25/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 theSunday Special XII

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In Malaysia, ginger is inexpensive, readily available and already an integral part of our daily meals. T HERE’S no mistaking gin ger. One bite and it delivers a warm sting that lingers just enough to remind you it’s do ing something. It clears the our daily meals. Toss it into sambal, boil it into soups, steep it with lemongrass for a simple tea or blitz it into your morning VPRRWKLH

sinuses, wakes up the taste buds and adds a peppery kick to any dish or drink. In Malaysian kitchens, ginger has never gone RXW RI VW\OH ,W¶V LQ RXU IULHG ULFH RXU ¿VK soups, our tonics and herbal teas, used as PXFK IRU ÀDYRXU DV IRU IXQFWLRQ But what makes this knobbly root so H̆ HFWLYH JRHV EH\RQG WDVWH *LQJHU KDV been prized in traditional medicine for generations. Whether you’re recovering from a cold, nursing menstrual cramps or just trying to warm up after too much time LQ DQ DLU FRQGLWLRQHG Ṙ FH JLQJHU RIWHQ makes its way into the solution. Its power comes from natural com pounds like gingerol, shogaol and zing erone – the same elements responsible for its sharp aroma and spicy taste. These FRPSRXQGV GHOLYHU DQWL LQÀDPPDWRU\ antioxidant and pain-relieving effects, often within minutes of consumption. Whether you’re sipping on a hot mug of ginger tea, cooking with it or chewing it raw (as many older folk still swear by), it’s one of the fastest natural remedies around. What’s the best part? You don’t need fancy supplements or complicated rituals. In Malaysia, ginger is inexpensive, readily available and already an integral part of

mation throughout the body. In Malaysia, ginger is often combined with turmeric, garlic or honey to create a natural wellness tonic during times of seasonal transition. Boosts metabolism and may aid weight balance * inger increases thermogenesis, the pro duction of heat in the body, which can help slightly raise metabolism. While it’s no miracle fat burner, it can be a helpful ally when combined with regular movement and a balanced diet. Some studies even link ginger consumption with reduced appetite and improved fat breakdown, though results vary from person to person. Helps with muscle soreness and joint pain * inger has been studied for its ability to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness in athletes, as well as general joint pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. Its anti LQÀDPPDWRU\ H̆ HFWV KHOS UHGXFH VZHOOLQJ and discomfort, whether consumed or ap plied topically in the form of compresses or massage oils.

¿QJHUV VWL̆ WRHV DQG D JHQHUDO FKLOO WKDW QR MDFNHW VHHPV WR ¿[ *LQJHU ZLWK LWV warming properties, helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, sending warm blood to the extremities. Whether consumed as a tea or added to soups, it KHOSV ¿UH XS \RXU LQWHUQDO ³IXUQDFH ´ Relieves menstrual cramps For those who struggle with painful peri ods, ginger tea is more than comfort—it’s relief. Studies suggest that ginger can be as effective as some over-the-counter painkillers in reducing menstrual pain, especially when taken at the start of the F\FOH ,WV DQWL LQÀDPPDWRU\ DFWLRQ KHOSV ease uterine contractions, making those GL̇ FXOW GD\V D OLWWOH PRUH EHDUDEOH S XSSRUWV LPPXQLW\ DQG ¿JKWV LQÀDPPDWLRQ In traditional households, ginger is of WHQ WKH ¿UVW WKLQJ DGGHG WR VRXSV ZKHQ someone’s coming down with the flu. Its antimicrobial properties help fight pathogens, while its antioxidants support WKH LPPXQH V\VWHP DQG UHGXFH LQÀDP

Of course, as with all things, a little JRHV D ORQJ ZD\ *LQJHU LV JHQHUDOO\ VDIH for most people, but those taking certain medications, especially blood thinners, should consult a doctor before using it in large amounts. While pregnant women often turn to ginger to ease morning sickness, moderation is key; get proper advice if you’re unsure. Eases nausea and indigestion L HW¶V VWDUW ZLWK WKH PRVW IDPRXV EHQH¿W *LQJHU LV D WULHG DQG WHVWHG UHPHG\ IRU nausea, whether it’s from motion sick ness, morning sickness or the queasy feeling after a heavy mamak meal. A few slices steeped in hot water can settle the stomach within minutes. It stimulates the production of saliva and bile, which helps \RXU ERG\ GLJHVW IRRG PRUH Ḣ FLHQWO\ DQG reduces bloating. That’s why it’s often served with sushi, to help your stomach process raw food safely. Warms cold hands and feet Malaysians who work in air-conditioned offices all day know the feeling – cold