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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!
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About the author
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…
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.
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.
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.
Crystallized ginger is a great ginger substitute in baked goods or sweets and will add texture to the finished dish. You'll need to add more than fresh or dried to achieve the same flavor. We recommended 1/3-1/2 cup for every tablespoon.
How much ginger should you take daily? 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.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
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. Both versions are popular for their unique tastes and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and may include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Once completely cool, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Save the sugar that drops beneath the cooling rack and use to top ginger snaps, sprinkled over ice cream or to sweeten coffee.
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.
Experts suggest a daily dose of 2 grams of ginger will reduce pain and inflammation caused by exercise. Whether you make a batch of candied ginger at home or buy a bag at the grocery store, you will certainly find many uses.
Location: Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Duration: Properly stored, homemade crystallized ginger typically lasts for up to two months. Refrigerating it can extend its shelf life up to six months.
Are there any potential side effects of consuming crystallized ginger? While crystallized ginger is generally safe for most people, consuming large amounts may lead to digestive discomfort or heartburn in some individuals.
Can you eat too much ginger? Yes, you can to the point where it leads to an upset tummy. The biggest side effect of ginger is that it tends to accelerate the passage of food and stool via the intestines, inviting restlessness and weakness.
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.
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast 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…