by A daily cup of tea is incomplete without the addition of ginger, also known in India as ‘adrak’. It imparts a subtle spice and invigorating aroma. Beyond its role as a tea flavoring, ginger serves medicinal purposes, relieving nausea, digestive issues, and common seasonal flu symptoms like colds and coughs. But the question is which type of ginger is best to use: dry or fresh? Although both dry ginger and fresh ginger offer several health benefits, we followed an expert’s advice to find out which one is better.
What are the benefits of dry ginger
Dry ginger, also known as ‘seth’, is made by drying fresh ginger root and then grinding it into a fine powder. This process involves removing most of the water and concentrating the flavor and medicinal properties. Here are the benefits of dry ginger, as highlighted by Dr. Archana Batra, nutritionist, physiotherapist and certified diabetes educator.
- Improves digestion: Dry ginger is renowned for its ability to improve digestion. It can relieve indigestion, reduce flatulence and ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to manage inflammatory conditions and relieve muscle and joint pain.
- Respiratory support : Dry ginger can help relieve respiratory problems. It is also often used to relieve coughs, colds and sore throats.
Read also: Ginger: 7 reasons why you should add this miracle ingredient to your diet
What are the benefits of fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger, in its raw and natural form, is widely appreciated for its culinary and medicinal properties. It offers a tangy, tangy and slightly sweet taste. The benefits of fresh ginger include:
- Anti-nausea: Fresh ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. It is frequently used to relieve motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and nausea induced by various conditions. Chewing a small piece of fresh ginger or making ginger tea can be effective.
- Antioxidant content: It is rich in antioxidants, helping to combat oxidative stress and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Good for digestion: Similar to dry ginger, fresh ginger supports digestion by stimulating saliva and bile production, which helps break down food and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Cold remedy: Fresh ginger is also commonly consumed as a cold and flu remedy, as it can help relieve symptoms and strengthen the immune system.
Which is better: dry ginger or fresh ginger?
Contrary to the belief that fresh ginger is better than dried ginger, the reality is quite different. According to the National Library of Medicine, the process of drying fresh ginger increases its antioxidant content by removing water. However, this does not mean that fresh ginger is completely lacking in antioxidants, but that its antioxidant levels decrease when used in cooking.
Additionally, a 2013 study published in PubMed Central investigated the effects of fresh and dried ginger on a respiratory virus in human cells. The results indicate that fresh ginger may help protect the respiratory system, while dried ginger does not produce the same effect.
Read also : Eating too much ginger? You might experience these 5 side effects
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Additionally, Dr. Batra explains that according to Ayurveda, dry ginger helps balance vata, while fresh ginger tends to increase it, potentially causing gas, bloating, and digestive issues. Therefore, to combat seasonal flu, cold, cough and respiratory problems, it is advisable to opt for dry water or ginger tea rather than cool ginger water.
Dried ginger is a favorable choice, but it is important not to completely avoid fresh ginger from your diet, as it still offers valuable benefits. Enjoy the benefits of both varieties!
