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 modified into a root.

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.

- It also helps in lowering down the sugar levels

- 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, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections

- Improves absorption of nutrients

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

- It works as a liver detox