This healthy root might be a little strange-looking — some might even say a little bit ugly? This may be so… but it’s what’s on the inside that counts! Especially when you’re full of good stuff like nutrients, bioactive compounds and minerals. Ginger is well know for it’s anti-nausea properties and can even be used to relieve morning and travel sickness.
“Ginger is awesome to have on hand when you’re making lots of smoothies and juices. It gives that extra flavour and ‘ZING!’ Plus, it helps with digestion and makes you feel refreshed.”
—Suz
When it comes to yoga, ginger can be a great asset to your practice. Ginger oil is grounding and calming, helping you to be present in your practice and get the most out of your meditation. Drinking some ginger tea before or after yoga will also help to relieve any muscle pains or headaches.
Here are some other cool benefits:
- Relieves nausea (especially motion sickness and morning sickness)
- Aids digestion
- Helps to increase appetite
- Can help to relieve muscle pain and inflammation
- Headache relief
- Antibacterial
- Helps with sore throats and other cold and flu symptoms
- Can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Reduces risk of heart disease
- Relieves menstrual cramps
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Improves brain function
- Lifts energy levels
“After a busy day of work, hot yoga, business meetings, gym sessions and playing with Chico, adding a bit of ginger to a juice or some tea is how I like to wind down and relax.”
—Mike
The great thing about ginger is that it can be consumed in so many different ways — fresh, powdered, dried, ground, juiced or as an oil form. We think fresh is best, because you can easily use it by chopping it and adding it to juices or teas. Ginger is a common ingredient in our 21 Day Detox Guide, especially in our juices and smoothies. Have a sip of this one next time you’re needing a little bit of extra ‘ZING’ in your day!
THE ZING KING
Ingredients:
- 1 large piece of ginger (about 4cm x 4cm)
- 1 whole lemon
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups water
Method:
- Peel the ginger and the lemon.
- Place the peeled lemon and ginger in a blender along with the matcha powder and cinnamon.
- Add the water and blend for about 30 seconds or until completely smooth (and frothy!)
Enjoy after a hot yoga class or even when you just want a yummy, nutritious refreshment. Perfect for summer (which is on it’s way — woo!). Love juices and smoothies? You will LOVE our 21 Day Detox Guide — it’s full of recipes and workouts to get you feeling fit and fresh for summer!
Namaste,
Mike, Suz and The PPHY Team