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Photo:Photographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Photographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
When we think about the perfect ingredients to add to a warm, comforting bowl of soup, we often think of onions, celery or garlic. While those are great additions, we tend to forget about flavorful spices, such as ginger. Ginger is commonly used in dessert and tea recipes, but it’s also a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can elevate your soups in both flavor andhealth benefits. Let’s explore why adding ginger to your soups can be a game-changer for reducing inflammation and boosting overall wellness.
Understanding Inflammation
Inflammationis the body’s natural response to injuries and infections. It helps heal, defend and protect our bodies. Acute inflammation, such as swelling from a sprained ankle or a cut, is essential for recovery. However, chronic inflammation, which occurs when the body’s inflammatory response is constantly active, can lead to serious health concerns like heart disease, arthritis and even some cancers.
Nutrition plays an important role in managing inflammation. The foods we eat can either exacerbate inflammation or help reduce inflammation in the body. For example, diets high in sugar, processed foods and saturated fats can contribute to chronic inflammation. When consumed in excess, these foods and ingredients can increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that promote inflammation in the body.Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and spices such as ginger can help combat inflammation and improve our overall health.
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Is It Right for You?
Ginger: A Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Ginger is often used in a variety of recipes andteasand has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to the active compounds: gingerol, shogaol and paradol. These compounds are responsible for ginger’s distinct spicy flavor and have been shown to help reduce inflammation at a cellular level.
Our Favorite Way to Peel Ginger Is So Simple All You Need Is a Spoon
How to Incorporate Ginger Into Soups
Incorporating ginger into your soups is a great way to elevate the flavor while helping to reduce inflammation. Fresh ginger is the most common form used in soups. Its sharp and slightly spicy flavor pairs well with a variety of savory ingredients. You can grate it or finely chop the fresh ginger and sprinkle it into your soup during the beginning of the cooking process to allow those flavors to simmer and infuse the broth.
Ginger powder is another great option, especially if you want a more concentrated flavor. It’s shelf-stable and can be used in a variety of recipes. When using, start with a small amount, and add more as desired. For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, candied ginger can also be chopped and added to certain soup and salad recipes, providing a unique twist.
Ginger also pairs beautifully with root vegetables, chicken and even seafood, making it a versatile addition to a variety of soups, like the ones listed below.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating ginger into your soups is an easy and flavorful way to enhance your diet’s anti-inflammatory potential. Whether freshly grated, sliced or added as a powder, ginger infuses soups with a warm, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with a variety of savory ingredients. Not only will it add a unique depth of flavor to your dish, but it will also provide your body with a natural defense against chronic inflammation.
15 Anti-Inflammatory Soup Recipes to Make This Fall
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Bhat AH, Dar KB, Anees S, et al.Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation.Front Immunol. 2022; 13: 988481. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481Luo Z, Du R, Jian W, Liu Y, Zheng Y, & Liu Y.Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases.Molecules. 2022 Nov; 27(21): 7223. doi: 10.3390/molecules27217223
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Bhat AH, Dar KB, Anees S, et al.Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation.Front Immunol. 2022; 13: 988481. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481Luo Z, Du R, Jian W, Liu Y, Zheng Y, & Liu Y.Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases.Molecules. 2022 Nov; 27(21): 7223. doi: 10.3390/molecules27217223
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Bhat AH, Dar KB, Anees S, et al.Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation.Front Immunol. 2022; 13: 988481. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481Luo Z, Du R, Jian W, Liu Y, Zheng Y, & Liu Y.Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases.Molecules. 2022 Nov; 27(21): 7223. doi: 10.3390/molecules27217223
Bhat AH, Dar KB, Anees S, et al.Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation.Front Immunol. 2022; 13: 988481. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481
Luo Z, Du R, Jian W, Liu Y, Zheng Y, & Liu Y.Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases.Molecules. 2022 Nov; 27(21): 7223. doi: 10.3390/molecules27217223
