Ginger is incredibly versatile and a staple in alternative medicine. People have used it for centuries to improve many aspects of heart health, including circulation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure ( 34 ). Both human and animal studies have shown that taking ginger reduces blood pressure in several ways.
That can raise the risk of developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. High blood pressure medications: Ginger may lower blood pressure, raising the risk of low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
Research suggests that high-dose ginger supplements may help lower high blood pressure. A review of 6 studies found that, when taken in doses of 3 grams or more per day for 8 weeks or fewer, ginger supplements significantly reduced blood pressure in people 50 years old and younger ( 42 ).
Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
Don't consume more than 4 grams of ginger in any given day in any form. People with heart conditions, diabetes, and gallstones should especially talk with their doctor before taking ginger as a supplement.
Ginger has an excellent safety record in humans. In high doses it may cause sleepiness or heart palpitations. It may also thin the blood. To be safe, don't use it if you are already taking prescription anti-coagulants such as Coumadin (Warfarin).
Ginger. One 2014 study showed that ginger can lower your total cholesterol and triglycerides levels, while a study from 2008 showed that it can reduce LDL cholesterol levels and boost HDL cholesterol. You can add raw ginger to food, or take it as a supplement or powder.
The main concern with taking ginger in supplemental doses is its possibility of interacting with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin (Coumadin). Both can slow blood clotting; taken together they may increase the danger of bleeding and bruising.
Ginger tea is great anytime during the day, but the best time to drink ginger tea is in the morning. When taken in the first 30 minutes after you awake, it helps your body end its overnight fast, charge up your metabolism, and prevent nausea.
Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body's DNA. They may help your body fight off chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs, plus promote healthy aging.
Vitamin B3, or niacin, has been shown to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good, cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides. Niacin supplementation has been used since the 1950s as a treatment for high cholesterol.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
Fill Up on Fiber
Foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans are high in soluble fiber, which keeps your body from absorbing cholesterol. Research shows that people who ate 5 to 10 more grams of it each day saw a drop in their LDL. Eating more fiber also makes you feel full, so you won't crave snacks as much.
Ginger is a world known food plant which is equally reputed for its medicinal properties. We report here the hypotensive, endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilator and cardio-suppressant and stimulant effects of its aqueous extract (Zo.Cr).
It Can Improve Blood Circulation
Ginger has been known to improve body circulation, because it contains magnesium, chromium, and zinc — all minerals known to improve blood flow. Ginger can also help you reduce your flu and cold symptoms if you are feeling under the weather.
The best dose? Research points to 250mg four times a day (1g total daily), or about 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger per day.
Chop or grate it into sauces, salad dressings, or right on top of your salad, poultry or seafood. Snack on candied ginger or make it part of your dessert. Use pickled ginger as a condiment. Drink freshly brewed tea steeped along with a thumbnail piece of chopped ginger daily.
And you don't have to consume a megadose to feel the results either—experts, including integrative medicine pioneer Andrew Weil, M.D, recommend consuming around 2 grams of ginger per day, which works out to about 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, or 3/4 teaspoon powdered ginger.
Upset stomach
Ginger tends to stimulate the secretion of bile, which aids in digestion. But, on an empty stomach, it causes digestive distress and an upset stomach. The gingerol that is present in ginger irritates the stomach lining, by making it produce more acid. Thus, there will be abdominal distress.
Ginger is believed to speed up the movement of food through the GI tract, while also protecting the gut. It may also ease bloating, cramping, and gas. If you are dealing with an upset stomach, you may want to boil some fresh ginger or add a little ground ginger to some hot water.