If there were ever an ancient ?miracle drug,? ginger would no doubt be in the running for that title. Ginger's widespread use in ancient Chinese, Indian and Arabic cultures is testament to the versatility and potency of this natural medicine. Ginger rhizomes, or roots, have been used to help digestion, clear the arteries, treat arthritis, relieve nausea, reduce tumor growth and migraines, eliminate fever and infection and lower cholesterol levels. Ginger's curative properties make it an essential and beneficial food.
Ginger and Digestion
One of the most exciting properties of ginger is its ability to help digestion, reduce food cravings and assist with weight loss. In Ayurvedic medicine as practiced in India, ginger is identified as being one of the most important foods to ?ignite the digestive fire.? The Western diet leaves people overweight, tired and undernourished. Your body simply can't process all of the salt, sugar and fat that you put into it when you eat the standard Western diet. When digestion slows down, you'll experience increased digestive problems like constipation, heartburn and indigestion. You'll also start gaining weight because you are eating more than your body can handle.
Ginger helps your digestive system in a few different ways. First, it can help to speed up your metabolism by increasing the circulation through the tissues in your body, including those in your digestive system. A faster metabolism will help you digest the food that you eat more efficiently. The enzymes in ginger also help your body break down protein efficiently and rapidly. It increases saliva and digestive juices as well. This can help you deal with heavy, rich foods like those most common in the Western diet.
Ginger and Weight Control
What does this mean for cravings and weight control? Most cravings result from a drop in blood sugar and a panicky ?I need to eat something now!? feeling. Ginger can help stave off that feeling and keep your blood sugar stable. As a result, you'll be less prone to weak moments and less likely to succumb to cravings for sugar and other quick pick me ups like caffeine. Recent studies on ginger and type 2 diabetes have showed the important link between blood sugar levels and ginger. Ginger root supplements reduced the effects of elevated blood sugar or stomach rhythm. Ginger helped maintain a normal rate of stomach emptying, when compared to the placebo group.
Eat Ginger in its natural form
If ginger isn't part of your daily foods, it should be! Eating ginger in its natural form is most beneficial. You can steep shredded ginger root in water for a pleasant tasting tea or add shreds to salads or soups. It can also be added as a spice to many different foods. It works particularly well with Asian cuisine, and you'll find a lot of Asian recipes include ginger in the ingredients list.
When you are looking for ginger in the store, choose the freshest looking tubers possible. Fresh ginger will keep up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Ground ginger is processed, and it loses its flavor very quickly. Save yourself time and money by purchasing and shredding your own. It also goes without saying that ginger's benefits are lost when you're eating candied ginger. Stick to the fresh version for the greatest impact.
Hemp seeds pack a nutritional punch, especially for their size. These tiny seeds are chock full of protein and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Adding hemp seeds to your diet can help your energy levels and your waistline.
Hemp Seeds and Amino Acids
Unlike the leaves of the cannabis plant, hemp seeds have no psychoactive properties whatsoever. The tiny seeds of a hemp plant can offer more protein than eggs, dairy or even some meat products. They contain all of the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary for healthy human life.
Nearly three-quarters of your body is made up of protein. Your bodily protein is maintained and repaired by amino acid subunits. Although your body produces most necessary amino acids, there are nine that your body just can't make. Arginine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenlalanine, thereonine, tryptophan, valine and taurine have to be supplemented through your diet. You could eat a whole combination of foods to get your essential amino acids...or you could just eat hemp seeds.
Hemp seeds provide all of the amino acids that you'll need.
Benefits of Amino Acids and Essential Fatty Acids
Amino acids reduce inflammation and carry toxins to the surface of the skin, intestinal tract, kidneys and lungs where they can be expelled by your body. They also lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition to containing all of amino acids, they have essential fatty acids as well.
Essential fatty acids boost the immune system, stabilize blood sugar levels and balance your mood.
Hemp Seeds are Perfect Protein
Hemp seeds are perfect protein. Ounce for ounce, hemp seeds have two times as much protein as eggs and four times as much protein as cow's milk. Most people think that protein can only come from meats, soy, dairy products or nuts. The problem is a lot of people have allergies to common protein sources. Soy, dairy and peanut allergies are all dangerous, and cause many people to avoid these forms of protein. Hemp seeds are the least allergenic of all protein sources and are safe for everyone to eat.
Hemp Seeds are Digestible Protein
The protein in hemp seeds is the most digestible form of protein, called edestine. Hemp seed protein is over 65% edestine, which means your body can digest it quickly and easily. Each serving of hemp seeds has almost 25% of your daily-recommended intake of protein. With just a handful of hemp seeds, you're set for your protein intake for the day.
Curb Cravings with Hemp Seeds
Getting protein through hemp seeds is a great way to stave off hunger, curb your cravings for sweets and increase your energy level. All of the nutrients in the seeds help your body stay balanced and full nourished. You can eat hemp seeds by the handful, sprinkle them on salads or soups or use hemp seed oil for cooking.
Hemp seeds also make terrific additions to baked goods. Substitute hemp seeds for almonds, walnuts or pecans in breads, cookies and cakes. A basic poppy seed cake recipe will be even more beneficial to your health if you substitute hemp seeds. There are lots of different ways you can incorporate this versatile food into your diet.
Diana Walker has sinced written about articles on various topics from food cravings, Colon Cleanse and Lose Weight. Are cravings for sugar, salt, junk food, sodas, and coffee running your life? Receive Diana's free Cravings Coach TIPS at