VIDEO: Can you overdose on ginger?

In winter when the risk of catching a virus is more likely, we tend to devote more time to our health and boosting our immunity. To achieve that, we take vitamins and supplements that can be bought at pharmacies and also various plants and their active ingredients. Eva Kataja – a nutrition specialist and lecturer at the Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Public Health and Social Welfare, Department of Sports and Nutrition talks about the valuable properties of ginger and means to use it for strengthening health and for fighting off viruses.

Ginger is one of the most frequent choices for fighting off viruses. Nutrition specialist E. Kataja explains that, “For cooking and its therapeutic effects we commonly use ginger root that historically originates from Central Asia but now is cultivated all around the world. Scientists have discovered that ginger contains at least 115 biologically active constituents from which the most studied are gingerols and shogaols. Ginger has many therapeutic properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, pain-relieving etc.”

How to use ginger to boost immunity? “One of the simplest ways is to slice peeled or unpeeled ginger, place the sliced ginger in a mug and pour hot water on top. When the drink has cooled slightly, add lemon or orange juice and a teaspoon of honey if necessary. You can enjoy this drink several times a day.

The second option is to make ginger juice. In this recipe, instead of using the entire root, take a piece of it as ginger has a strong, burning taste. The juice can be added to another fresh juice or turned into a hot ginger drink.

The third option is to add ginger root to a soup, stew or sauce, in this way ensuring the intake of all valuable vitamins, minerals and other components vital for the human body and found in ginger. Powdered ginger is equally as valuable as fresh ginger.

What amount of ginger should be consumed to boost the immune system or get well faster? “Unfortunately I cannot name any specific figures as to the recommended amount of ginger. It is important not to overexaggerate and to drink ginger tea or add ginger to your daily meal in an amount that makes you feel good. There is no evidence that huge amounts of ginger would be more therapeutic than small dosages. Therefore do not overexaggerate, use ginger as a supplement, in a preventive way and not as medication”, recommends nutrition specialist, RSU lecturer Eva Kataja.