If you are trying to lose weight or simply want to boost your immune defenses, the ginger powder can be an effective and inexpensive remedy that you can even prepare at home. However, before adding any new herbal remedy to your health regimen, it is important to understand the details of what it can do for your health goals and how you can use it appropriately.
What is Ginger Powder?
Derived from the dried ginger root, ginger powder is a versatile spice that can be used for medicinal or culinary purposes. For thousands of years, ginger has been used in traditional medicine, thanks to its rich supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerol, beta-carotene, capsaicin, and curcumin. [1]
Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, the ginger root comes from a plant of the same name, which is grown primarily in Southern Asia. It has been exported to other parts of the world from Southern Asia for roughly 2,000 years and has been a valuable element of the spice trade. In modern times, it is highly valued for its role in herbal medicine. Ginger powder also provides a longer shelf life and more versatility than the pungent fresh form. [2]
If you cannot source fresh ginger root, you can buy ginger powder for making teas. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 9.94 Energy 335 Energy [kJ] 1404 Protein [g] 8.98 Total lipid (fat) [g] 4.24 Ash [g] 5.22 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 71.62 Fiber, total dietary [g] 14.1 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 3.39 Sucrose [g] 0.2 Glucose (dextrose) [g] 1.22 Fructose [g] 1.78 Galactose [g] 0.19 Calcium, Ca [mg] 114 Iron, Fe [mg] 19.8 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 214 Phosphorus, P [mg] 168 Potassium, K [mg] 1320 Sodium, Na [mg] 27 Zinc, Zn [mg] 3.64 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.48 Manganese, Mn [mg] 33.3 Selenium, Se [µg] 55.8 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 0.7 Thiamin [mg] 0.05 Riboflavin [mg] 0.17 Niacin [mg] 9.62 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.48 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.63 Folate, total [µg] 13 Folate, food [µg] 13 Folate, DFE [µg] 13 Choline, total [mg] 41.2 Betaine [mg] 3.4 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 2 Carotene, beta [µg] 18 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 30 Tocopherol, gamma [mg] 3.01 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 0.8 Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) [µg] 2.4 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 2.6 6:0 [g] 0.03 10:0 [g] 1.56 12:0 [g] 0.07 14:0 [g] 0.04 16:0 [g] 0.57 18:0 [g] 0.23 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.48 14:1 [g] 0.03 16:1 [g] 0.04 17:1 [g] 0.02 18:1 [g] 0.36 18:1 c [g] 0.36 22:1 [g] 0.04 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.93 18:2 [g] 0.71 18:3 [g] 0.22 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) [g] 0.22 Phytosterols [mg] 83 Tryptophan [g] 0.15 Threonine [g] 0.29 Isoleucine [g] 0.34 Leucine [g] 0.51 Lysine [g] 0.24 Methionine [g] 0.09 Cystine [g] 0.1 Phenylalanine [g] 0.31 Tyrosine [g] 0.24 Valine [g] 0.41 Arginine [g] 0.71 Histidine [g] 0.2 Alanine [g] 0.27 Aspartic acid [g] 1.39 Glutamic acid [g] 0.79 Glycine [g] 0.5 Proline [g] 0.33 Serine [g] 0.25 Sources include : USDA [3]
Ginger Powder Health Benefits
The health benefits of ginger powder include aid in weight loss efforts, improving the appearance of the skin and reducing headaches, among others.
Relieves Migraines & Headaches
The anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger powder are excellent for relieving headaches and migraines, which are often caused by inflammation of the small capillaries in the head. General inflammation can also lead to additional oxidative stress, which this powder can help to alleviate. [4]
Boosts Immunity
Antioxidants like curcumin and capsaicin, which are found in ginger powder, are known to reduce the effects of free radicals, thus reducing strain on the immune system, so it can focus on potential pathogens and foreign agents. [5]
Weight Loss
Ginger has long been used as a way to slim down the waist and the same is true for ginger powder as well. By mixing a half-teaspoon of ginger powder into hot water, you can brew a delicious tea that will kickstart your metabolism, reduce fat deposition, and increase passive fat burning. [6]
Relieves Chest Pain
The soothing nature of this powder is ideal for relieving chest pain. You can enjoy this benefit by creating a ginger powder salve or you can prepare and drink tea using the powder. [7]
Aids in Digestion
The ability to soothe inflammation in the gut is one of the best qualities of this spice; it is also able to re-balance acidity levels and the bacterial environment of your stomach for better digestion and nutrient uptake efficiency. [8]
How to Make Ginger Powder?
Let us look at how to make this powder at home.
Ginger Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 knobs ginger 2 inch each approximately
Instructions
- Soak the ginger for 4-5 minutes in water and then thoroughly wash.
- Slice the ginger root thinly and set the pieces in the hot sun (or a dehydrator).
- Once completely dry, grind the pieces in a dry mixer.
- Store in an airtight container before use. It should retain its potency for up to 12 months.
Notes
Uses of Ginger Powder
You can use this powder in a number of ways, including as a brewing agent for tea, as a ginger foot bath, salve, tinctures, and in the form of candy, among many others. The powder may need to be combined with other oils and binding agents, but the nutrient quality and active ingredients should be retained in the majority of different applications.
