Similarly to ginger and turmeric, galangal can be eaten fresh or cooked and is a popular addition to many Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai dishes (2). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Important Disclaimer: The information contained on Healthy Focus is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Yet, there’s currently scant research on the safety or potential side effects of larger doses, such as those found in supplements. Galangal may increase the level of acid in your stomach. Ginger and turmeric have been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, the prevention of memory loss, and protection against age-related losses in brain function (7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Also, adding fresh galangal root to your recipes may reduce your risk of vibriosis, an infection caused by eating undercooked shellfish (29, 30). This article reviews whether mayo is safe when…, Apples are highly nutritious, but you may wonder whether they can really keep the doctor away. Galangal is also know as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger (because it resembles fresh ginger so much), but it really is its own ingredient. Lesser galangal, or Alpinia officinarum, is most commonly used. More specifically, one study highlighted the spice’s ability to kill two strains of human colon cancer cells. What looks like ginger, acts a little bit like turmeric, but actually has been shown to fight cancer like a champ and can even keep your brain healthy? It may even protect against infections and certain types of cancer, but more research is needed. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well as additional health benefits that resemble those of ginger … Nevertheless, galangal root is the only one of the three that has been shown to potentially boost male fertility. Despite its popularity, soy remains a controversial food. In case you’ve never heard of or tried galangal, though, find your nearest grocery store, organic market, or Asian supermarket and buy a couple of bulbs. Cashews are a kidney-shaped seed sourced from the cashew tree. Furthermore, test-tube studies suggest that galangal root may kill harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Staphyloccocus aureus, and Salmonella Typhi, although its effectiveness appears to vary between studies (4, 31, 32). More human research is needed to determine galangal root’s effects on male fertility. But there are also many health benefits of galangal root that every person should take advantage of. Galangal has been well studies over recent years especially for its ability to fight cancer. Galangal root has been employed in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments, and an increasing number of scientific studies support these uses. These two ingredients are easily confused because they're both rhizomes used in Southeast Asian cuisines. In fact, plants of the Zingiberaceae family, including galangal, appear to mildly reduce pain, a common symptom of inflammation (27). Cure for Diarrhoea. It’s commonly found in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking. Galnagal Vs Turmeric and Ginger. Research suggests that galangal contains … Here’s our process. Ginger offers a fresh, sweet-yet-spicy taste, while galangal’s flavor is sharper, spicier, and slightly more peppery. In one animal study, sperm count and motility increased in rats given galangal root extract (21). These side effects were absent at significantly smaller dosages of 136 mg per pound (300 mg per kg) of body weight (42). Last medically reviewed on November 14, 2019, Mayo is a popular condiment for sandwiches and often used as a base for salad dressings and sauces. Vs. Ginger and Turmeric. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Often compared to ginger and turmeric, galangal has many similarities to these other two incredibly common dietary condiments. Like galangal and its other rhizome relatives, sand ginger contains an extensive array of valuable nutrients. Galangal root has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is likely safe when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods (1). Galangal root is likely safe when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods. Galangal root is a rich source of antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that help fight disease and protect your cells from damaging free radicals. Research links all three spices to similar health benefits. Can You Treat Psoriasis with Detoxes or Cleanses? The name galangal is derived form the Chinese word for ginger. While galangal looks a lot like ginger and turmeric, it has a distinct flavor and a number of different medicinal properties. This is not a surprise as each root has cancer-fighting properties, but galangal… Ginger is a popular spice renowned for its uses in food and medicine. Now scientists from India evaluated the physicochemical composition of the essential oil of Kaempferia galanga, commonly known as galangal or aromatic ginger… Galangal has anti bacterial effect which can get rid of pathogen bacteria and … Studies have also revealed that the herb can combat inflammation, boost digestion, improve fertility and support brain health. It is also used in fresh, dried as well as powdered form. It can’t be grated like ginger … Many people think you can substitute one … Galangal (Alpinia officinarum and Alpinia galangal) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. Contains Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties. 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