01/13/2018 / By Jhoanna Robinson
Ginger and rosemary can help a person’s heart and arterial health, according to a study published in the Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. The paper, titled Possible hypocholesterolemic effect of ginger and rosemary oil in rats, pointed that ginger and rosemary have cholesterol-reducing effects after in vivo trials in rats that were fed with a high-fat diet.
Hypercholesterolemia is the condition of having excessive amounts of cholesterol in the body. This, in turn, can lead to alterations in lipoprotein transport and metabolism. Moreover, having a high amount of cholesterol is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, which builds up plaque in the arteries. Cholesterol alters a body’s vascular structure and function by accumulating within the lining of the vascular wall, thereby disrupting endothelial action, causing lesions and occlusions.
The risk of incurring hypercholesterolemia also varies with age and gender. Genetics also comes into play. Familial hypercholesterolemia patients have inherited allelic mutations in the gene specifying the low-density lipoprotein receptor placed on the surface of the cell. Familial hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of premature ischemic heart disorders.
The monocotyledon ginger (Zingiber officinale) of the family Zingiberaceae is an addendum to a number of commercial foods and beverages. It is endemic in South East Asia and is known all around the world as a rich source of compounds – shagaols, paradol, terpenes, oleoresin, gingerol, zingerone – of phytomedicinal interest.
Ginger is known for its anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidaemic, anti-nausea, and antimicrobial properties.
The study was done to measure the potential effect of ginger oil alone or combined with rosemary oil as a hypocholesterolemic agent in rats that were given a diet that was high in fats. (Related: Peppermint and Ginger Are Wonderful Healing Herbs For Self-Care)
The researchers found out that rosemary and ginger oils positively impacts rats with hypercholesterolemia, making the oils promising in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most frequent causes of death in the United States. Over 611,000 individuals perish from heart disease annually, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed. There are various types of heart disease, whose risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, family history, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and excessive alcohol use.
Among the herbs, spices, and foods that can contribute to heart health are:
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Tagged Under: botanicals, cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, ginger, healing herbs, Heart, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, medicinal herbs, Rosemary
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