This alphabetical series gives you healthy tidbits on one spice every week.
It is called saunth is Hindi. Originally cultivated in China, it was extensively used by the ancient Romans but got lost in history after the fall of the Roman Empire, till Europe discovered it again, much later. Now it is used worldwide and its health benefits are well-documented. boosts circulation: It’s a great friend to our circulatory system; helps improve blood flow to all parts of the body. More oxygenated blood means better energy, immunity and lower risk of infections. no diarrhoea: It helps soothe the stomach as gingerols and oleoresins contained in it increase production of saliva and gastric fluids, which ease gas pains, indigestion and diarrhoea.
Relief from nausea: It is a known motion sickness and nausea reliever too and helps ease congestion, cold and flu, and prevent respiratory problems. no inflammation: Gingerols are also known phytonutrients, which help keep inflammation down in the body.
Stay beautiful: Saunth is also a good beauty aid as not only does it help remove toxins from the body (by raising body temperature and increasing perspiration), but it also nourishes the skin.
There’s more: Besides being used in gravies, curries, marinades and stews, dry ginger is a perfect add-on to tea (to make a cup of ginger tea, add a pinch of dried ginger to a cup of boiling water). And try this recipe for a salad dressing too: mix dry ginger with rice vinegar, sesame oil and minced garlic.
{{/usCountry}}There’s more: Besides being used in gravies, curries, marinades and stews, dry ginger is a perfect add-on to tea (to make a cup of ginger tea, add a pinch of dried ginger to a cup of boiling water). And try this recipe for a salad dressing too: mix dry ginger with rice vinegar, sesame oil and minced garlic.
{{/usCountry}}(Kavita Devgan is a nutritionist and a health writer)