Have you ever heard of the Galangal root herb? Do you know what health benefits they provide or what they are used for? Find out in the article below about the health benefits of this plant and how it helps men in particular, as well as the different ways to use it and some of the potential harm you need to know about before using it.

What is galangal?

Galangal is a type of spice that is mainly found in South Asia, and there is a close relationship that shares it with several other known spices, especially ginger and turmeric, making it very similar in shape. used for years in alternative medicine.

This plant can be eaten fresh or used in cooking and is believed to offer many different health benefits, from treating infections to fighting cancer and more.

galangal benefits

Here are some of the most important potential benefits of using galangal herb:

1- is full of antioxidants

Galangal roots are considered a rich source of antioxidants which are important in treating disease and protecting cells from any damage. Research has shown that these roots specifically contain polyphenols, a group of antioxidants associated with improving memory and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Polyphenols are also believed to protect against mental retardation, heart disease, and other health benefits, but these benefits still require more scientific evidence.

2- Cancer prevention

Some laboratory experiments suggest that the active ingredient galangal, known as galangin, may help eliminate certain types of cancer cells and prevent them from spreading throughout the body.

Some research also suggests it may help protect against skin and liver cancer. It is worth noting that these experiments were conducted on animals and further research and experimentation is still needed to prove the same effects and benefits for humans.

3- Combating inflammation and pain

Galangal root can reduce inflammatory diseases because it contains phytochemicals known as HMPs, which several animal experiments have found to have anti-inflammatory properties.

The results also indicate that the plant family to which galangal belongs may somehow help reduce the pain associated with inflammation, but more research is needed.

4- Protection against infection

The essential oils obtained from galangal root can help fight a range of harmful microorganisms. Adding this plant to your recipes can reduce the incidence of certain types of infections that can occur when certain foods are not cooked properly.

Some experiments also indicate that this plant’s roots can help kill some harmful bacteria, including E. coli, staphylococcus, and salmonella, but these benefits still require more evidence.

The benefits of galangal for the colon

As mentioned earlier, galangin is the main and active ingredient in this plant, and some studies have shown that this ingredient has anti-cancer properties. According to some experiments, the properties of galangin against colon cancer in particular have been investigated and found that this element helps with the death and reduction of DNA concentration of colon cancer cells, according to the approved dose.

Galangin also helped accelerate colon cancer cell death by modifying and altering the dysfunction of some of the responsible cell membranes. The final results indicate that this plant and its components can be used in future treatments for colorectal cancer.

The benefits of galangal for men

Some recent research indicates that galangal may help increase male fertility. According to some studies that lasted several months, it was found that taking supplements containing galangal and pomegranate extracts daily helped increase sperm motility by 62%. Despite the positive results, the effects of this plant on men’s health still require further experimentation and research.

The benefits of galangal for women

As we mentioned earlier, this plant contains plant-derived antioxidants known as bioflavonoids that help fight the factors leading to certain types of cancer, especially in women, breast cancer, and can also help increase excess estrogen in the body, which can also increase your risk of cancer breasts.

How to use galangal?

Since this plant is similar to ginger, it can usually be used and prepared in the same way. It can be boiled, steamed or used as is. The best ways to use it are:

• By cooking well, to get a distinct flavor that matches the other ingredients, it can sometimes be difficult to eat on purpose due to its hardness.
• It can be steamed until it is properly cooked to prevent hard pieces when used as an ingredient in some recipes.
• It can be stored in the refrigerator and used at any time as an ingredient in various meals such as soups, smoothies etc.
• If the roots are used as is, it is recommended to chop or chop them to facilitate digestion.

Difference between galangal, ginger and turmeric

Here’s a comparison of galangal herb, ginger, and turmeric:

• There is a close relationship between these three types and they can all be used fresh or added to food.
• Ginger has a sweet-spicy flavor, galangal has a spicy and spicier taste and sometimes peppery flavor, while turmeric has a spicy and bitter taste.
• Research shows that these three types offer similar health benefits as they all have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• All three types contain elements that can help prevent certain types of cancer.
• Galangal is the only plant among these that offers potential health benefits for promoting nomadic health and increasing fertility.
• Ginger and turmeric offer potential benefits in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and certain heart conditions, and because the three types are similar to each other, galangal may provide similar benefits, but more research is still needed.

Galangal damage-galangal side effects

It is usually safe to eat this plant when taken in reasonable amounts and in the same amounts that are normally found in food. According to some studies, galangal side effects can cause some harm and side effects can occur when consuming galangal in excessive amounts, including:

• Drop in energy levels.
• lack of appetite
• Excessive urination.
• diarrhea.
• Possible coma.
• In some cases, death.

Therefore, we recommend that you consult your doctor before consuming this plant and determine if it is safe for your health and what the appropriate amounts of it are.