Galangal (Alpinia galanga) is closely linked to ginger, but each variety has its own nutritional profile and tastes more citrus, earthy, or pine-like. This plant’s pale yellow or white rhizome has rings all around it. It frequently gets confused with turmeric and ginger root due to how similar it looks to both.

Four distinct kinds of rhizomatous spices belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, collectively known as ginger, are referred to as galangal. Alpinia galanga, Alpinia Officinale, Boesenbergia rotunda, and Kaempferia galanga are the four primary varieties of galangal.

Given their strong and spicy flavors, these four plants’ rhizomes are frequently used as spices in a variety of Asian cuisines, especially soups.

One of the greatest differences between these spices and ginger and turmeric is their flavor, but there are also variances in the active components. Since ginger is softer than galangal and contains a lot of gingerols, you can only really slice it.

Galangal contains Galangin, beta-sitosterol, and other flavonoids whereas turmeric is strong in curcumin, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants. Despite having a similar appearance and being incredibly healthful, the three have quite diverse culinary and medical uses.

8 Amazing Health Benefits of Galangal (Alpinia galanga)

Usually, only take place when it is ingested in quantities that are greater than those seen in typical diets. Like other herbs, galangal should not be used while pregnant unless a doctor is closely watching you.

There is a good probability that you won’t suffer any allergy symptoms after consuming galangal because it is a generally low-allergenic meal that is even recommended in certain literature to lessen the severity of allergic reactions.

As previously indicated, galangal, more specifically Alpinia galanga, or “bigger galangal,” may perhaps cause you to produce more stomach acid. It’s generally advisable to stay away from this one if you have GERD or peptic ulcer disease unless your primary care doctor recommends it.

Despite being two separate roots, ginger and galangal belong to the same family. Alpinia galanga (larger galangal), Alpinia officinarum (lesser galangal), Kaempferia galanga (kencur, black galangal, or sand ginger), or Boesenbergia rotunda are the four plant species in the Zingiberaceae family that are referred to as “galangal” (Chinese ginger or fingerroot). The greater or smaller plant species are the subjects of the majority of scientific studies.

This root also grows underground in rhizomes like ginger. Even though it isn’t a typical element in most Western cooking techniques, Thai and traditional Chinese cuisine frequently use it.

8 Health Benefits of Galangal (Alpinia galanga)

This Asian spice contains significant amounts of iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber, and carbs. This plant has just 45 calories per serving but is incredibly high in antioxidants like quercetin, alpine, galangin, and beta-sitosterol, among others.

1. Anti-cancer

A 2016 study revealed that the main ingredient in galangal, galangin, has anticancer effects. According to the study, it works particularly well in cases of colon, hepatoma, and melanoma cancer. Another study published in 2014 emphasized its antiproliferative ability against gastric cancer cell lines.

2. Anti-inflammatory

This spice, like turmeric and ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and other common diseases. To enjoy these results, this powder can be mixed into a paste or taken internally.

3. Immune System

The immune system can take a well-earned break with adequate vitamin C intake and the support of special antioxidants like alpine and galangin, which can lessen unneeded inflammation throughout the body.

4. Chronic Disease

Chronic inflammation and the harmful effects of free radicals frequently lead to chronic illness. You may experience a reduction in your risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and arthritis thanks to the half-dozen antioxidants found in this spice.

5. Antibacterial and Antifungal

Galangal extract has been shown to have antimicrobial effects on several food-infecting bacteria, including staphylococcus, E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and clostridium.

According to a study done in Thailand, it can even combat amoxicillin-resistant E. coli and even reverse the resistance some strains have to the drug.

According to one study, using this herb when cooking shellfish may also increase the likelihood that the effects of the bacteria vibrio will be reduced. Undercooked seafood, especially oysters, can cause Viviosis, however, after adding galangal to your recipe, Viviosis may be far less likely to occur.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H. pylori is a different common bacteria that is actually carried by 66 percent of people worldwide.

Although one study suggests that this potent herb may even help prevent the stomach ulcers that are frequently brought on by the H. pylori bacteria in addition to eliminating the bacteria itself, it also appears that this bacteria may have met its match when exposed to galangal.

6. Brain Health

Research shows that a substance extracted from this root known as ACA may have a brain-protective impact, reducing some types of age-related cognitive deterioration, perhaps in part because of its anti-inflammatory effects.

Returning to the TNF-alpha protein, we discover that galangal may even aid in the treatment of depression by controlling TNF-alpha. Recent research has focused on the relationship between chronic inflammation and TNF-alpha overreaction as it relates to the debate over depression.

7. Soothes Stomach Pain

Despite the fact that it is evident that this root has amazing health advantages, the effect it has on unsettled stomachs is the one that people are most interested in.

It is used to soothe troubled stomachs, treat diarrhea, lessen vomiting, and even stop hiccups in Ayurvedic medicine and other Asian cultures.

8. Improves Sperm Count

The galangal root’s specific components may help increase male fertility. Iranian researchers found that it improved sperm motility and count in a rat model (or ability to move).

One Danish study investigated the impact of pomegranate fruit extract and galangal rhizome on healthy male human sperm. Researchers found that three times as much motile sperm were produced as compared to the placebo.

Consuming galangal root may also increase male fertility, according to some research. There are, however, only a small number of studies that have been published that directly link galangal root to these advantages in people.

Most of the research to date has been conducted on animals or in test tubes. Therefore, further thorough scientific investigation is required before making any definitive judgments.

Furthermore, more study is required to establish the safe upper intake limit of galangal root for people in order to achieve these health advantages and prevent any adverse effects.