What is Galangal?

Galangal is also known as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger (because it looks a lot like fresh ginger), but it is actually its own ingredient. It is commonly found in Thai, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. The skin of galangal is softer and paler than ginger and its pulp is much harder. It cannot be grated like ginger, but must be cut into slices. The flavor of galangal is also much stronger; It is earthy, strong and extra citrusy.

The difference between galangal and ginger

Both galangal and ginger are rhizomes, a type of underground creeping stem of a plant that sends out shoots to create new plants, in the ginger family (turmeric and cardamom are also in this family). Their biggest difference is their flavor: galangal has a strong citrus, almost piney flavor, while ginger is fresh, spicy and just barely sweet, meaning they can't be used interchangeably.

Potential benefits

Galangal root has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments, and a growing number of scientific studies support these uses.

Rich in antioxidants

Galangal root is a rich source of antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that help fight disease and protect cells from damaging free radicals.

It's especially rich in polyphenols, a group of antioxidants linked to health benefits such as improved memory and lower levels of blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Polyphenols are also believed to protect against mental decline, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Both ginger and turmeric, two close relatives of galangal root, are also rich in polyphenols and have been linked to these benefits.

However, no studies have directly linked galangal root to these effects, so more research is needed before solid conclusions can be drawn.

May protect against certain cancers

Galangal root may help protect your body against certain types of cancer.

Test tube studies suggest that the active compound in galangal root, known as galangin, can kill cancer cells or prevent them from spreading.

More specifically, one study highlighted the spice's ability to kill two strains of human colon cancer cells. Other studies suggest that it can fight cancer cells in the breast, bile ducts, skin and liver.

That said, the test tube findings don't necessarily apply to humans. While the study results have been promising, more research is needed in humans.

May increase male fertility

Emerging evidence suggests that galangal root may increase male fertility.

In an animal study, sperm count and motility increased in rats given galangal root extract.

Additionally, in a 3-month study in 66 men with low sperm quality, taking a daily supplement containing galangal root and pomegranate fruit extract saw a 62% increase in sperm motility, compared to an increase in 20% in those in the placebo group.

Although this finding is interesting, it is unclear whether the effect was due to galangal root or pomegranate extract.

More research is needed in humans to determine the effects of galangal root on male fertility.

It can combat inflammation and pain.

Galangal root may reduce the inflammation that causes the disease because it contains HMP, a natural phytochemical that test-tube and animal studies have suggested has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, plants in the Zingiberaceae family, including galangal, appear to slightly reduce pain, a common symptom of inflammation.

For example, in a 6-week study in 261 people with knee osteoarthritis, 63% of those who took a ginger and galangal extract daily reported a reduction in knee pain when standing, compared to 50% of those who took a placebo.

However, more studies are needed on the pain-reducing effects of galangal root specifically before solid conclusions can be drawn.

May protect against infections

Essential oils extracted from galangal root can combat a variety of microorganisms.

As such, galangal root may extend the shelf life of certain foods. Additionally, adding fresh galangal root to your recipes can reduce the risk of vibriosis, an infection caused by eating undercooked shellfish.

Additionally, test tube studies suggest that galangal root can kill harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Staphyloccocus aureus, and Salmonella Typhi, although its effectiveness appears to vary between studies.

Finally, some research suggests that galangal root may protect against fungi, yeast, and parasites, however, not all studies agree.

Ingredients: galangal.

Nutritional information per 100 gr:

Energy Value: 1143 Kj/273Kcal.
Fats: 0.7g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugars: 0g
Proteins: 3.1g
Salt: 0.05g

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