Sedentary lifestyle and carelessness in eating habits are proving to be the cause of heart diseases. Consumption of ginger proves to be very effective in controlling cholesterol levels.

Incidents like heart attack and stroke are becoming common day by day, which apart from increasing age, is now affecting the youth as well. Sedentary lifestyle and carelessness in eating habits is proving to be the cause of this problem. To get relief from this, apart from changes in lifestyle, consumption of ginger also proves effective. This helps in controlling cholesterol level. To avoid heart diseases, such changes in diet benefit heart health. Know how ginger is helpful in reducing cholesterol (Ginger for heart health),

Talking about this, dietitian Dr. Aditi Sharma says that anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are found in ginger, which controls heart related problems. The amount of gingerol compound found in it reduces the risk of plaque accumulation in the arteries by relaxing the blood vessels. Digestion can be strengthened with the help of this superfood. Due to this, digestive enzymes reduce acidity and prevent increased pressure on the heart. This helps in controlling cholesterol by reducing the increased amount of lipids.

The amount of gingerol compound reduces the risk of plaque accumulation in the arteries by relaxing the blood vessels. Image: AdobeStock. Image- Adobe Stock

How is ginger beneficial for health (Benefits of ginger)

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, ginger as a dietary supplement helps control high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Apart from using fresh ginger raw, ginger oil and ginger powder i.e. dry ginger are also very effective. By using it, hyperlipidemia and hypertension can be controlled.

According to the National Institute of Health, regular consumption of ginger can reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in increasing HDL cholesterol by reducing the level of LDL i.e. bad cholesterol. According to Science Direct, due to the cardioprotective effect of ginger, it provides cardiotonic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-platelet properties to the body.

Know how ginger takes care of heart health (Ginger benefits for heart)

1. Prevents oxidation

Consumption of ginger helps in preventing oxidation of LDL. This helps in reducing the development of atherosclerosis in the body. Actually, atherosclerosis is a condition in which fats and cholesterol accumulate on the walls of the arteries and start forming plaques. Due to this, blockage occurs in the arteries and blood flow becomes irregular.

2. Relaxes the vessels

The gingerol compound present in ginger helps in keeping the blood vessels relaxed. By reducing cholesterol levels, the risk of heart diseases can be avoided. According to a study by Science Direct, consumption of ginger continuously for 45 days found a decline in the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. Thinnes the blood

According to the National Institute of Health, blood thinning properties are found in ginger. The salicylate element found in ginger helps in thinning the blood, thereby reducing the risk of blood clotting. Ginger can be boiled in water, used as a tea rub or as dry ginger powder.

The salicylate element found in ginger helps in thinning the blood. Image: Adobe Stock

4. Reduces inflammation

Including ginger in the diet increases the level of good bacteria in the intestine, which reduces the risk of heart diseases. In fact, increasing amount of chemicals in the intestine increases the risk of trimethylamine N oxide i.e. TMAO. Due to this, swelling starts increasing in the lining of blood vessels, which increases the risk of high blood pressure.