We are in the midst of a country-wide problem against the COVID-19 pandemic, and perhaps the first time in many years that we prioritize our health. As the Novel Coronavirus afflicted millions of people around the globe and continues to affect more people, we are now paying more attention to what we are eating and practicing the best hygiene. At this time, it is very important to boost immunity to shield us from the virus.
Two of the most powerful medicinal foods that we have on hand are ginger and garlic which are commonly found in most Filipino kitchens. These two historically-prized foods can add flavor and aroma to our everyday dishes. However, garlic and ginger do not only add flavor to our food but provide us health benefits. For garlic, it is famous for its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Ginger, on the other hand, is considered a traditional remedy for indigestion, nausea, and bloating. Both ginger and garlic ease digestion; ginger heals the gut and fastens the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract while garlic is useful in flushing out toxins (betternutrition com).
Garlic and ginger are widely available in the market but prices may range from Php 150.00 to Php 200.00 per kilogram which is quite expensive for a regular household food budget. For the household to save some money, life hacks can be done by growing garlic and ginger in your backyard using regular pots and soil with good temperature control. By then, the household can have a continuous supply of these plants. What needs to be done is just spare some of the produce and replant them for uninterrupted reserve.
In addition, for years, garlic and ginger have been widely used as a tea in Asia and other parts of the world. Adding some lemon will also increase its Vitamin C content which is especially soothing and a good natural remedy for colds and digestive upset. Commonly, we use garlic and ginger paste for cooking in enhancing the flavor of the food. Because of their numerous uses, a lot of commercial products are out in the market with garlic and ginger as their by-products. but still it would be better to be safe than sorry so it would be best to check labels before purchasing the items.
NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar
References:
- The Health Benefits of Garlic and Ginger are Unbelievable
https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/garlic-and-ginger-health-benefits-of-these-herbs-are-unbelievable/bm0b9nx
- What are the Benefits and Side Effects of Ginger Water?
https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-water#benefits
- Health Benefits of Ginger and Garlic
https://spiceworldinc.com/consumer/flavor-101/health-benefits-of-ginger-and-garlic/
- Medicinal Foods: Garlic and Ginger
https://spiceworldinc.com/consumer/flavor-101/health-benefits-of-ginger-and-garlic/
- How to Grow Your On Ginger and Garlic?
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/how-to-grow-your-own-ginger-and-garlic/