The benefits of red ginger, from digestion to fertility

You may be familiar with ginger. Yes, this spice is widely used as a cooking spice because it has a distinctive, refreshing aroma. However, did you know that besides white ginger, there is also a tablet called red ginger. No less healthful than regular white ginger, red ginger also offers a myriad of health benefits. In fact, the benefits of red ginger have been known since ancient times to treat various diseases.

Come on, find out the myriad benefits of red ginger in the following review.

Overview of the ginger plant

Ginger is a medicinal plant in the form of clumps and pseudo-trunk. The roots of this plant are rhizome-shaped with whitish, yellowish, or reddish root flesh. Ginger has a very distinctive aroma, which is slightly spicy.

The shape of the leaves is pinnate and the petiole is hairy. The flower crown is tubular with slightly narrow and sharp strands, greenish yellow. While the lip of the flower and the anthers (pistil) are a bit dark purple and there are yellowish white spots.

Many people often find it difficult to distinguish between ginger and galangal. The reason is, these two spices have a very similar appearance. In fact, ginger is still in the same family as galangal. In fact, ginger is also still in the same family as ginger, black meeting, kencur, turmeric.

Yes, this spice plant is included in the Temu-finding tribe (Zingiberaceae), so it is not surprising that it has a form that is very similar to these various spices.

This spice originates from the Asia Pacific and is widespread from India to China, including Indonesia.

Ginger has different names

Interestingly, in Indonesia this medicinal plant has various names according to the region. Having different designations in various regions shows that this spice has spread throughout all regions of Indonesia.

For example, on the island of Sumatra, ginger is called halia for the Acehnese, bahing in the Batak Karo language, while the Minangkabau call it sipodeh. In Java, ginger is known as ginger (Sundanese), jae (Javanese), and jhai (Madura). In Sulawesi, ginger is called withered by the people of Mongodow, melito (Gorontalo), laia (Makassar), and pace (Bugis), and many more.

The difference between red ginger and white ginger

Based on the shape, size, and color of the rhizome, ginger can be divided into two types, namely white ginger (regular) and red ginger. You may be confused about how red ginger looks like regular white ginger.

Red ginger

Source: maxmanroe

Red ginger is also called sunti ginger. One of the most interesting physical features of this spice plant is its color. Red ginger or ginger Zingiber officinale var. rubrum has a reddish green rhizome skin with a pink to yellow interior.

The size of the red ginger rhizome is smaller than regular ginger, and the segments tend to be flat and slightly swollen. Not only that, the content and taste are different. This type of ginger has a more bitter and spicy taste than usual ginger because it contains more essential oil.

Unlike ordinary ginger, this ginger is always harvested after old age. Ginger is suitable for medicinal herbs.

White ginger

While white ginger is often referred to as elephant ginger or rhino ginger. This type of ginger has a large, fat rhizome with a yellowish white color. The rhizome segment is also more inflated compared to other varieties.

The taste of white ginger is not as hot as red ginger. You don't have to wait until you are old, you can already be processed from a young age. Whether it is consumed directly or processed into various other snacks and drinks.

Various benefits of red ginger for health

This spice has been used for thousands of years as a traditional medicine in various parts of the world, especially in Indonesia, China and Malaysia. Yes, since long time ago, many people have taken advantage of red ginger to treat various diseases.

The abundant content of ginger, such as gingerol, flavonoids, antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and others, is believed to have a positive impact on health. Here are some of the benefits of red ginger that you need to know, including:

1. Prevent digestive problems

The benefits of red and white ginger for dealing with various digestive problems have actually been well known since ancient times. Yes, from generation to generation, ginger is a natural herbal remedy that is often used to smoothen and prevent various digestion problems.

Red ginger oil extract can protect your digestive system from bacteria, thus preventing you from digestive problems, such as stomach aches. The antibacterial agents present in ginger can fight bad bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteriditis, and Staphylococcus aureus.

When added to food, ginger can be used as a natural preservative and can prevent you from bacterial food poisoning. Not only that, the warmth provided by ginger can also soothe your digestion. The warmth provided by ginger is also widely used to treat flu and colds.

2. Reducing muscle and joint pain

Red ginger is not only useful as a warm drink during cold weather. The reason is, this one herbal plant can also reduce pain or pain due to inflammation.

The benefits of red ginger for reducing inflammation have been supported by several studies. A study conducted on Sepak Takraw athletes proved that giving ginger extract for 10 days can reduce muscle pain in Sepak Takraw athletes.

Other research published by the American College of Rheumatology has also proven that ginger extract can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as muscle aches. One study even states that ginger is more effective at reducing inflammation in the body than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Researchers have found that various ingredients in ginger can act as anti-inflammatory so that it can help you fight acute and chronic inflammation. Some of the active components in ginger that can reduce leukotrienes and portaglandins that trigger inflammation include gingerol, gingerdione, and zingerone.

In addition, red ginger also contains oleoresin which is higher than other ginger, where oleoresin can also work as an anti-inflammatory.

3. Increase male fertility

There are many factors that can cause a man to experience reproductive problems. The good news is, the benefits of red ginger can be used to treat male sexual disorders.

A study conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta found that red ginger essential oil has an aphrodisiac effect. Even so, the aprodisiac effect of red ginger essential oil is still smaller than that of peg bumi.

Aphrodisiac itself is a chemical substance that is used to stimulate sexual power by increasing and increasing circulation of blood flow in the body. If blood circulation increases, then the possibility of blood flow in the lemin area also increases. As a result, it is possible for men to experience erections.

In addition, other studies have also found that this spice also contains antioxidants and has androgenic activity. This makes red ginger believed to increase the amount of the hormone testosterone so that it can increase male fertility.

In a study conducted on mice, it was shown that giving ginger extract combined with the mineral zinc to male albino mice increased the hormone testosterone, sperm count, and sperm quality in mice. So, this can improve testicular function in mice.

Even so, further research is still needed to strengthen these findings.

4. Lowering uric acid

The benefits of red ginger can also help reduce uric acid. Quoting the official website of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes), it is known that red ginger is included in the list of 10 effective herbal plants to treat gout.

Gouty arthritis, aka gout disease is a condition that occurs when uric acid builds up in joints, causing inflammation and pain. Red ginger helps reduce inflammation in joints and get rid of uric acid buildup by improving blood circulation. As a result, the uric acid level that was originally high can gradually drop to a normal level.

Other studies have also found something similar. Based on research published in the International Journal of Scientific and Technology in 2017, it is known that a once-daily red ginger compress can help reduce the scale of gout pain experienced by elderly patients.

Researchers believe that compresses of red ginger can reduce inflammation by reducing levels of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in elderly patients with gout. Although it is proven to help reduce high uric acid levels in the body, further research is still needed with a wider coverage as well as more detailed indicators to ensure the benefits of this red ginger.

Tips for choosing the right red ginger

So that you can feel the benefits of red ginger optimally, make sure you choose the best quality ginger. Quality ginger has a shiny skin and a smooth texture.

As explained above, red ginger is usually harvested only when it is old. Well, this old red ginger generally has heavy and thick flesh. If the flesh of this spice feels soft and blackish in color, it means that the ginger is rotten.

Avoid red ginger that is already wrinkled, because this indicates that the spices you are using are no longer fresh. Ginger that is not fresh will affect the taste of the food you will be processing later. Good quality ginger when smelled also has a fresh, spicy aroma.

Well, how to maintain the quality of red ginger itself actually depends on the storage process. Store red ginger in an airtight place. You can store it in a jar, or wrap it in a paper bag or dry cloth.

In order to maintain freshness, store ginger in the refrigerator, in the vegetable storage area. You can also store the remaining chopped ginger in the freezer to keep it fresh when you use it to be processed into other ingredients.

Processing red ginger into a delicious drink

Source: Come on, Come on

Indonesian people are certainly familiar with ginger and sekoteng. Yes, this delicious warm drink is already very popular in various circles. Usually, this drink is a mainstay menu in angkringan.

So, instead of buying a box of ginger in angkringan, there's nothing wrong with trying to make it yourself every now and then at home. In addition to being more economical, self-made drinks are also clearly guaranteed safety. Yes, you can choose the ingredients yourself according to your taste.

Before making the sekoteng, make sure that you choose fresh ginger that is still in tuber or rhizome form rather than processed into other forms, such as powder. Fresh ginger generally contains more nutrients than pre-extracted.

Here's a recipe for a delicious and healthy box of ginger.

Materials needed

1 liter of water
2 tbsp brown sugar, coarse comb
2 segments of red ginger, crushed or bruised
2 lemongrass stalks, crushed
2 leaves of view, tie a knot
1 handful of roasted peanuts, remove the skin
50 grams of green beans, boiled until mtang
1 sheet of whole wheat bread, diced
Kolang-kaling to taste, boil until cooked
Pinch of salt

How to make

Bring the water to a boil
Add ginger, lemongrass and pandan leaves. Cook until the aroma comes out.
Add brown sugar and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly mixed or the sugar is dissolved.
Strain the water to separate ginger, lemongrass and pandan leaves.
Place the cooking water in a container.
Add toppings such as roasted peanuts, fro, and white bread.
Sekoteng ready to be enjoyed while warm.

Want to try a different sensation? Add an ice cube and enjoy a refreshing chilled bowl of a bowl. If the ginger flavor is still too strong, you can add honey or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Be aware of the side effects of drinking red ginger water

The benefits of red ginger are many. However, make sure you don't consume too much of this spice. Both red and white ginger, when consumed in excess, can cause side effects.

Side effects include stomach pain, flatulence, heartburn and diarrhea. In addition, for those of you who are taking blood thinners, it is better to consult a doctor before drinking ginger water. The reason is, it is feared that consumption of ginger in any form can cause dangerous interactions if you are taking blood thinners.

This also applies to pregnant women. Although drinking ginger water is not dangerous, let alone increase the risk of pregnancy complications, you should still consult with your obstetrician before drinking ginger water while pregnant.

Ideally, you shouldn't consume more than 4 grams of ginger per day.