Spicy tuber with a beneficial effect: It sounds like ginger, but it means it’s close relative, galangal. Numerous healing properties make the exotic root a new super spice and an insider tip against colds.
Have you ever heard of galangal? No? No wonder because the root is still an unknown newcomer in the superfood range. Closely related to ginger and turmeric. However, the tuber has a lot of health benefits.
Galangal comes from South Asia. The term refers to the root family of the Zingiberaceae family (ginger family). The most commonly used is the species Alpinia officinarum, also called “real” galangal.
In Indonesian, Chinese or Thai cuisine, galangal is a traditional spice and can be stirred into stews, curry or soups as a fresh root or powder.
Due to its nutritional properties, it is also used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
Small Tuber Full Of Antioxidants
Galangal is rich in cell-protecting antioxidants. Polyphenols, in particular, which are also found in pomegranates and grapes, are found in high concentrations in the roots.
Several studies have shown that polyphenols can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
Polyphenols are also said to protect against Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Studies with the galangal relative ginger prove this.
For example, the tuber was attested to increase cognitive abilities in middle-aged women and a significant blood sugar-lowering effect.
It also plays an important role in cancer prevention. In several studies, it was found that greenhouse cancer cells can prevent growth and kill.
The ingredient galgin is responsible for this. For example, it has been shown that galgin can stop the diseased tissue from multiplying in skin cancer. Another study shows that galgin induces apoptosis, i.e., programmed cell death, of infected cells in breast cancer.
Help Against Inflammation And Infection
In addition, the consumption of galangal works against inflammation and infections.
The State University of New Jersey shows that another plant substance contained in the root, HMP, reduces inflammatory cell toxins.
An African study showed that the exotic root could kill harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
This also applies to a large number of fungi, yeasts and parasites.
Does Galangal Increase Fertility?
In addition to all these benefits, the root could also be of particular interest to men:
In a Danish study, 66 men with poor sperm quality took a daily supplement with galangal and pomegranate extract for three months.
Result: After three months, the galangal group showed a 62 percent increase in sperm motility than the placebo patients. With them, it was 20 percent.
Although it is not entirely clear whether the effects are more due to the pomegranate root, galangal could play a crucial role in improving fertility.
Galangal In The Kitchen
If you want to enjoy galangal, it is best to refine Asian dishes with the spicy tuber. The root’s taste is reminiscent of ginger, but it tastes a little hotter, spicier and more like pepper.
By the time galangal makes it into the vegetable department of the supermarket, you can either buy the tuber in the Asian market
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