Herbs & Seeds

6 Impressive Galangal Benefits

Benefits of Galangal

Galangal may look similar to ginger or turmeric, but it has some unique properties that you should understand before adding it to your diet. Here are some benefits of galangal.

What is Galangal?

Galangal is a broad term for four different species of rhizomatous spices from the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The four main types of galangal are the Alpinia galanga, Alpinia officinarum, Boesenbergia rotunda, and Kaempferia galanga. The rhizomes of these four plants are commonly used as spices in various Asian cuisines, particularly in soups because it offers such a potent and spicy flavor. Despite being closely related to ginger, galangal has more of a citrus, earthy or pine flavor, and each type has different nutritional compositions. The rhizome of this plant has rings around it and is pale yellow or white in color. It looks similar to both ginger root and turmeric and is often mistaken for them.

The taste of these spices is one of their biggest differences from ginger and turmeric, but the active ingredients also differ. Ginger is high in gingerol, and is much softer than galangal, meaning that you can basically only slice this rhizome. Turmeric is high in curcumin, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants, whereas galangal has galangin, beta-sitosterol, and other flavonoids. All three are very healthy and may look similar, but they serve very different culinary and medicinal purposes.

Nutritional Facts of Galangal

benefits of galangal

This Asian spice is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, as well as dietary fiber and a good amount of carbohydrates. A single serving of this herb only delivers 45 calories, but it provides impressive amounts of antioxidants, including quercetin, alpine, galangin, and beta-sitosterol, among others. 

Galangal Benefits For Health

The most impressive health benefits of galangal are its ability to prevent cancer, act as an anti-inflammatory agent, strengthen the immune system, increase sperm motility, and protect the brain.

Immune System

With good amounts of vitamin C, backed up by unique antioxidants like alpine and galangin, the immune system can receive a well-deserved break, which will reduce unnecessary inflammation around the body.

Cancer

The wide range of antioxidants present in this exotic spice makes it an excellent preventative measure, as it can slow down oxidative stress and lower your risk of cellular mutation.

Brain Function

Another benefit of antioxidants is their impact on brain health; by reducing beta-amyloid plaque deposition in the brain, this spice can slow or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative disease.

Anti-Inflammatory

Similar to turmeric and ginger, this spice is known to reduce inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and other common issues. This powder can be made into a paste or consumed internally to benefit from these effects.

Reproductive Health

Studies have found that this spice can specifically increase sperm motility and production, which is good for those struggling with their sexual performance or virility.

Chronic Disease

Chronic disease is often the result of chronic inflammation and the negative effects of free radicals; with the half-dozen antioxidants present in this spice, your risk of arthritis, diabetes, and coronary heart disease decreases notably.

Related Posts

Oatmeal Health Benefits & Oatmeal Diet Plan

Going on an oatmeal diet is praised for its weight-loss results, but understanding the details and potential risks are important before you begin. Here are some health benefits…

12 Surprising Seaweed Benefits

The health benefits of seaweed include relief from cancer, obesity, diabetes, influenza, and radiation poisoning. It helps in improving digestive health, dental health, cardiovascular health, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. It protects eyes and…

mustard health benefits

12 Surprising Mustard Benefits

Health benefits of mustard include relief from muscular pains, psoriasis, ringworm, contact dermatitis, and respiratory disorders. Different parts of the mustard plant have been proven beneficial in treating cancer, diabetes, and detoxifying…

honey and ginger benefits

Amazing Honey & Ginger Health Benefits

The health benefits of honey and ginger for treating respiratory problems are unmatched by any other concoction. They help improve blood circulation, strengthen immunity, and treat respiratory problems and cancer. Furthermore, honey is an excellent medium for transmitting the benefits…

wheatgrass benefits for health

Surprising Wheatgrass Nutrition Benefits

Wheatgrass has proven to be one of the best health-reviving herbs and wheatgrass benefits include the treatment of bowel problems, high blood pressure, nausea, constipation, and acidity. It also aids…

Amazing Benefits & Uses of Tarragon

What is Tarragon? The versatile and easy-to-grow tarragon herb is considered one of the four essential herbs in French cooking. It is bittersweet, with notes of anise, and…