Common kitchen ingredient 'may reduce cholesterol and help heart health'
There's a common kitchen ingredient that, when incorporated into daily meals or consumed regularly, could dramatically cut cholesterol levels and boost heart health whilst also tackling nausea, reducing inflammation, fighting off colds, and providing defence against dementia and cancer.
Ginger, the potent super root from Asia, is celebrated as "one of the most nutritious foods that exists", having been utilised in traditional medicine for over 2,500 years.
Cholesterol and Heart Health
When it comes to managing cholesterol, research published in 2022 examining 26 clinical trials discovered that eating ginger substantially decreased triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, known as "bad" cholesterol) levels, whilst boosting high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good" cholesterol) levels.
The research also revealed that ginger could reduce blood pressure, reports the Express.
Remarkably, even quantities under 1,500 mg daily showed positive effects.
A controlled study carried out in 2004 found that ginger has a "significant" effect on reducing fatty substances known as lipids, compared to a placebo.
Raised cholesterol levels can increase the risk of serious health crises such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as heart disease.
People with type 2 diabetes could particularly benefit from ginger, as a review of 10 studies previously showed that consuming one to three grams of ginger daily for four to 12 weeks assisted in enhancing both cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar management. The advantages are thought to arise from several processes, including improved insulin sensitivity, decreased oxidative stress, and more effective glucose absorption by cells.
Furthermore, ginger's anti-inflammatory qualities may also contribute to protecting heart health.
'Bad cholesterol', elevated blood pressure, and raised blood sugar are all risk factors that have been associated with heart disease. Remarkably, ginger could potentially assist with all three.
Dementia and Cancer
Healthline suggests that compounds found in ginger, particularly 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol, might help prevent degenerative conditions 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 explains.
A 2014 study revealed the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger could inhibit inflammatory responses in the brain and prevent cognitive deterioration.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds contained in ginger are also thought to offer significant health advantages concerning cancer, though further research is required in this area.
Research published in the Cancer Prevention Research journal examined the effects of ginger on 20 people at elevated risk of bowel cancer. After consuming two grams of ginger daily for 28 days, the lining of the participants' intestines showed fewer cancer-like alterations than anticipated.
Sexual Health Early research suggests that ginger may benefit sexual health, although more human studies are needed to confirm this. Animal studies have shown that ginger can increase testosterone levels, improve sexual behaviour, and enhance blood flow.
It's no wonder then, that this common spice has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine for ages.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Cheap 9p supplement could protect women against Alzheimer's, study finds – as scientists move ‘step closer to a cure'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TAKING omega-3 supplements or eating fatty fish could protect women against Alzheimer's, scientists say. Researchers at King's College London and Queen Mary University London found that women with the disease had a noticeable drop in 'healthy' fats and higher levels of 'unhealthy' fats in their blood compared to those without Alzheimer's. 1 An omega-3 supplement could help ward of Alzheimer's disease in women Credit: Getty They reckon eating salmon, mackerel or sardines, or taking daily pills, could help to maintain optimum levels and lower the risk of cognitive decline. Senior author Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, from KCL, said: 'Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet - through fatty fish or via supplements.' Scientists examined the blood of 841 people with and without Alzheimer's - the most common type of dementia. They discovered those with the disease had a considerable loss of 'healthy' unsaturated fats, such as those that contain omega fatty acids, compared to healthy women. They also noted a steep increase in 'unhealthy' or 'bad' fats in those with Alzheimer's. There was no difference in these fat molecules between men with and without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's - which researchers say could explain why more women have it. Dr Legido-Quigley said: "Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer's disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80. "One of the most surprising things we saw when looking at the different sexes was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women this picture was completely different. "The study reveals that Alzheimer's lipid biology is different between the sexes, opening new avenues for research. "However, we need clinical trials to determine if shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory of Alzheimer's." What is kefir? The fermented milk drink that could improve your energy, skin and even Alzheimer's First author Dr Asger Wretlind, from KCL, added: 'Although this still warrants further research, we were able to detect biological differences between the sexes and show the importance of fat molecules containing omegas in the blood, which has not been done before. 'The results are very striking and now we are looking at how early in life this change occurs in women.' Omega-3s are a family of essential fatty acids that help to build and supply energy to cells in the body, particularly in the brain and eyes. We cannot make them naturally and must get them from our diet. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, herring, oysters, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and soybeans are all good sources. Supplements, available in pharmacies and supermarkets for as little as 9p per pill, are also an option. There is no government recommendation in the UK of how much omega-3 we need, but two 140g portions of fish per week, one of which is oily, is suggested. Understanding how the disease works differently in women could help doctors tailor future treatments, health advice and bring us a step closer to a cure Dr Julia Dudley Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'In the UK, two in three people living with dementia are women. 'This could be linked to living longer, or other risk factors like social isolation, education, or hormonal changes from the menopause being at play. 'While this study shows that women with Alzheimer's had lower levels of some unsaturated fats compared with men, further work is needed. 'Understanding how the disease works differently in women could help doctors tailor future treatments and health advice. 'Alzheimer's Research UK is proud to be funding this work that will bring us a step closer to a cure.' Around 982,000 people live with dementia in the UK; more than 520,000 have Alzheimer's. About 60 per cent of these people are women. Experts say the main reason for this is likely due to women living longer, as age is the biggest risk factor for the condition. The study was published in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. Other major Alzheimer's breakthroughs While experts have warned that dementia diagnoses in England have reached record numbers, there have been a number of recent advances against brain robbing diseases. From "game-changing" drugs gaining approval to blood tests that can spot the condition years before symptoms, here are other major Alzheimer's breakthroughs. A "game-changing" Alzheimer's drug called donanemab, that slows mental decline by up to 60 per cent has been approved in the United States. A UK decision on whether the drug will become available to patients in the UK with early symptoms is expected imminently. A blood test that detects Alzheimer's up to 15 years before symptoms emerge is set to be made free on the NHS within a year. The new test is cheaper, easier and at least as accurate as the current diagnosis options and works by measuring levels of a protein in the blood called p-tau217. Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind test that could predict dementia up to nine years before a diagnosis, with 80 per cent accuracy. It involves analysing network of connections in the brain when it's in "idle mode" to look for very early signs of the condition. Scientists have also put AI to the test, developing machine learning models were able to spot early warning signs of the memory-robbing condition up to seven years before Alzheimer's symptoms appear. A woman who has evaded Alzheimer's disease despite half her relatives getting it could hold the clues to how to prevent it, with scientists pinpointing a particular gene which they think could help prevent Alzheimer's from progressing. It comes as a separate study found that children who had a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may have a reduced risk of short sightedness. The research, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined data on 1,005 Chinese children aged between six and eight years, including their eyesight and regular surveys about their diet. Overall, 28 per cent of children had myopia - the medical name for short sightedness. Researchers from Hong Kong found that a higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of the condition. Eating more saturated fats, found in foods like butter, palm oil and red meat, could increase the chances of myopia. Professor Jason Yam, from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said: "This study provides the human evidence that higher dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake is associated with shorter axial length and less myopic refraction, highlighting omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a potential protective dietary factor against myopia development."
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Common pill you can buy for pennies could ward off Alzheimer's
Common pill you can buy for pennies could ward off Alzheimer's Researchers say the results of a major new study are 'very striking' A woman taking a simple supplement Omega fatty acids, found in certain fish or taken as a supplement, could potentially help ward off Alzheimer's disease in women, a new study suggests. Researchers found that lipids – fat molecules in the body – are different in women with Alzheimer's and those without. But they stressed that more work was needed to see whether 'shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory' of the disease. Scientists from Kings College London and Queen Mary University London, examined blood samples taken from 841 people, including 306 people with Alzheimer's; 165 with mild cognitive impairment and 370 healthy people. They discovered that there was a noticeable loss of unsaturated fats, including those that contain omega fatty acids, in the blood of women with Alzheimer's disease compared to healthy women, according to the study, which has been published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. They also noted a steep increase in lipids with saturation – also known as 'unhealthy lipids' – in women with Alzheimer's compared to women without. But there was no difference between these fat molecules between men with, and without, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's – which researchers say could help deepen knowledge about why more women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. 'Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer's disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80,' said senior author of the study Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, from King's College London. One of the most surprising things we saw when looking at the different sexes was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women this picture was completely different. 'The study reveals that Alzheimer's lipid biology is different between the sexes, opening new avenues for research. Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet – through fatty fish or via supplements. Article continues below 'However, we need clinical trials to determine if shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory of Alzheimer's Disease.' Dr Asger Wretlind, first author of the study from King's College London, said: 'Although this still warrants further research, we were able to detect biological differences in lipids between the sexes in a large cohort, and show the importance of lipids containing omegas in the blood, which has not been done before. 'The results are very striking and now we are looking at how early in life this change occurs in women.' Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, which funded the study along with LundbeckFonden, said: 'In the UK, two in three people living with dementia are women. 'This could be linked to living longer, or other risk factors like social isolation, education, or hormonal changes from the menopause being at play. While this study shows that women with Alzheimer's had lower levels of some unsaturated fats compared with men, further work is needed. 'This includes understanding the mechanisms behind this difference and finding out if lifestyle changes, including diet could have a role.' Article continues below People can consume omega-3 fatty acids by eating fatty fish including salmon, mackerel or sardines, or by taking a supplement. It comes as a separate study found that children who had a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may have a reduced risk of short sightedness. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined data on 1,005 Chinese children aged between six and eight years, including their eye sight and regular surveys about their diet. Overall 28% of children had myopia. Researchers from Hong Kong found that a higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of the condition.
Western Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Cheap supplement may protect against Alzheimer's in women
Researchers found that lipids – fat molecules in the body – are different in women with Alzheimer's and those without. But they stressed that more work was needed to see whether 'shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory' of the disease. Scientists from Kings College London and Queen Mary University London, examined blood samples taken from 841 people, including 306 people with Alzheimer's; 165 with mild cognitive impairment and 370 healthy people. They discovered that there was a noticeable loss of unsaturated fats, including those that contain omega fatty acids, in the blood of women with Alzheimer's disease compared to healthy women, according to the study, which has been published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. They also noted a steep increase in lipids with saturation – also known as 'unhealthy lipids' – in women with Alzheimer's compared to women without. But there was no difference between these fat molecules between men with, and without, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's – which researchers say could help deepen knowledge about why more women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. 'Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer's disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80,' said senior author of the study Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, from King's College London. 'One of the most surprising things we saw when looking at the different sexes was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women this picture was completely different. 'The study reveals that Alzheimer's lipid biology is different between the sexes, opening new avenues for research. 'Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet – through fatty fish or via supplements. 'However, we need clinical trials to determine if shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory of Alzheimer's Disease.' Dr Asger Wretlind, first author of the study from King's College London, said: 'Although this still warrants further research, we were able to detect biological differences in lipids between the sexes in a large cohort, and show the importance of lipids containing omegas in the blood, which has not been done before. 'The results are very striking and now we are looking at how early in life this change occurs in women.' Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, which funded the study along with LundbeckFonden, said: 'In the UK, two in three people living with dementia are women. 'This could be linked to living longer, or other risk factors like social isolation, education, or hormonal changes from the menopause being at play. 'While this study shows that women with Alzheimer's had lower levels of some unsaturated fats compared with men, further work is needed. 'This includes understanding the mechanisms behind this difference and finding out if lifestyle changes, including diet could have a role.' People can consume omega-3 fatty acids by eating fatty fish including salmon, mackerel or sardines, or by taking a supplement. It comes as a separate study found that children who had a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may have a reduced risk of short sightedness. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined data on 1,005 Chinese children aged between six and eight years, including their eye sight and regular surveys about their diet. Overall 28% of children had myopia. Researchers from Hong Kong found that a higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of the condition.
