Ginger is a plant of the family Zingiberaceae that originates in Southeast Asia. It is one of the healthiest and most popular spices used in cooking and is a biological relative of turmeric, cardamom and galangal. Some of the ginger plants used for spices are stems, also known as rhizomes, which can be consumed in a variety of ways, including powder, juice and tea. Ginger, in any form, has many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol.
A 2018 study of more than 60 individuals with high-cholesterol hyperlipidemia found that those who consumed 5 grams of ginger powder daily had a 17% or greater reduction in LDL levels. I understand.
When the study mentions LDL, it refers to the type of cholesterol.
LDL stands for Low Density Lipoprotein. It is also called “bad” cholesterol because of the way plaque blocks arteries.
When research refers to HDL, it refers to high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol, which improves heart health.
Read more: High cholesterol symptoms: Three warning signs of “limb ischemia”
This study showed that LDL was reduced as a result of ginger intake, but participants had to take large doses for the reduction to occur.
Nevertheless, besides lowering cholesterol, taking ginger in the form of food and drink has other benefits.
In a 2014 scientific review, “ginger may be considered part of the treatment of OA. [Osteoarthritis]Where patients are motivated to try this dietary supplement. “
In addition, a study conducted three years ago in 2011 found that ginger could be combined with mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil to reduce stiffness and pain in people suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
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Ginger can also provide long-term benefits with respect to brain function and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia.
This is because chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are important factors in accelerating aging. The more you can do to slow down these processes, the better the results, as they are believed to be key to the potential for Alzheimer’s disease.
A 2014 study of animals concluded that “a comparative molecular docking approach using AutoDock was adopted to identify potential anti-Alzheimer’s receptors in ginger.”
However, as in other medical research disciplines, more data is needed to establish an association between ginger and the risk and resistance of Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the most common places to find ginger is tea. Ginger tea can lower LDL cholesterol, according to studies known for its ability to relieve nausea in the stomach.
In a double-blind clinical trial, ginger power reduced lipid levels compared to the placebo group.
Other forms of herbal tea also have health benefits, with data from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggesting that green tea may be useful.
In 2011, researchers discovered that green tea “… could result in a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, but no effect on HDL cholesterol was observed.”
Some teas can lower cholesterol levels, but there are warnings that the effect is not instantaneous and will not be felt unless you drink the drink consistently for several weeks.
In addition, there are many factors that can affect how effective tea is in lowering cholesterol, such as alcohol consumption, inactivity, smoking, and diet.
The best way to find out how effective tea is at the individual level is to talk to your doctor.
For more information on cholesterol and how to lower it, see the NHS website.
