Ginger, other names and nutrition
Ginger is known as Zingiber officinale in Latin. It is classified under the condiments and spices category. Ginger, it grows as a underground root called as a rhizome which adds flavour and fragrance to food, teas and beverages, cosmetics, soaps and incense. The forms of ginger consumed are the fresh root, the dry root, powder (referred to as soonth), liquid extracts, tablets and capsules. Its use has been studied for its role as a dietary supplement for nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, post-surgery, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In Ayurveda and Asian medicine, dried ginger (soonth powder) has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy to treat stomach ache, loose motions, and nausea.
Nutritional Composition of Fresh Ginger Root
| Moisture (g) | Protein (g) | Ash | Total Fat (g) | Carbohydrate (g) | Energy (Kcal) | Total Fiber (g) | Total Polyphenols (mg) |
| 81.27 | 2.22 | 1.33 | 0.85 | 8.97 | 55 | 5.36 | 225 |
- Calcium 18.88 mg
- Magnesium 54.66 mg
- Manganese 3.85 mg
- Total Carotenoids 329 micrograms
- Beta carotene 88.85 micrograms
- Lutein 15 micrograms
- Zeaxanthin 5.97 micrograms
- Kaempferol 32.23 mg
- Luteolin 4.81 mg
- Apigenin-7- Oneohesperid oside 0.27 mg
Fresh ginger root has the highest total polyphenols as compared to other spices and condiments (225 mg vs. Garlic which is 95-99 mg range depending on size). This makes it a very powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory immune system booster.
It makes an excellent immune booster drink when the spice is combined with turmeric, black pepper and herbs. It gives better resistance power for healing.
Other names in Indian languages
| Language | Local name for Ginger |
| Assamese | Ada kesa |
| Bengali | Ada |
| Gujarati | Adu |
| Hindi | Adrak |
| Kannada | Shunti |
| Kashmiri | Adrak |
| Khasi | Sying bah |
| Malyalam | Inji |
| Manipuri | Sing |
| Marathi | Ale |
| Nepali | Aduwa |
| Oriya | Ada |
| Punjabi | Adrak |
| Sanksrit | Aadrak |
| Tamil | Inji |
| Telugu | Allam |
| Urdu | Adrak |
Ginger ale is a popular soft drink flavoured with ginger. It maybe mixed with alcoholic drinks (“spirits”) or consumed by itself. It could be mixed with water, lemon or club soda with or without sugar syrup. Its combination with lemon makes it a popular stomach digestive.
Ginger benefits to health and healing will be summarized in a separate blog post based on detailed scientific research papers.
Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions. You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |
