Galangal is a member of the ginger family. It is often used in many Thai, Malay and Indonesian dishes. Though it is related to and resembles ginger, galangal has a stronger taste than common ginger. They can be found as a whole rhizome, cut or powdered. They have numerous health benefits. Here some other things you should know about galangal.
1. Nutritional profile
Galangal is a great source of vitamin-A, vitamin-C, flavonoids, phytonutrients, emodin, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, galanin, fiber, and iron. One serving of galangal contains 2 g of dietary fiber and 45 calories. Vitamin A can help prevent cancer. Vitamin C can help prevent free radical damage.
2. How to use and store it
Galangal can be used in a fresh or dried form. Fresh galangal should be stored in the refrigerator.
Its rhizome resembles ginger in taste and appearance. Galangal is a popular addition to stir-fries and noodle dishes.
How to use it: peel its skin, then either grate or finely chop the flesh. Peeled galangal will keep up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Health benefits
3. Treat seasickness
This plant has a strong aroma that can relieve nausea. Galangal is also beneficial for pregnant women who suffer morning sickness. To curb sickness, chew a few slices of fresh galangal.
4. Treat diarrhea
Since it has anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties, you can also use it to treat diarrhea.
5. Improve blood circulation
Galangal juice also has numerous health benefits. Consuming galangal tea on a regular basis can improve blood circulation.
6. It is great for overall skin health
Since it contains 40 different antioxidants, galangal pulp can be applied topically on your skin. Vitamin C in galangal also plays role in skin cells rejuvenation. If you have itchy skin, apply the pulp on the skin to accelerate the healing. Apply the pulp on skin 2-3 times a day. It also can treat burn and protect your skin from aging.
7. Improves hair health
Drinking galangal juice is good for your hair. It can help improve blood circulation, which eventually maximizes the distribution of oxygen and nutrition to your head.
8. It may benefit people at risk of cancer
Galangal contains antioxidants, which help to minimize the damage caused by free radicals. A recent study has shown that people who consumed galangal on a regular basis, had a lower chance of developing cancer, compared to people who didn’t consume galangal on a regular basis, or didn’t consume it at all. Galangal was shown to kill cancer cells and prevent non-cancerous cells from becoming malignant.
9. Galangal can help prevent arthritis
Galangal contains compounds that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Galangal contains diarylheptanoids, which are found to inhibit the production of nitric oxide. Excess production of nitric oxide in the body can cause inflammation.
10. Side Effects
In some cases, allergic reactions may occur. Consuming too much galangal can have side-effects such as bloody stool and heartburn. High doses of essential oil may cause hallucinations.
