This tasty root has also been linked to a lowered risk for Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer.
Adding a cheap and popular spice to your meals could help lower your cholesterol and your risk for a number of deadly health issues. Studies have shown that consuming ginger could protect the body from heart disease, dementia, and even cancer.
The tasty root comes from a plant native to Asia. Labelled “one of the most nutritious foods that exists”, it has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2,500 years.
A report by Spanish news outlet La Vanguardia, explained that it is rich in antioxidants – substances that can help prevent or delay cell damage. It said: “Ginger, one of the most nutritious foods that exists: it is richer in antioxidants than garlic.
“Although in recent years ginger has gained much prominence in our society, the use of this medicinal plant goes back many years, as the first data that appear are from 551-479 BC, collected by Confucius.
“Its success is largely due to the fact that it is a good condiment when cooking, however, its consumption also provides us with a large number of properties and benefits.” But what are some of the benefits?
Lowering cholesterol
One study, published in 2022, found that ginger consumption significantly reduced triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol) cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (“high” cholesterol) cholesterol. Even doses less than 1,500 mg per day were effective.
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A controlled study conducted in 2004, concluded that ginger has a “significant” effect lowering fatty substances known as lipids compared to a placebo. Having high cholesterol means you are at greater risk of serious medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as heart disease.
Dementia
Healthline reports that 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol, compounds found in ginger, could help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation may be key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline,” it says.
A study from 2014 revealed that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger could inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain and prevent cognitive decline.
Cancer
Again, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger are thought to provide some incredible health benefits. Research, published in Cancer Prevention Research journal, trialled the use of ginger on 20 people with a high risk of bowel cancer.
After taking two grams of ginger daily for 28 days the lining of the participant’s intestines showed fewer cancer-like changes than expected.
At the time of publication you can buy 50 grams of ginger root from Tesco for 60p.
