Ginger and turmeric are the key ingredients of sub-continental cuisines. Be it soup, fried rice, or meaty marinades, minced ginger knows how to amp up the flavor with warm-spicy notes. Turmeric, on the other hand, is an essential element of the curries. The warm notes and signature golden color of the curries remain incomplete without the pinch of turmeric.
They are often used together in cooking for adding a galaxy of flavors. They are also famous in the medicinal world due to their massive health benefits. Though they belong to the same family, Zingiberaceae, their nutritional profiles are a bit different, making their potency distinct from one another.
Ginger
The ginger rhizome contains more than 400 compounds, including zingiberene and gingerol which are accountable for most of its pharmacological activities. A study showed that ginger is moderately credible in dealing with inflammatory and painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, it is more potent as an antiemetic and is frequently used by pregnant ladies in their teas to avoid morning sickness. It prevents the sticking of platelets together which helps in both the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a famous rhizome that is dried to yield spice. In Ayurveda, it is fervently used to support the treatment of liver disorders, digestive ailments, and inflammatory diseases. It contains curcumin which serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent. It fights foreign invaders and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that helps in reducing inflammation and the resultant pain.
Turmeric is commonly prescribed as a traditional remedy for the treatment of inflammatory and painful conditions, such as hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, etc.
**When it comes to quoting the difference between these two herbal giants, turmeric takes the lead. It has four times more caloric content than ginger (Turmeric: 312 cal/100gm; Ginger: 80cal/100gm) Also, it has more potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and copper. The vitamin content variety is higher in turmeric than in ginger.
It is safe to conclude that turmeric should be the first choice of herb when it comes to dealing with inflammatory and painful conditions.