Ginger is an incredible spice. Not only does ginger have a distinct and aromatic flavor, ginger is incredibly good for your health. Ginger benefits range from anti-inflammatory effects to warding off colorectal cancer. Ginger is great for everyone, especially the athletic runner.

Ginger detoxes the body, thus creating a healthier immune system. It does this by promoting healthy sweating. It also helps rid the body of viruses that can cause infection. Many runners lose their appetite after exerting their bodies, which doesn't sound that bad but eating is important to recovery and strength building. A small amount of ginger after a work out can help you regain some of your appetite. If that wasn't enough, ginger also promotes healthy digestion. Runners sometimes get gastric distress while on the move. Adding a gram of ginger to your daily diet can help you avoid stomach aches, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Some research shows that ginger can even help with muscle soreness, though this study is still inconclusive, but ginger still has a lot of other benefits, so you might as well eat on the regular.

For those who don't have time to cook or need a little pick me up through out the day, try making a ginger smoothies. You can add ginger to just about any drink and it'll taste great but a smoothie is a wonderfully refreshing treat that can give runners energy without filling them up too much. Try these smoothies for runners. These recipes are certain to be delicious. Also, feel free to add some ginger to your own smoothie creations.

To make the smoothies you'll need:

• A blender
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• A knife for chopping
• A cheese grater for grating the ginger
• A spoon for stirring and scooping

Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

The pineapple ginger smoothie is bursting with citrusy flavor. It's suitable for refreshing yourself after a long run and it makes a great low fat snack.

Time: 5 minutes; Serves: 2; Calories: 131

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of diced pineapple
• 1 banana
• 1/2 a cup of low fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. of grated ginger
• 1/2 cup of water

Put all the ingredients in the blender to blend. Once your finished, serve immediately for maximum taste.

Green Ginger Smoothie

This is a great pick-me-up smoothie. Perfect for the mornings before your high powered workout.

Time: 15 minutes; Serves: 1; Calories: 469

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 peel and pitted avocado
• 1/2 cub of fresh parsley
• 1 cored apple
• 1 carrot
• 1 peeled lemon
• 1 kale leaf
• 1 Tbsp. of grated ginger
• 1 Tbsp of flax seed

Blend all the ingredients on high for 10-15 seconds or until it has a creamy texture. Serve fresh for best taste.

Energy Smoothie

Like the green smoothie, the energy smoothie is good for replacing your morning coffee or adding a little energy to your day. It's also great if you feel you need a little energy boost half way through your work out.

Time: 5 minutes; Serves: 1; Calories: 321

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of young coconut meat or 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 Bananas
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 3 cups of baby spinach
• 8 ounces of coconut water

Blend ingredients together on high for 30 seconds or until creamy.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Running can take a lot out of you. Regain some energy and treat yourself to a guilt-free treat with a pumpkin pie smoothie.

Time: 15 minutes; Serves: 1; Calories: 338

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of organic pumpkin pie mix
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 carrot
• 2 cups of fresh spinach
• 2 bananas

For the best results blend the liquid and fruits first. Afterwards, add the vegetables. Blend till creamy.