A Japanese study published late last year found that a South Asian spice, Kencur ginger, had anticancer properties. The spice specifically inhibits cancer cell growth. Usually sold as “sand ginger,” this version of the common household spice-rack staple is also sold as galanga (the umbrella botanical name for all gingers), aromatic ginger, and cutcherry. The spice is sold in powdered forms, and fresh, in specialty and Asian markets.
Like other varieties of ginger, kencur has many potential health benefits. It can help relieve an upset stomach, and reduce the impact of nausea, bloating, and gas. The spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as osteoarthritis. It has also shown some potential for lowering blood sugar and reducing pain caused by a number of conditions.
How to Incorporate Sand Ginger in Your Diet
For kencur ginger to have an impact on your health, it has to be used abundantly in your diet. Ideally, you should mix in dried, powdered versions along with fresh ginger. You can even add candied versions to baked goods!
- Stir Fry. Add abundant minced fresh kencur ginger into a chicken stir fry for an explosion of flavor and a filling, spicy dinner that you’ll want to enjoy at least once a week.
- Terrific toast. Mixed powdered ginger with Manuka honey and cinnamon, and spread on toast for a morning snack or a treat anytime during the day. The wake-up blend of warm spices makes this a perfect replacement for an afternoon candy bar.
- Tea time. You can brew a simple, healthy tea by adding a heaping teaspoon of powdered kencur ginger to a mug of steeped green tea. Sweeten with half a teaspoon of monkfruit sweetener and enjoy!
- Accent breakfast. Dust oatmeal, cereal, and even scrambled eggs with kencur ginger to dial up the flavor and bring a refereshing new spin on the first meal of the day.
Beyond these easy uses, add kencur ginger to recipes from gravy to a dry rub for roasted chicken, to a central spice in ramen and soups. Incorporate the spice into your diet every day as part of a cancer prevention regimen.
