Ginger or turmeric: Which root is better for us?

Ginger (adrak) and Turmeric (haldi) have been in use since time immemorial to cure many health ailments. They both have anti- inflammatory properties and are rich in many essential nutrients.

Both, turmeric and ginger, are from Zingiberaceae family and are rhizomes. Rhizome is a stem which is later modified into a root.

So, here let’s have a look at ginger and turmeric and figure which root is better for our health.

Ginger

Ginger is loaded with bioactive compounds and nutrients that are helpful for our brain and body. Ginger contains gingerol, a substance with powerful medicinal properties. It also contains magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, phosphorus, copper, iron, calcium and zinc in small amounts.

Benefits of ginger

– Ginger can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness

– Ginger can be helpful in reducing muscle pain and soreness

– Its anti-inflammatory content can help in osteoarthritis.

– Ginger can reduce the risk factors for heart disease.

– Ginger has been proven to treat chronic indigestion

– It reduces flatulence

– Cures cold – Throat and nose congestion

– Ginger can be helpful in reducing menstrual pain.

– It may help in lowering the cholesterol level as well

– Due to the presence of 6-gingerol, raw ginger may help in preventing cancer

– It protects against Alzheimer’s disease

– It is also known to improve the brain function

– Gingerol is a bioactive substance in ginger which can help lower the risk of infections

– Improves absorption of nutrients

– It also helps in lowering down the sugar levels

How to include it in your diet

– To improve digestion: Mix thin slices of ginger with salt and lime juice and have it before and after your meals. Consuming this will also increase your appetite.

– It can be used as a spice while cooking vegetables.

– To cure cold and cough: Ginger juice along with basil leaves and honey is used to cure cough and cold.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent source of iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, copper, and potassium. Phytonutrients in turmeric include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, tumerones, and tumenorols. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. Turmeric dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the body.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high, it’s around 3 per cent, by weight

Benefits of turmeric in your diet:

– Curcumin improves brain health by lowering the risk of brain disease.

– It lowers the risk of heart disease

– Turmeric can help prevent or even treat cancer

– It is also helpful in treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

– Curcumin supplements works wonder for arthritis patients.

– It is also used for treating depression

– Helps to fight against age related chronic diseases

– It may also help in delay ageing

– It helps in healing wounds and enhances skin