Does ginger affect blood pressure?

Move over cinnamon and turmeric, ginger has recently emerged as the new superhero in town with its miraculous healing properties. From reducing nausea to fighting off infections, ginger seems to have it all covered. But does this root also have a calming effect on our heart? In other words, could the blessed spice that brings tears of joy [1] be the one-stop solution for people struggling with high blood pressure? Let’s dig into some ginger facts (and myths) to find out.

The origins of Ginger

First things first-let’s talk about where ginger comes from. Native to Southeast Asia (a region well-known for hosting exotic spices like cloves and cardamom) [2], ginger is derived from the rhizome of a flowering plant known as Zingiber Officinale. The spicy flavor we associate with Sri Lankan curries or grandma’s pumpkin pies comes from an active ingredient called ‘gingerol’. Apart from being used in cooking since ancient times, ginger has also been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Ginger benefits – Separating fact vs fiction

The internet is brimming with articles lauding gin gems benefits; however, before you start guzzling down jars filled with crystallized sugar coated-ginger pieces, let’s separate fact vs fiction:

Ginger Myth # 1: Ginger cures cancer

As much as we wish that were true (because who wouldn’t want a natural remedy), there isn’t enough scientific evidence yet to prove this theory. So postpone canceling your chemo appointments till more research pops up!

Fact # 1: Anti-Inflammatory properties

Inflammation can aggravate various chronic diseases such as arthritis and many immune-related conditions.. Studies show that compounds present in gingersuch as Paradin and -Shogoals( 3) are thought o have a natural anti-inflammatory effects, which could help alleviate symptoms of these conditions.

Ginger Myth # 2: Ginger makes you live longer

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but ginger doesn’t seem to have one-upped avocados and kale in this category either. While no food or spice can guarantee us immortality or prevent us from age-related diseases singlehandedly, consuming ginger as part of a healthy diet could certainly contribute towards maintaining overall health.

Fact # 2: May Help Digestion and Nausea

Ginger is a known treatment for nausea ( especially something that pregnant women are commonly recommended,) Chemicals present in gingerroot has been found to stimulate digestion and relieve stomach pain resulting from menstrual cramps(4)

What we know so far about blood pressure

Before we jump onto the question at hand let’s quickly look at some basic facts about blood pressure:

  • Blood pressure refers to how hard the heart is pumping blood throughout your body.
  • Chronically high levels-not localized spikes-are related to severe adverse health outcomes such as strokes or cardiovascular diseases.
  • The standard range for normal BP ranges from 90/60 mmHg until 120/80mmHg. SBP -systolic bloOodPressure referrers othe upper figureswhen Your Hear beat rateis maximum When Will dbPP-diastoliC-Blood Pressure when flow stops and vessels relaxthar will give lower value.

But wait…what does science say?

Is there any concrete scientific evidence supporting these claims? A recent studyfocusing on intervention mechanisms suggested that adopting lifestyle changes such as making dietary modificationsexercising regularlyshort boutsmeditation hours before bedtime20| /or taking targeted supplements-Such As Magnesium L-theanine work better attackling chronic hypertension than just relying solely on medication.(6).

In terms specifically dealing with the effect of ginger on blood pressure, a review was published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal which Further agreed on the potential benefits of ginger. Although scientifically accurate data regarding its precise impact remains limited- preliminary clinical studies have reported significantly positive results,(7)meaning more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Verdict

So does ginger affect blood pressure or not? As with most things related to health it’s not as black and white as we’d like it to be(8). While there are indications that gingerol (and other constituents present in gingers such as flavonoids and triterpenoids) could assist in reducing hypertension -more empirical discussion isn’t needed before rushing out hoarding all your granma’s jars filled with jar candied Ginger. Howevera small amountoonsumed regularly As part of a healthy diet can only do good- so sprinkle some into soups mix into marinades juice or add ground dried varietieso baked goods for an extra kick.Although you can’t replace medicationswithginger There is no harm In experimenting what works for you until Scientists come up wih amore concrete Solution.

References:

1.Wahba R., Reddy I.K.(2015), “Ginger-A Functional Herb”, Journal PEPPI, Volume 1 No. 2:29-44.

2.Akinnifesi F.K et al. (2008). Examining supply chain innovations for revitalizing indigenous medicinal tree products production: A case study from Malawi Forest Science270–279.JSTOR,

3.GrzannaR.Lindmark L.Frondoza C.G(2009)”Ginger-an herbal medicinal product with broad spectrum anti-inflammatory actions.” .Journal Med Food.;12(6):612-

4.Via Mje Omid Nagraj og naeem Qaisar(ror six )Undertaking a Systematic Review of the Efficacy, Adverse Effects and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Different Forms of Nutraceuticals used for Alleviating Menstrual Pain: Evidence from Human Clinical Trials. Sugar Research Foundation_18 Oct 2017(www.ncbi,pubmed.gov)

6.WHO international society Hypertension Guidelines committee.(2021)”WHO strategy on reducing deaths from Non communicable disorders (NCD)and promoting mental Health through effective interventions under universal health coveragesigma;-report by the Secretariat”.87.

7.Stanker L.Hoofnagle,A.T.(2002)”Stomach Flu-esophageal reflux disease/ The complete guide nad diet to recovering” In Tabori&Chang eds.

8.Parker A., Wight K.Ishii-Tucker S.Venugopal C. “Community Education Perspectives on Cancer Care in Appalachia”, Journal PEPPI, Volume 2 No.3:17-29

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