Ginger-Cardiovascular benefits and medicinal Properties Research work

While we are striving to detail medicinal properties of Shimbhala ingredients one by one with their research work and side effects as well, we are covering Ginger today as Garlic extract had been covered yesterday.

1.               GINGER (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae)

Ginger rhizome is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The University Of Maryland Medical Center cites several preliminary studies that suggest ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting. Stopping your blood from clotting can help people with heart disease, where blood vessels become clogged and lead to heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol can also lead to clogged arteries when the cholesterol builds up on the artery walls. Ginger may also help to lower blood pressure, another indicator of heart disease. The University of Michigan Health System informs that taking 10 g, or 1 heaping tsp., or more of ginger root per day can reduce platelet stickiness and help clear arteries of plaque. Taking either dry ginger or fresh ginger can affect blood platelets, but the dosage must be at least this much. Ginger contains more than 12 antioxidants and can help reduce serum cholesterol levels, improve circulation and lower the risk of blood clots, says the Herb Growing & Marketing Network.

Research

A study published in 2005 in the “Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology” found that ginger lowered blood pressure in controlled experimental conditions. Researchers investigated the cardiovascular effects of ginger on the blood pressure of different animals. Using crude extract of fresh ginger injected intravenously in rats, researchers found a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure. Further experiments in this research suggest that the blood-pressure-lowering effect of ginger is due to the blockage of voltage-dependent calcium channels. However, researchers did not examine the effects of ginger on the blood pressure of humans. Ginger does not cleanse arteries, but it might have protective effects. Research is still lacking to confirm whether ginger has benefits for people with heart disease, according to the UMMC, but preliminary research indicates ginger might reduce cholesterol levels. This protects against atherosclerosis, a disorder in which fatty material accumulates in the arteries and hardens, which narrows the arteries and can lead to blockages that result in a heart attack or stroke. A study published in the "South Asian Journal of Preventive Cardiology" in 2004 with lead author S.K. Verma notes that ginger contains components with strong antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties, which helps prevent blood clots. It also is a potent antioxidant and scavenges free radicals, harmful substances that might contribute to atherosclerosis. In the 2004 "South Asian Journal of Preventive Cardiology" study, participants took either 5 g per day of dry ginger or a placebo. After four weeks, the researchers evaluated the antioxidant effects on the oxidation of blood lipids, or fats. Consuming ginger was shown to have strong antioxidant properties for both healthy participants and those with coronary artery disease.

Dosage

Ginger is available in fresh and dried root, oil, tea, dried and liquid extracts and tinctures. The UMMC recommends taking ginger with food and consuming 4 g or less per day as a general guideline, including food sources, but Verma and colleagues say using less than 5 g yields inconsistent results in studies. A typical dosage as suggested by the UMMC is 75 to 2,000 mg in divided doses. Extracts should be standardized for 4 percent volatile oils or 5 percent total pungent compounds.

Caution and Potential Side Effects

Because ginger has antiplatelet effects, the UMMC advises not taking this supplement if you have a bleeding disorder, and using it only with the supervision of a health-care provider if you take other herbs or drugs with blood-thinning effects, including aspirin. Taking ginger in addition to these substances might increase the risk of bruising and excessive bleeding. Although ginger may have cardiovascular benefits, it may also be harmful to people with heart disease. High doses of ginger can worsen heart conditions. People with low blood pressure or who are already on blood pressure medications can experience an unsafe drop in blood pressure or heartbeat irregularities when taking ginger, which can also interact with other medications, including blood thinners. Other side effects are mild and include heartburn, diarrhea and general stomach discomfort. 

#Ginger #Cardiovascular #Fitness #Wellness #Healthyheart