Healthista’s Nutritional Director Rick Hay explains how ginger can ease aches and pains
Healthy foods, snacks and drinks have exploded on to the market and it’s left us feeling spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what non-artificial energy bar or detox tea we are going to try next.
But how much do we know about trendy ingredients really? This is why we asked Healthista’s Nutritional Director Rick Hay to fill in the blanks on the most confusing super-nutrients of the moment. Today, he’s covering ginger.
Rick Hay says: ‘Ginger is a common spice that is great to cook with but it is also an anti-inflammatory to treat nausea. It contains a substance called gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties. In the history of medicine, ginger has been traditionally used to help digestion, ease nausea and help combat common colds and the flu.
Ginger is related to turmeric and, like turmeric, has key anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. As well as the problems listed above, ginger is used to treat aches and joint pains, and morning sickness too. Make sure you take it as directed, depending on the type of ginger supplement.
Furthermore, ginger is a thermogenic agent which helps with fat burning and boosts circulation.
Looking for a nutrient powder that contains ginger? Try the Healthista ‘Night Food’ Powder
Ginger can come in capsule form or be diced into a savoury dish to enhance the flavour of your meal.
Rick Hay is an Anti-Ageing and Fitness Nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology. He specializes in obesity treatment and weight management. He writes a regular Natural Health and Fitness Blog for Healthista. Find out more at rickhay.co.uk. Follow Rick on Twitter @rickhayuk
Rick Hays book the Anti Ageing Food and Fitness Plan is available to buy on Amazon.
More from Rick Hay:
Anti Ageing Fitness Plan: Week 6
5 foods to keep your body young
5 foods to eat when you’re frantic
10 pre-exercise snacks that WON’T ruin your diet
FOOD is seven a day the new five a day?
HOW TO Choose a protein powder
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