Galangal is the root of the Alpinia officinarum plant which is native to South Asia.
This plant, which is related to ginger, functions as a natural flavoring in cooking and deodorizes chicken and meat.
The nutritional content is not much different from the ginger spice. Galangal as much as 100 grams contains the energy and nutrients below.
Energy: 26 kcal
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: 0.3 grams
Carbohydrates: 4.7 grams
Fiber: 1.1 grams
Vitamin A: 5,000 micrograms
Thiamine (vitamin B1): 0.08 milligrams
Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 0.06 milligrams
Niacin (vitamin B3): 0.3 milligrams
Vitamin C: 50 milligrams
Calcium: 50 milligrams
Phosphorus: 50 milligrams
Iron: 2 milligrams
Sodium: 24 milligrams
Potassium: 137 milligrams
Zinc: 0.3 milligrams
Galangal is also a source of various antioxidants and phytochemicals that are useful for the body. Some of them are beta-sitosterol, galangin, emodin, quercetin, and polyphenols.
Galangal not only makes dishes taste delicious, but also has the potential to give your body the benefits below.
- Treat diarrhea
Spices such as ginger, galangal, and turmeric have long been used as natural diarrhea remedies. The reason is, the herbs and spices that you use when cooking usually contain certain substances that are antimicrobial or antibacterial.
Antibacterial substances are also present in galangal. According to a 2018 study, high concentrations of galangal extract can inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria. This is the main bacteria that causes diarrhea
- Prevent infection
The antimicrobial properties of galangal can also repel other bacteria. Several studies in the laboratory state that this plant is able to kill the bacteria Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus that often infect humans.
Adding rhizomes to cooking can also lower the risk of bacterial infections from raw shellfish. Several other studies have also shown the potential of this spice in repelling fungi and parasites, but experts need to study this further
- Reduces the risk of tumors and cancer
Galangal contains a variety of antioxidants that have the potential to reduce the risk of tumors and cancer. A number of studies reveal that galangin, the active substance in this plant, can kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
Experts found that galangin is especially effective in killing colon cancer cells. Do not stop there, other studies have shown the potential of this substance in fighting cancer cells of the skin, liver, bile ducts, to breast.
- Relieves inflammation and pain
Like most herbs and spices, galangal also helps relieve inflammation caused by disease in the body. This property comes from HMP, a phytochemical whose anti-inflammatory potential has been shown in a number of animal studies.
In addition, many plants from the rhizome family also contain galangal. This substance helps relieve pain which is one of the symptoms of inflammation, for example due to arthritis. However, this efficacy still needs to be studied further.
- Relieve asthma symptoms
Thanks to galangal's anti-inflammatory properties, experts suspect that this spice might help relieve asthma symptoms. The reason, asthma symptoms appear due to inflammation and swelling of the airways.
This plant also has an antispasmodic effect so that it can widen the bronchial tubes in the lungs. The use of galangal may also reduce phlegm so that it can relieve breathing when asthma strikes.
- Relieves cough, sore throat, and hoarseness
Indian people often use this spice to relieve chest pain, hoarseness, and sore throat naturally. The trick is to mix a few small spoons of galangal powder with hot water, then drink the solution regularly.
This rhizome root may be able to relieve these complaints because of its nature as an expectorant or phlegm thinner. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help relieve symptoms of a cough or sore throat.
- Help treat burns
The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances in rhizome plants have broad properties, one of which is to help treat minor burns. To use this ingredient as a natural burn remedy and reap its benefits, try mashing a few slices of galangal and applying it to the problem skin.
However, stop using the ingredients if your skin condition gets worse or signs of a skin allergy appear. Clean your skin with clean water. After that, consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Galangal is a fairly common spice, just like turmeric and ginger. Not only does it add flavor, this spice also seems to have a number of health benefits.
The safest way to use galangal is to add it to cooking. Excessive consumption can be a cause of nausea. So, use it as needed and don't overdo it so you can get the benefits without side effects
I took these photos myself with my simple dslr camera, and the source of the various benefits of growing galangal I took from the hellosehat.com blog in Indonesian which I changed to English.