What is Galangal?

Galangal is also known as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger (because it closely resembles fresh ginger), but it is actually its own ingredient. It is commonly found in Thai, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. Galangal skin is smoother and paler than ginger and its flesh is much harder. It cannot be grated like ginger, but must be sliced. The galangal flavor 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 shooters 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 citrusy, almost piney flavor, while ginger is fresh, tangy, and 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 is especially rich in polyphenols, a group of antioxidants linked to health benefits such as improved memory and lower blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

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 high 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 strong 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, may kill cancer cells or prevent them from spreading.

More specifically, one study highlighted the ability of the spice to kill two strains of human colon cancer cells. Other studies suggest that it can fight cancer cells of 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 in humans is needed.

May increase male fertility

Emerging evidence suggests that galangal root may increase male fertility.

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

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

Although this finding is interesting, it is not clear whether the effect was due to galangal root or pomegranate extract.

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

It can fight inflammation and pain.

Galangal root may reduce disease-causing inflammation because it contains HMP, a naturally occurring phytochemical that studies in test tubes and animals have suggested has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

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

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

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

can protect against infection

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

As such, galangal root may extend the shelf life of certain foods. Also, 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, including 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 fungus, yeast, and parasites, however, not all studies agree.

Ingredients: galangal.

Nutritional information per 100 gr:

Energy Value: 290 Kj/70Kcal.
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fats: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15.6g
Sugars: 0g
Proteins: 1.5g
Salt: 0.04g

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