Have you probably gone to the market to buy turmeric and got yourself picking ginger? It happens to all of us. So, are turmeric and ginger related?
Turmeric and ginger are both rhizomes. Rhizomes are stems that modify as roots.
Turmeric and ginger all belong to the same family but of different genus. That is why they both have a bulbous shape with small bumpy joints.
Here are three things that can differentiate turmeric from ginger or vice versa.
1. Turmeric Ang Ginger’s Appearance
How can you differentiate turmeric and ginger from appearance? Turmeric has a yellow appearance and a deep orange color when cut. Ginger, on the other hand, has a dull greyish not so appealing color.
Ginger is normally used as a root or raw as it is, while turmeric is more commonly used when it’s grounded as a powder.
2. Difference In Taste
Let’s look at the other differences that turmeric and ginger possess.
Ginger has a peppery taste with a hint of lemon while turmeric has a mild earthy taste. Ginger is mostly used to flavor tea while turmeric is used for sauces.
3. Nutritional Value It Brings
There are a lot of health benefits that both ginger and turmeric can give. Here are some nutritional value differences between the two.
Ginger is usually used for flavoring. It contains small amounts of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, sodium, vitamins, and essential minerals.
Turmeric does not contain any traces of carbohydrates but is rich in proteins and dietary fiber. It also contains essential minerals and vitamins. It is basically used for its color and flavor plus its well-known health benefits.
You can learn more about turmeric health benefits here.
Ginger curbs nausea while turmeric does not. But it should be noted that its nausea curbing properties does not work for everyone though.
Ginger is also believed to prevent and cure osteoarthritis in the knees. It can also relieve muscle pain associated with muscle stress brought about by workout and the sort.
You can learn more about ginger health benefits here.
Its pungent smell works magic with asthma attacks.
Turmeric fights inflammation and that is why it is used to treat arthritis. It has strong anti-oxidants that can help improve your general health. Due to its curcumin, it can improve your immune system.
It is also believed that it can reduce most allergies to foods.
As if not enough, curcumin in turmeric improves cardiovascular and mental health. Best results are achieved when used as a supplement.
If you’re a diabetic patient, turmeric may be good for you. There are also a lot of testimonials that turmeric helps fight Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
In any case, using both ginger and turmeric can bring tons of benefits for your health.
Conclusion
Ginger and turmeric are both important in a way that these can help improve our health.
Other than looking the same way and belonging to the same plant family, they have different nutritional contents and a vast difference in its health benefits.
Put a few in your shopping basket and enjoy their flavors as well.