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With increasing cases of cardiac ailments like heart attacks or cardiac arrests, it has become of the utmost importance to pay heed to heart health. Well, cholesterol is one of the major factors that can indicate the condition of the heart, and this is why it is essential to maintain a healthy LDL level (bad cholesterol), as it silently triggers the risk of heart diseases and heart issues. While medications paired with good food, exercise and better sleep can improve heart health, adding some natural remedies to the diet can also improve heart health and one such remedy is ginger. Here’s how ginger can be added to the diet to improve cardiac health.



Why Ginger?
Ginger is a quintessential spice used in day-to-day cooking, but little do we know that this one spice can not only heal a cold cough but can also improve heart health and also reduce inflammation. One of the most researched benefits of ginger is its potential to support heart health, especially reducing plaque in arteries by lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, which is also known as bad cholesterol. High LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, making natural remedies like ginger a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Read on: How can ginger boost your health? Know its 10 health benefits

Anti-inflammatory properties
Chronic inflammation in the body can damage blood vessels and contribute to high cholesterol levels. Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols and shogaols that help reduce inflammation in arteries. By calming inflammation, ginger may indirectly help lower LDL cholesterol and protect heart health over time.



Cholesterol synthesis
Research suggests that ginger may help inhibit the enzymes involved in cholesterol production in the liver. Additionally, it may reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol by increasing the excretion of bile acids. This dual action helps the body manage cholesterol levels more efficiently, leading to lower LDL and possibly higher HDL (good cholesterol) levels.


Antioxidants
Oxidative stress can oxidize LDL particles, making them more dangerous and likely to form plaques in the arteries. Ginger's rich antioxidant content helps neutralize free radicals, reducing the risk of LDL oxidation. This not only helps lower total cholesterol but also prevents LDL from contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.


What the study says
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine on the investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels, it was found that ginger has cholesterol-lowering abilities. In this study the participants who consumed 3 grams of ginger powder daily for 45 days showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Another trial confirmed that ginger supplementation improved lipid profiles in people with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels).



How to add ginger to the daily diet
Adding ginger into the daily routine is simple and natural. You can drink ginger tea, add fresh ginger to soups, stir-fries, or smoothies, or take it in powdered or supplement form. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, ginger can be an effective natural aid in maintaining healthy LDL cholesterol levels and supporting overall heart health.