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Ginger is one of my all time favorite herbs and I love to make these Candied Ginger Chews to have on hand! Ginger has helped me through morning sickness and colds. Plus it just tastes good and you can’t say that about all herbs. In fact I love it so much I named my dog Ginger!
Benefits of Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is such a powerful and versatile herb that can be used for so many different conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol that have potent anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Digestive Aid: Ginger has long been used as a remedy for digestive issues. It can help alleviate nausea, reduce motion sickness, and ease stomach discomfort. Ginger tea or ginger chews are commonly used for digestive relief.
Nausea Relief: Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. It’s often recommended for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness and for individuals undergoing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Pain Reduction: Ginger may help reduce muscle pain and soreness due to its anti-inflammatory effects. It can be beneficial for athletes and individuals with exercise-related discomfort.
Lowering Blood Sugar: Some studies suggest that ginger may help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This can be particularly important for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Health: Ginger may have a positive impact on heart health. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant Effects: Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
Immune System Support: The immune-boosting properties of ginger may help the body fight off infections. It’s often used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.
Menstrual Pain Relief: Some women find that ginger can alleviate menstrual pain and reduce the severity of cramps.
Weight Management: Ginger’s potential to increase feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake may be helpful for weight management.
Cognitive Health: Emerging research suggests that ginger may have neuroprotective properties that can benefit cognitive health and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Skin Benefits: Topical use of ginger may help improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting even skin tone.
Respiratory Health: Ginger can help relieve respiratory conditions like congestion and coughs. It’s commonly used in herbal teas to soothe these symptoms.
Aid in Cancer Prevention: Ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. In this study on gastric cancers they found that Ginger can induce apoptosis (cancer cell death) in vitro.
How to Make Ginger Candy Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup fresh Ginger root
1/2 cup pure cane sugar (try monkfruit for a sugar alternative!) plus more for coating
2 cups water for boiling
Directions
Step 1: Peel ginger and slice into small pieces (1/8″).
Step 2: Bring sugar and water to a boil and continue to boil until sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Add sliced ginger into saucepan and simmer on low until tender (about 30 minutes).
Step 4: Transfer ginger to a wired rack and let dry a little.
Step 5: Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a bowl and toss ginger in sugar.
Step 6: Lay ginger out in a parchment lined baking sheet to cool. Store in airtight container for up to a month or up to 3 months in refrigerator.
Enjoy these homemade Candied Ginger Chews when nausea hits, as a co*cktail garnish, to flavor your tea, in trail mix or whenever you want a little treat!
Melissa Vines is founder and content creator of Along The Meadow. She has training in herbalism and aromatherapy with a background in the skincare industry as an Aesthetician. A passion for nontoxic skincare and wellness has propelled her into a life long pursuit of helping others live a more natural lifestyle as well. Her most important role however is being a wife and mom to 3 amazing kids. Read More…
If you're a woman, try not to exceed 25 grams. Just one serving of crystallized ginger contains 30 grams of sugars, which is higher than the recommended maximum daily intake for women. As Harvard Health Publishing notes, excess sugar consumption may put you at risk for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems.
One piece of candied ginger can have 3 to 5 grams of sugar and about 20 calories. A few pieces of candied ginger will also help lower stress levels and raise vitality and energy, according to a study by phytotherapist Erica Verrillo from 2008.
Pour the ginger out on to a sheet pan and let cool completely. Remove any excess sugar and save that for tea or baking. Let the crystalized ginger cool completely and toss in granulated sugar.
Chewing on a piece of ginger candy can curb pain caused from inflammation, GI distresses, nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and other forms of pain. This isn't to suggest that ginger candy is a magical food item that cures all ailments, but in some cases, it can help.
Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Diabetes medications: Ginger may lower blood sugar.
It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause skin irritation for some people.
In summary, the main differences between crystallized and candied ginger lie in their cooking methods, flavor profiles, and textures. Crystallized ginger tends to have a spicier ginger flavor and a chewy texture, while candied ginger is softer, sweeter, and less intense in its ginger flavor.
Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
The terms “candied” and “crystallized” are typically used interchangeably. If a distinction is made, the term candied refers to ginger stored in the simple syrup and crystallized ginger means the version cooked in the sweet syrup and rolled in sugar which is the one you are buying now.
In addition to supporting kidney function, crystallized ginger has other potential healing properties. For example, some research suggests it helps with digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting. Chewing on ginger works to reduce nausea is a well-known cure for chemotherapy patients.
Other authorities suggest a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger is the equivalent to 1 1/4 teaspoons of ground or 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger. Quite a variation! So have fun experimenting!
One small study found that overweight men who consumed ginger stayed fuller longer. A meta-analysis of studies that looked at ginger's weight loss benefits suggests that ginger has a significant effect on body weight and belly fat (waist-to-hip ratio). Gingerols encourage certain biological activities in your body.
It can have a soothing effect on the stomach and may be particularly helpful if you're prone to motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, or general nausea. However, some individuals may be more sensitive to ginger and experience mild stomach upset when taken on an empty stomach.
It's moist, aromatic, and chewy – not stringy. Chop and sprinkle over yoghurt, use in baking, add to chutneys, or combine with salty cheddar to accompany an aperitif.
Ginger tea is a healthier alternative to ginger ale, ginger beer and other commercial canned or bottled ginger beverages. These drinks provide ginger's benefits, but many contain a lot of sugar. It may be better to limit these to occasional treats or choose sugar-free options.
Once opened, refrigerate and consume within three months. Once opened, if stored in an airtight container, crystallised ginger will last for two years.
Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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Melissa Vines is founder and content creator of Along The Meadow. She has training in herbalism and aromatherapy with a background in the skincare industry as an Aesthetician. A passion for nontoxic skincare and wellness has propelled her into a life long pursuit of helping others live a more natural lifestyle as well. Her most important role however is being a wife and mom to 3 amazing kids. Read More…