I liked your article on eating more peas and beans for protein and I believe that the article will help many people who are financially strapped or those who would like to change their menu for other reasons.
I have found one thing helpful for 'gas' when cooking peas and beans and that is to use ginger. It may be used in the form of the dry powder or even the green ginger. Just cook with it. There is a good flavour to ginger and it can be used instead of pepper. It also has health benefits related to stomach problems and heartburn. You may do some research on the above; it could be very helpful. Thanks for your article.
- Rupert Preddie
Dear Reader:
Ginger (zingiber officinale) has been used as a culinary and medicinal food in many cultures for centuries. It's renowned for its ability to relieve nausea and vomiting. In fact, results of small studies, such as one in The Lancet 1982, says 'the powdered rhizome of zingiber officinale has been found to be more effective than dimenhydrinate (dramamine) in reducing motion sickness in individuals highly susceptible to this malady'. Other studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce sea sickness specifically.
Motion sickness
Keeping a piece of peeled ginger root in the mouth has been a successful strategy for many persons suffering from motion sickness. It has been touted to aid digestion and many local dishes are prepared with ginger.
Personally, when I eat out, I always try to have some ginger tea or ginger beer or ale as my beverage, as I usually experience relief of stomach discomfort after having ginger. Ginger's essential oils, which contain mainly zingiberene and bisabolene and a mixture of phenolic compounds, are said to be responsible for the health benefits of ginger and the rhizome (root) is the part that is used.
Ginger is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is said to aid arthritis. It has even been used as a pain reliever for menstrual cramps by many persons locally and is even used for headaches and nausea associated with migraine. It is said that ginger reduces 'bad cholesterol'.
Flavour enhancer
It can also have a blood-thinning effect and so, should not be used in large amounts by persons already on blood-thinning medications. Ginger is said to also relieve flatulence and so, preparing beans with ginger, as suggested by the reader, can possibly aid digestion and reduce flatulence associated with an increased consumption of beans.
Ginger is ideal for seasoning meats, poultry and fish. It adds flavour to fresh, steamed and stir-fried vegetables and makes a perfect beverage by itself or as flavouring to other beverages. Fresh ginger can be kept in the refrigerator; after washing and drying, place in a plastic bag and use in many dishes as you like, from rice and peas to soups.
Ginger is seen as a food and not as a drug and so, there are no dosage guidelines. Individuals should see its use as a part of a healthy diet where a variety of healthy foods offer tremendous benefits, and it should be consumed in moderation. Dependence should not be placed on this single food as a miracle treatment for any medical problem.
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
