Fresh ginger contains more gingerol, the bioactive compound responsible for ginger's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Hence, fresh ginger is more effective for reducing nausea and fighting infections.
Fresh ginger has higher levels of vitamin C, which contributes to immune support and skin health.
When ginger is dried, some of the gingerol converts into shogaol, a compound that is more concentrated in dried ginger. Shogaol is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be even more potent than gingerol.
Dried ginger may lose some nutrients during the drying process, such as vitamin C, but the process concentrates certain nutrients, making dried ginger a good source of antioxidants.
For overall health, fresh ginger might be slightly more beneficial due to its higher nutrient content. However, dried ginger still offers significant health benefits and can be particularly useful when fresh ginger is not available.