Kitchen staple 'reduces cholesterol and helps heart health'

There is an everyday kitchen staple, which if added to meals or consumed in some form everyday, could slash cholesterol levels and support heart health as well as ease nausea, reduce inflammation, relieve colds, and offer protection against dementia and cancer.

Ginger, the fiery super root originating from Asia, is hailed as "one of the most nutritious foods that exists", having been used in traditional medicine for more than 2,500 years.

Regarding cholesterol control, research published in 2022 reviewing 26 clinical trials found that consuming ginger significantly reduced triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, known as "bad" cholesterol) levels, whilst increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good" cholesterol) levels. The research also found that ginger could lower blood pressure.

Impressively, even amounts below 1,500 mg daily proved beneficial. A controlled study conducted in 2004 discovered that ginger has a "significant" impact on lowering fatty substances known as lipids, compared to a placebo.

Elevated cholesterol levels can heighten the risk of serious health emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as heart disease.

Those with type 2 diabetes could greatly benefit from ginger, as a review of 10 studies previously revealed that taking one to three grams of ginger daily for four to 12 weeks helped in improving both cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar control.

The benefits are believed to stem from various mechanisms, including enhanced insulin sensitivity, a reduction in oxidative stress, and more efficient glucose uptake by cells. Additionally, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help protect cardiovascular health.

‘Bad cholesterol’, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar are all risk factors that have been linked to heart disease. Miraculously, ginger might help with all three.

Healthline indicates that compounds present in ginger, specifically 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol, might help ward off degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. "Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation may be key drivers of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline," it states.

A 2014 study disclosed that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger could suppress inflammatory responses in the brain and halt cognitive decline.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds present in ginger are also believed to provide substantial health benefits regarding cancer, although more research is needed in the sphere.

Research published in the Cancer Prevention Research journal tested the use of ginger on 20 individuals at high risk of bowel cancer. Following consumption of two grams of ginger daily for 28 days, the lining of the participants' intestines demonstrated fewer cancer-like changes than expected.

There is some early research which also points to ginger benefit sexual health, although more evidence in humans is needed to conclude the same. Studies on animals have found ginger can boost testosterone levels, enhance sexual behaviour, and improve blood flow. It comes as no surprise then, that the staple spice has long been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine.