Galangal (Langkawas) : One Of The Best Herbs Against Cancer

Galangal is a spice from the ginger family. It is also referred to as Langkawas, Siamese ginger, and Thai ginger. It looks like ginger and acts a little bit like turmeric. It has been commonly used in Asian cuisines such as in soups because of its spicy and potent flavor. As compared to ginger, galangal has a paler and smoother skin with a hard flesh as well as a rhizome that has rings. Its oil has great medicinal importance.

Nutrition Facts of Galangal

Galangal is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, flavonoids, dietary fibers, and carbohydrates. It also has high amounts of galangin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, and emodin.

Every 100 grams of galangal contains:

1 gram of protein
1 gram of total fat
2 grams of fiber
4 grams of vitamin C
70 calories
15 grams of carbohydrates

Health Benefits of Galangal

Anticancer potential

According to studies, the primary component of the spice, which is known as galangin, a flavonol that has anticancer properties. It could fight and prevent a broad number of cancers and tumors. A massive body of scientific research has shown it to be highly effective in the case of gastric cancer, melanoma, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, and bile duct cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory

This spice, just like turmeric and ginger, can help reduce inflammatory conditions such as gout, arthritis, headaches, mastitis, acute lung injury, and irritable bowel syndrome. Plus, it can also alleviate the discomfort caused by ulcers and inflammation of the abdomen. To benefit from these effects, all you have to do is to make a paste out of its powdered form or simply consume it.

Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Lipid

According to research conducted in China, galangal extract – with the help of its flavonoids like galanin, quercetin, and kaempferol – can combat fatty-acid synthase. Also, researchers from Korea have found that galangal extract can substantially reduce cholesterol and Triglyceride.

Improves Cognitive Function

Because of a component known as ACA, galangal has cognitive-protecting effects which can help in reducing some kinds of age-related brain degeneration.

Heals Skin Burns

When applied topically, galangal juice works magically on skin burns. It provides quick relief and heals the burn. You can also try rubbing fresh galangal slices on the affected area 3-4 times a day until such time that the appearance of the scars is reduced.

May Ease Stomach Pain and Digestive Issues

In some Asian culture as well as in Ayurvedic medicine, galangal has been used to resolve diarrhea, calm upset stomachs, reduce vomiting and even stop hiccups.

Enhances Blood Circulation

Aside from flushing out toxins from the body, galangal can also improve blood circulation which results to increase amounts of nutrients entering the tissue of the skin. Also, the spice can maintain the suppleness of your skin since its antioxidant properties stop free radicals from harming the skin. Moreover, it can also be used as a hair growth promoter since it increases blood circulation. Make it a remedy for your thinning hair by combining galangal juice and jojoba oil.