Galangal: The hidden gem for weight loss and digestive health

If you enjoy Thai cuisine, you have likely encountered this spice. It is commonly listed among the ingredients of soups, sauces, and other dishes. Galangal belongs to the ginger family, closely related to ginger and turmeric. The edible part of this plant is the rhizome or root. It is most commonly used as dried ground root. It has a sharp, slightly spicy taste and a very fresh aroma.

The Thai use it to season dishes, and scientists are researching galangal. They have found that it can support the digestive system. It stimulates intestinal peristalsis, which affects the acceleration of metabolism. It also regulates the secretion of digestive juices. Scientists argue that galangin found in Alpinia officinarum can prevent obesity, as it inhibits fat absorption from digested foods.

If you're concerned about weight loss, there is another reason to be interested in this spice. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, and the "spikes" in blood sugar often lead to hunger pangs and snacking between meals. Using galangal in dishes can, therefore, support weight loss and help control excessive appetite. Like ginger, galangal also mitigates gastrointestinal discomfort. It soothes stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. During the summer, another benefit stands out. It helps with symptoms of motion sickness.

Other properties of this plant were pointed out by St. Hildegard, whose diet is still popular today. She believed that galangal is excellent for people with high fever, back pain, and heart problems. She especially recommended it during the fall and winter when the risk of flu and colds increases.