Ginger

Note: I have never heard of any one else being allergic to ginger
or even read anything about it, but I can assure you that it
happens from my own personal experience. I don't think it is life
threatening. I just break out in really strange ways. If any one
knows more on the subject or if it is life threatening, please
e-mail me and let me know. Thank you.  Mignonne

Besides adding a delicious flavor to many sweet and savory dishes,
gingerroot contains many medicinal benefits beyond taste buds alone.
Recently mentioned in the May 2000 issue of Better Homes & Gardens
Magazine, gingerroot has been proven to help fight against disease,
soothe an aching stomach and help make a mean tasting banana
bread.

As generous as ginger can be to our bodies, it really doesn't require
that you eat handfuls a day. In fact, most studies have found that as
little as a gram a day-which is less than a teaspoon of freshly grated
ginger- helps protect your system from a number of diseases.

Concentrated antioxidants in ginger help guard against cancer before
it starts. Ginger has also been proven to stop existing tumors from
reproducing and even kill some very early stage cancer cells.
Scientists have found other attributes to ginger, including evidence
that ginger can:

*Prevent blood clots from forming

*Reduce blood cholesterol

*Kill harmful microorganisms that contaminate food

*Protect against unwanted microbes that pass into the digestive
system

*Work topically as an antibacterial ointment

*Provide relief of arthritis pain and swelling

*Inhibit the development of precancerous skin growths

*Act as an effective anti-nausea remedy, especially for nausea as a
result of motion sickness or pregnancy

How To Use Ginger To Relieve Cold Symptoms Or Nausea

Steep 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh ginger (peeled, if desired)
in a large cup of boiling water for several minutes. This soothing "tea"
is also effective at alleviating some of those unwanted menopause
symptoms, such as hot flashes and headaches.

Other Ways To Incorporate Ginger Into Your Diet

Try adding freshly minced, grated or sliced ginger to bread batters,
muffins, cookies or top over vanilla ice cream. Add to fruit compotes
or pie fillings. Toss into fresh steamed vegetables, stir-fries or rice.

How To Store Fresh Gingerroot

Store gingerroot unwrapped and in the refrigerator. It will also stay
fresh and moist indefinitely if you place peeled root pieces into a jar,
covered with Sherry & refrigerated. Ginger can also be frozen if tightly
wrapped first in foil or plastic wrap.

To Prepare Gingerroot

Break the root into chunks and scrape off its paper-thin skin with a
vegetable peeler. Then go ahead and chop or shred the amount
needed in the recipe.