Is Ginger Good for Heart Health?

by Richard J. Manager

Ginger root is not only a delicious spice that can make your meal tastier, for centuries it has also been used as a medicine and a part of herbal remedies in such Asian countries as Thailand, India, China, and Japan. Modern medicine has confirmed the health benefits of ginger as well. Ginger is rich in various minerals (iron, calcium, copper, potassium, selenium, sodium, magnesium, etc.) and vitamins (vitamin K, E, C, choline, and group B vitamins).

Researchers believe that ginger root can lower the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases. The results of a double blind clinical study issued in 2008 showed that ginger has marked lipid-lowering properties since it can significantly reduce the blood levels of cholesterol, very low density and low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. This discovery shows that ginger is potentially advantageous for the prevention of such serious condition as atherosclerosis.

Diuretic and antihypertensive properties of ginger have long been known in the traditional medicine practices in various countries. Thus, in Pakistan herbalists prescribe it to those suffering from hypertension to be taken after dinner. A study from 2005 suggests that ginger can lower blood pressure using the mechanisms that involve the blockage of voltage-dependent calcium channels.

The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that ginger can prevent blood from clotting. This peculiarity of ginger can be beneficial for the patients who suffer from cardiovascular diseases when blood vessels can become clogged which causes a stroke or myocardial infarction.

However, with all its cardiovascular benefits, ginger can still be harmful to certain people with cardiovascular disease. Researchers state that high doses of ginger can aggravate heart conditions. Thus, patients with low blood pressure (hypotension) and those who are already taking blood pressure preparations can have heartbeat irregularities or an unsafe decrease in blood pressure when consuming ginger. Moreover, ginger can interact with other preparations such as blood thinners. Therefore, it’s worth talking to a doctor before taking ginger.