Tangy and spicy ginger is more than just a great addition to many recipes; it is also one of nature's miracles. This ancient spice has many health benefits , such as reducing fever, working as a decongestant, increasing bone health and blood circulation, reducing joint inflammation, aiding in proper digestion, relieving cramps and nausea (even dreadful morning sickness) and lessening the severity of the flu.

Ginger has also been touted as an aphrodisiac since its scent apparently helps establish a connection, arouse desire and enhance sexual intimacy much like pheromones. This alluring scent has also been sought out by perfumers who have used the essential oil of ginger for centuries.

Because ginger has so many health benefits, it is a good idea to keep some on hand. Powdered and dried varieties are not as potent as fresh, neither in taste nor health properties, so it is best to use fresh ginger whenever possible.

The fact that ginger has so many health benefits makes all of those sweet indulgences in which it is an ingredient a little more guilt-free. One perfect example is the ginger cookie. Queen Elizabeth I invented the gingerbread man and served them at a royal ball. Ever since then, there have been many a countless variation of cookies containing ginger.

These Vegan Ginger Snaps from user Kimke at Recipe Zaar are a guilty pleasure that you and your loved ones can allow yourselves to indulge in and walk away feeling unscathed by empty calories, high cholesterol and trans fats. These cookies actually contain healthy doses of fiber, protein and potassium and are light on fat content. Even better, they are cholesterol free! Utilizing a good-for-you ingredient and being vegan at the same time makes these scrumptious little tidbits hard to walk away from.

For a little something extra, you may want to try dipping your freshly baked cookies half way into melted dark chocolate, which is full of heart-healthy antioxidants. You can experiment with your "dipping pattern" and drizzling to create all kinds of decorative effects...just remember to place each cookie in a single layer on a piece of waxed paper until the chocolate has time to harden.

Not only will including a touch of chocolate on your ginger snaps add to the mouth-watering flavor and the list of health benefits, but it will increase the appeal of your cookies when you display them on a tray. Ginger and chocolate together just can not be beat!

Baking from scratch is always the best, but sometimes it just is not possible. For times when you need a lazy option, you may want to try something where all you need to do is put on the finishing touches. I especially like the added crystallized ginger and dried cranberries in this recipe for chocolate covered gingersnaps .

And if you really want to enjoy the health benefits of ginger in a tasty cookie,  try this Triple Ginger Cookie recipe from Heidi at 101 Cookbooks.  Delightful little morsels with an interesting texture and a taste that really packs a punch.