Christmas is on 25th December. People all over the world wait for this festival. For this day, various types of cakes and cookies are made, houses are decorated and a lot of fun is had. On this day, ginger is used in almost every dish in western countries. Ginger is called Ginger in English and on Christmas day Gingerbread cookies are made from Ginger which are decorated on the Christmas tree and also on the dinner table. This bread is made from ginger, honey, flour and hot spices. It is given the shape of human body. Apart from this, ginger cakes are also made for this special day.
Ginger is considered auspicious
The reason behind the use of ginger on Christmas is its warming nature. These days the temperature in western countries is in minus degrees. In such a situation, using ginger in cakes or cookies keeps the body warm. At the same time, gingerbread has been associated with festivals and happiness. Some people consider it auspicious. People believe that making gingerbread from ginger brings good luck and there is always good luck in the house. Germany’s Prince Albert used to distribute gingerbread to children in the guise of St. Nicholas.
Ginger is not a vegetable or root
Many people consider ginger as a vegetable or root, whereas it is a flowering plant and ginger is the stem of this plant, which is called rhizome in English. It is used as a spice. It comes in the family of turmeric and cardamom. The word ginger is derived from the Sanskrit word singaberā which means horn shaped. Ginger first grew in Sri Lanka and India. But gradually it started being grown all over the world.
There are more than 1000 varieties of ginger in the world (Image-Canva)
Ginger is a medicine in China and India
The disciples of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius wrote the ancient book ‘2243 years ago.Analects’ Ginger was mentioned for the first time in. It was said about Confucius that he ate ginger with every meal. In ancient times, ginger was grown in pots and it was used to cure the disease called scurvy which is caused due to deficiency of Vitamin C. Ginger has been used in Ayurveda for the last 5 thousand years. This kept the digestive system healthy.
Ginger made spice in Arabia
Ginger was earlier used only as a medicine but the Arabs brought it into the category of spices. Arabic people started adding it as a spice in food. He would dry ginger and add it to food along with hot spices. Initially ginger was exported from Asia to Europe, hence it was quite expensive. In the Roman Empire, ginger was used only by rich people. Till the 14th century, ginger was sold at a higher price than sheep in England.
reached America by smuggling
Ginger reached America by smuggling in the 16th century and stayed here. The people of America liked the taste of ginger very much. People started making ginger biscuits, beer and candy from it. Dry ginger is used more in America. Along with sweets, sauces and curries are also made from it.
Ginger is used in every form
In India, fresh ginger is added to pulses, vegetables or tea. Fresh ginger is used in every kitchen in Asian countries. It is made into a paste with garlic and added to every dish. Ginger is also eaten as pickle by putting it in vinegar. Japan’s sushi is also made from this. Dry ginger is used in making drinks, salads and sweets. Ginger powder has a longer shelf life, hence it is used more in cold regions. Ginger oil is also popular. Ginger oil is used in cocktails, mocktails, tea, coffee and medicines. Perfumes are also made from ginger.
Dry ginger is used the most in the world (Image-Canva)
cure many diseases
Ayurveda Acharya Dr. S. P. Katiyar It is said that gingerol is found in ginger which is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This removes the problems of indigestion, gas and bloating. Constipation does not bother. Apart from this, ginger is beneficial in cough and cold. There is no throat infection. Ginger destroys free radicals from the body, which keeps serious diseases like cancer away. This does not cause swelling. Eating it purifies the blood and thus prevents skin related diseases including pimples. Due to its hot nature, metabolism remains good and weight decreases rapidly.
should eat during periods
Girls often have cramps and pain during periods. Consuming ginger produces heat in the body which reduces period pain. By eating this, periods also come on time. If ginger is boiled in water with celery and fennel and drunk, then problems related to periods never occur. However, eating ginger during pregnancy can prove dangerous.
Tags: Female Health, food, health, healthy food, Merry Christmas
FIRST PUBLISHED: December 23, 2024, 22:02 IST