I love the taste and smell of ginger. It is one of 1,400 species of plants in the Zingiberaceae family. Since I'm not a botanist, I won't delve into the scientific aspect of the perennial. Yet ginger has the popular reputation for its many health benefits, such as easing queasy stomachs and motion sickness (its properties aid in the process of expelling intestinal gas and digesting fatty foods), as well as reducing inflammation.
This is not a contemporary remedy; ginger has been used for its health benefits for over 5,000 years.
Additionally, ginger stimulates blood circulation and facilitates muscle tissue recovery, whether its from a long run or a day at the gym (or whatever your choice of challenging training may be!). According to an article in the January 18 Health section of The New York Times, the claim is that sore and painful muscles will benefit after a day or more from eating ginger. Its anti-inflammatory properties offer pain-relieving effects, resulting in reduced muscle tension after a workout. You can read the full story here.
Remember, if you are physically active, it is always important to recover properly; cool down by not immediately stopping your activity, but rather continuing movement at a slowed pace for 5 to 10 minutes, followed by safe and gentle stretching. Refuel your body with food high in protein and complex carbohydrates, depending on the length and quality of your exercise. Rest, ice (if needed), and a massage may be necessary as well, and be sure to replenish lost fluids with water or a sports recovery drink.
And if you want to try something new, enjoy this recipe for hot ginger tea with cinnamon. I personally don't use the pine nuts, and I let the tea cool to room temperature. Many grocery stores, or preferably local farm markets, sell fresh ginger root.
No comments:
Post a Comment