Ginger: A Versatile Spice with Medicinal Properties
Ginger is a popular spice commonly used in cooking. According to VTCnews, renowned herbalist Bui Dac Sang from the Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association, ginger contains 2-3% essential oil, 5% resin oil, and 3.7% fatty oil. It is also a good source of starch, Zingeron, Zingerol, and Sogal, which give it its distinctive pungent taste.
Ginger is not only a culinary ingredient but also a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, warming, expectorant, anti-nausea, and digestive properties. Fresh ginger is often used to relieve stomach aches caused by cold temperatures. Dried ginger, on the other hand, is known for its ability to dispel cold and treat ailments such as colds and dysentery.
When using ginger, some people peel it, while others use it with the skin on. So, which method is better?
Should You Eat Ginger with or without the Skin?
Peeled and unpeeled ginger have distinct characteristics and effects, impacting their usage in different ways.
In traditional wisdom, ginger is categorized into two groups with distinct purposes.
Peeled ginger, or “warm ginger,” has a higher pungency and warmth. This type of ginger aids digestion, increases appetite, and stimulates stomach secretion. It also has carminative properties, helps with nausea, and detoxifies the body.
Unpeeled ginger, on the other hand, is inherently cooling and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The skin of ginger can improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in certain cases. Additionally, this spice freshens breath, enhances intestinal motility, and alleviates edema.
Therefore, the decision to peel or not to peel ginger depends on individual needs. If you are experiencing edema, constipation, or bad breath, opt for unpeeled ginger. Simply wash it thoroughly before cooking. On the other hand, if you are preparing dishes with a cooling nature, such as snails or clams, the warmth of ginger can balance out the cooling properties of these ingredients.
In cases of a cold or for individuals with weak spleen and stomach function, or poor digestion, peeled ginger is the better choice. The cooling nature of unpeeled ginger may aggravate such conditions.
Nutritional Value of Ginger
In traditional medicine, ginger is known for its pungent and warm properties. It has long been used as a remedy for indigestion, cough, and upward qi. Its warming nature, astringent properties, and ability to induce sweating help alleviate symptoms of edema, rheumatism, joint pain, and certain intestinal disorders. Ginger also acts as a detoxifying agent, removing impurities from the body.
One hundred grams of ginger provides approximately 1.3 grams of protein, which includes the protease enzyme that aids in the digestion and metabolism of essential amino acids. It also offers 0.6 grams of fat and a small amount of lipid content. In terms of fiber, 100 grams of ginger delivers 2.7 grams, mostly insoluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
During cold seasons, apart from cooking with ginger, you can use it to prepare foot soaks, baths, or hair rinses. Ginger hair masks are an effective remedy for hair loss and promote hair growth. The spice’s warm and fragrant nature makes it ideal for warming the body. Placing a slice of ginger on the navel before bedtime can also improve digestion and benefit overall health. Ginger tea is another popular way to warm the body and alleviate nausea. For those prone to motion sickness, ginger can help ease discomfort during travel.
In conclusion, whether you eat ginger with or without the skin depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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