2 min read

Good Gut Almond Ginger Dressing

Why is ginger great for your good gut?

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important being gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.

Ginger contains antioxidant properties and many micronutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. It is also a good source of fiber that helps to promote #goodgut healthy bowel movements; one tablespoon of fresh ginger contains 1 gram of fiber. The major benefits of ginger come from Gingerol as it has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. It’s properties may help to prevent DNA damage from free radicals.

Clinical trials have displayed that ginger nay help prevent and treat a variety of inflammatory illnesses, and there is potential to help with more gut-related illnesses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Disease, Crohn’s, or even Ulcerative colitis by decreasing the pain and bloating that comes with chronic inflammation. In addition, ginger may also help indigestion and stomach discomfort as it has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach. Adding ginger to your daily diet sounds like a #goodgut idea!

Ways to eat it

*try cooking the ginger before using in any recipes to make it more digestible*

Ginger is fantastic fresh and grated on top of a vegetable stir fry, or even added to different kinds of smoothies!
For those salad fanatics, try out this almond-ginger dressing from Married to Health’s Instagram!

Recipe: Almond Ginger Dressing

Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings):

1/2 cup almond butter (can also use peanut or cashew butter, as tolerated)
2 medium medjool dates, pitted
3 tsp wildbrine kimchi sriracha or 1 tsp chili powder
1-inch ginger
1 small garlic clove
3/4 cup water
2 Tbsp coconut aminos
1/2 tsp himalayan salt

Directions:

Add all to a blender until smooth and uniform.
Serve as a dip to veggies or spring rolls, as a dressing on a salad, or to top noodle stir-fries or rice bowls.