Not only the benefits in general for health. Galangal also has special benefits for women. Starting from overcoming menstrual disorders to preventing breast cancer.
Galangal (Alpinia galanga) is a root or spice plant. Physically, this spice has a shape similar to ginger or kencur.
This herbal plant has a pungent aroma and has a spicy taste, but not as hot as ginger. Therefore, this spice is often used as a complement to dishes, such as rendang or curry.
Nutritional Content in Galangal
Apart from being a cooking spice, galangal is also beneficial for the body. This happens thanks to the good content in it, such as vitamins and minerals.
The nutrients contained in 100 grams of galangal include:
- Energy: 26 kilocalories.
- Proteins: 1 gram.
- Fat: 0.3 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 grams.
- Fiber: 1.1 grams.
- Vitamin A: 5,000 micrograms.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 0.08 milligrams.
- Phosphorus: 50 milligrams.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.06 milligrams.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 0.3 milligrams.
- Calcium: 50 milligrams.
- Vitamin C: 50 milligrams.
- Iron: 2 milligrams.
- Sodium: 24 milligrams.
- Potassium: 137 milligrams.
- Zinc: 0.3 milligrams.
In addition to the above ingredients, spices also contain high levels of antioxidants that are useful for your health.
What are the benefits of galangal for?
So much nutritional content in this spice, makes it have health benefits. Here are the benefits:
1. Improve skin health
According to a study published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, scientists state that galangal extract increases the production of hyaluronic acid. This substance can help reduce smile lines, brighten, and moisturize the skin.
2. Eliminate stubborn acne
Acne is a problem associated with excessive oil (sebum) production in the skin. This disorder can be overcome thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties contained in galangal. Apart from dealing with acne, spices are also effective in treating blackheads and pimples on the face.
3. Galangal can minimize free radicals
This rhizome plant consists of various antioxidants that can help minimize DNA damage caused by free radicals. In addition, these substances can eradicate toxic components that enter the body. One type of antioxidant contained in it, namely a flavonoid called galangin.
4. Improve hair health
This rhizome can also effectively promote hair growth on the scalp by increasing circulation. You do this by making galangal juice mixed with jojoba oil.
Then, apply the liquid evenly on the scalp. Leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse.
5. Increase male fertility
From a study entitled An Extract of Pomegranate Fruit and Galangal Rhizome Increases the Numbers of Motile Sperm: A Prospective, Randomised, Controlled, Double-Blinded Trial, galangal can increase sperm fertility.
It works by stimulating spermatogenesis and increasing sperm count and motility in rodents. Unfortunately, there are no current studies in humans.
6. Protects from infection
Galangal extract produces essential oil. This oil is effective against various infections caused by pathogens, such as fungi, yeast, and parasites.
These benefits were recorded in two different journals, namely Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Alpinia officinarum and Alpinia: the gold mine of future therapeutics.
7. Coping with arthritis
This rhizome contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and several other phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals are capable of exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
As a result, this plant can help reduce health symptoms or complaints due to arthritis that occurs.
8. Increase body immunity
Try to consume galangal boiled water regularly to increase body immunity. This is due to its high antioxidant content, which prevents damage to cells and tissues due to free radicals.
What are the Benefits of Galangal for Women?
In addition to providing health benefits in general, in fact this spice can also provide special benefits for women, such as:
1. Overcoming menstrual disorders
This rhizome plant is able to overcome menstrual disorders that occur in women every month, especially menstrual cycle disorders.
Some common signs are irregular menstrual cycles and excessive bleeding. The causes vary, ranging from stress, hormonal disorders, and illness.
2. Prevent breast cancer
The antioxidant content in this rhizome plant prevents the emergence of oxidative stress in the body which can trigger the growth of cancer cells. In women, this rhizome is useful for reducing the risk of breast cancer.
3. Galangal helps overcome morning sickness
Morning sickness is a disorder in pregnant women that occurs in the early trimester of pregnancy. This causes symptoms with morning sickness and vomiting. By consuming it, the carbohydrate and protein content in it effectively helps overcome these complaints.
However, make sure pregnant women do not consume too much. Mothers can also find out more from the doctor about the benefits of galangal during pregnancy.
Although it has good benefits, galangal is also at risk of causing side effects if consumed excessively. Some of the effects, namely decreased appetite, excessive urination, or diarrhea.