In March 2019, the magazine Medicine (Baltimore) reported on an analysis of eight studies on the consumption of ginger to help control blood sugar. The results from all reviews were combined as if they were the results of one large study of 454 people who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants who ate ginger significantly lowered their HbA1c levels, while those who did not eat ginger showed no change. From these results, the researchers concluded that consuming ginger helped lower blood sugar levels over time.

Although ginger does not provide many nutrients, it is low in calories and sugar. A quarter cup of ginger, at 19 calories and 0.4 grams of sugar, has the following, expressed as a percentage of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)…

• Vitamin C – 2%

• Niacin – 1%

• Vitamin B6 – 2%

• Folate – 1%

• Iron – 1%

• Fiber – 2%

The edible part of the ginger plant is the root. Ginger root can be eaten raw as a snack, although its concentrated flavor is too much for many people. “Crystallized” ginger with sugar is not recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. The good news is that ginger root is great for making a relaxing cup of tea or using as a flavoring in a stir-fry. The easiest way to make ginger tea is to simply chop up the ginger root and steep it in boiling water for a few minutes. A sugar substitute can be added to sweeten as needed. Some cooks like to add a small amount of lime juice. Ginger tea in a bag can also be purchased commercially.

Tasty vegan and vegetarian Asian dishes often use the fragrant ginger root. Allrecipes.com suggests making Indian curry with…

• vegetable oil,

• onion,

• ginger root,

• garlic,

• cilantro,

• turmeric,

• slow,

• cumin,

• Vegetables soup,

• cauliflower,

• coconut milk,

• carrots,

• green beans,

• pepper,

• lemon juice,

• coriander, and

• green beans.

Many more Indian, Thai and various other ginger recipes can be found online.

Ginger is a tropical plant. grown in Asia, Africa, and the warmer regions of the United States. Ginger root from the supermarket…

• can be planted in rich, fertile soil that will retain water but won’t get soggy,

• plant in the shade, 2 to 4 inches deep,

• keep the soil moist and

harvest about 8 to 10 months after planting. In climates where the ground becomes cooler than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, ginger can be grown indoors in pots. The stems and leaves make quite attractive houseplants, somewhat resembling bamboo.

The health benefits of ginger are worth exploring.