Turmeric Vs. Ginger

Spices add rich flavor to a variety of dishes. Turmeric adds a yellow color and an earthy and slightly bitter taste while ginger offers a tangy, hot flavor. Both add some nutritional value to any recipe in which they are used, including a big boost of manganese, healthy fatty acids and small quantities of macronutrients.

Calories and Fat

Both ground turmeric and ground ginger are quite low in calories. One tbsp. of turmeric has 24 calories, and ginger contains 17 calories per tbsp. Eating ground spices by themselves is not common practice, so it is likely that your total caloric intake will be greater. These spices are also low in fat. Ginger contains 0.2 g of fat per serving compared to the 0.6 g of fat in a serving of turmeric.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Turmeric is slightly higher in carbohydrates than ginger, although neither significantly contributes to the quantity you should include in your meal plan each day, which is between 225 to 325 g. A serving of turmeric provides 4.4 g of carbs, while a serving of ginger has 3.7 g. The carbs in ginger and turmeric help you get energy to effectively move through your day.

Protein

Neither turmeric nor ginger provides much protein. A serving of turmeric adds just 0.5 g of protein to your daily diet, and ginger contributes 0.4 g per serving. You need protein for energy, too, so endeavor to consume 46 to 56 g per day. Both turmeric and ginger pair well with some animal-based proteins, so consider flavoring chicken, for instance, with these spices.

Sodium

Turmeric and ginger are low in sodium, 2.6 mg and 1.7 mg per serving, respectively. While neither of these spices imparts a salty flavor, they may act as salt replacements in low-sodium meal plans. Keep your sodium intake to 1,500 mg or lower each day for best health.

Fatty Acids

Add a serving of turmeric or ginger to your meal, and you will boost your intake of essential fatty acids. One serving of turmeric contains 32.5 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 114 mg of omega-6 fatty acids. Ginger has 15.2 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 53.5 mg of omega-6 fatty acids per serving. These fatty acids contribute to heart and cognitive function and health.