The benefits of fresh ginger before a meal

Chew a sliver of fresh ginger with some rock salt and lemon or lime juice before each meal to get more of those digestive juices flowing. Ginger works by increasing your digestive fire (agni) which helps break down and assimilation of food. Ginger also stimulates saliva, bile and gastric enzymes that assist digestion and helps speed the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

1. Ginger offers many wonderful digestion-promoting properties, and is especially helpful for those who experience constipation and/or nausea. Ginger boosts digestion and it has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of numerous ailments due to it been loaded with antioxidants.

2. Salt is also great for digestion. Adding salt to the fresh ginger will soften it and tame its heat at the same time. Ayurveda recommends Himalayan pink rock salt which contains beneficial trace elements, such as potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and copper.

3. Lemons & Limes have a long history of use in traditional medicine. They each contain antioxidants and vitamins and minerals and provide a range of health benefits. When combined with ginger, helps sooth the digestive system, settle the stomach and relieves mild nausea.

Easy to prepare in advance: Slice fresh ginger into long, thin strips and place in an air-tight container. Cover with lemon or lime juice and Himalayan Rock salt to marinate and store in the fridge. Eat a sliver before each meal and notice the difference.