrinkles, acne, blackheads, normalize metabolism, and eliminate cellulite. There is a large selection of masks, creams, oils based on the spicy component.
For an anti-aging face mask, add ground ginger, fresh mint leaves, banana, honey and spinach juice. All components are crushed in a blender. The resulting paste is applied to the face. The procedure time is 20 minutes.
Contraindications
Despite all the benefits of dried ginger, it can also cause harm to health if all contraindications are not taken into account.
The seasoning must be used carefully and exactly in the proportions indicated in the recipe.
It is not recommended to use any plant-based products during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you have heart disease, stomach disease, or with high body temperature. Children under three years of age are also considered a limitation.
Cooking recipes with photos
Many housewives are interested in what dishes they can add ground ginger to. Women, having purchased this seasoning, can prepare various dishes using it.The spice is added little by little, following the recommended proportions.
The classic gingerbread recipe consists of butter, honey, sugar, eggs and flour. The dish may also contain some other seasonings, such as cinnamon.
To prepare the meat sauce, you need to mix ground ginger with soy sauce, sugar, dried basil and chopped garlic. The resulting sauce is poured into the meat, which is stewed over the fire, 15 minutes before it is ready.
