Ginger

Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of stomach discomfort. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance that helps eliminate intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance that relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects. The possibility that gingerol, the main active component in ginger and the one responsible for its distinctive flavor, may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells was suggested in research presented at a major meeting of cancer experts in 2003.
Nutritional Facts :
One-fourth cup of fresh ginger slices provides 17 calories, 3.6 g carbohydrate, 0.4 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 0.5 g dietary fiber, 3 mcg folic acid, 100 mg potassium, 3 mg sodium, 6 mg phosphorus, 4 mg calcium, and 10 mg magnesium.