Cardiovascular Benefits of Ginger
It is believed that ginger can reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases. A double- blind clinical trial was conducted in 2004 where the main aim was to investigate the effect of ginger on the levels of lipids in blood. The results were published in 2008.1
Patients with hyperlipidemia were divided into two groups:
- Treatment group of 45 patients received capsules with ginger in three divided doses, 3 g per day;
- Placebo group of 40 patients received capsules with lactose using the same treatment regime as those from the first group.
The study lasted for 45 days and once it was completed, the lipid concentration profiles of the patients were measured and compared to those measured before the treatment. The results showed that the patients who received ginger capsules had a considerable reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. Therefore, as ginger had a noticeable lipid lowering effect, it might play an important role in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger can also prevent blood from clotting. The lowered level of cholesterol and reduced blood clotting caused by ginger can be beneficial for those people who have heart conditions where blood vessels become clogged and which may lead to stroke or heart attack.
Precautions and Interactions
Once taken, ginger firstly influences the mucous membrane of the stomach. If it is irritated, has erosions or ulcers, ginger will undoubtedly increase this inflammation. That is why it should not be taken if the person has gastritis, peptic or duodenal ulcers or any erosive disorders of the intestine.
Although ginger root can be beneficial for some cardiovascular diseases, it may also provoke side effects in people with certain heart disorders. Ginger can interact with certain types of medications:
- Keeping in mind that ginger can lower blood pressure, it should be avoided by those patients who are already on any anti-hypertensive medications because it can cause overdose and thus raises the risk of irregular heartbeats and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Those patients who are on diabetes medications should not use it, as ginger is known to lower blood sugar, thus, it raises the risk of developing low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
- Having a blood thinning effect, ginger increases the risk of bleeding in patients who take blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel.
Even though ginger is an herb and not a pharmaceutical substance, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before using ginger for therapeutic purposes.
References:
- Alizadeh-Navaei R, Roozbeh F, Saravi M, Pouramir M, Jalali F, Moghadamnia AA. Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trial. Saudi Med J. 2008 Sep;29(9):1280-4.