Last week, we noticed one particular veggie that was flying off the shelves more than anything else… ginger! And we think we know why… It’s flu season again, and this little miracle root works wonders on your immune system. But, did you know it does so much more than that?
Ginger (that knobbly little root officially known as Zingiber officinale) has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. The magic comes from compounds like gingerol, which give ginger its signature warmth and a whole list of benefits for your body.
So before we get into how to actually eat it (without letting it shrivel in the fridge drawer), here are five reasons you should introduce more ginger into your daily diet.
Why Everyone’s Eating Ginger Right Now
We’re living in a time where people are starting to look a bit closer at what they’re putting in their bodies. Less “quick fix”, more “what actually makes me feel good consistently?”. And ginger ticks a lot of those boxes.
Here’s what makes it such a powerhouse:
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It settles your stomach (fast)
Ginger helps speed up stomach emptying, which means less bloating, less discomfort, and a lot less regret after a big meal. It’s also incredibly effective for nausea. -
It’s naturally anti-inflammatory
Gingerol works to calm inflammation in the body, which can help with things like sore muscles, joint pain, and even period cramps. Some studies have shown it can be comparable to common pain relief. Juice it up with some turmeric and a bit off pepper, you’ll be laughing. -
It supports heart and metabolic health
Regular ginger consumption has been linked to improved blood sugar control and reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. -
It gives your immune system a nudge
Packed with antioxidants (and a little vitamin C and zinc), ginger helps your body fend off the usual colds and flus, which is why everyone goes ham on the ginger when the temperature starts to drop. -
It’s being studied for even more
Compounds like shogaol and paradol are currently being researched for their potential anti-cancer properties. Early days, but promising.
After reading this, we wouldn’t be surprised if you started asking - what can’t ginger do?
5 Easy (and Actually Enjoyable) Ways to Eat Ginger
Now we all know how good ginger can be as a tea, grated into stir fry or a curry, but here are a few things you may not have tried before…
1. Morning Shot (for the brave)
Yes, it’s intense. Yes, it wakes you up.
- Juice fresh ginger with lemon, turmeric and a bit of pepper
- Add a touch of honey if needed
- Take it like a shot
It’s a quick hit of all those good compounds - especially popular during cold and flu season.
2. Blended Into Smoothies or Juices
If straight ginger feels like a lot, this is your move.
- Add a small knob to your smoothies or juices
- Works really well with pineapple, mango, apple, carrot or in a green smoothie
- Gives a subtle zing without being overpowering
Great way to sneak it in without thinking too hard about it.
3. Ginger + Lemon Honey
This is one of those old-school remedies that just… works.
- Grate ginger into a jar
- Add honey and fresh lemon juice
- Keep it in the fridge to infuse
Use it:
- In hot water for tea
- Over toast
- Straight off the spoon when you feel a cold coming on
It’s simple, effective, and you’ll end up reaching for it more than you think.
4. Make Cold & Flu Jellies
Try our founder, Kristen’s, famous cold & flu jelly recipe. It’s a great way to boost your immune system, particularly for fussy eaters.
A Little Note on Quality
Like most things, not all ginger is created equal.
A lot of conventionally grown ginger is treated with chemicals post-harvest to prevent sprouting and extend shelf life. Which is kind of the opposite of what you’re going for when you’re eating ginger for your health.
Our ginger is spray-free and freshly dug up from Sandy Creek Gourmet Produce, grown by farmer Ric. It hasn’t been sitting in storage for months… it’s real, fresh, and still full of life (you’ll taste the difference straight away).
What It Comes Back To
You don’t need to turn your whole diet upside down to feel better. Most of the time, it’s the small things done consistently that make the difference.
Ginger is one of those quiet achievers. It adds warmth, lifts the flavour of your food, and gets to work in the background supporting your body in ways you might not even notice at first.
But give it a little time, use it regularly, and you’ll start to feel the shift. That’s usually the moment it clicks… that food isn’t just something to fill you up, it can actually help you feel better too.
