The degree of elasticity of blood vessels determines the composition of the blood, the performance of the liver and endocrine system, the filtration capabilities of the kidneys, and the efficiency of metabolic processes in the body. If the functioning of any of these organs is disrupted, the concentration of harmful compounds in the blood increases.
One of these substances is “bad” cholesterol, which is low and very low density lipoproteins. If the concentration of LDL and VLDL exceeds the norm, its excess accumulates in the blood vessels. The pathological process is enhanced by smoking, overeating, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Timely cleansing of the vascular bed from clots will help avoid atherosclerosis and its consequences (coronary artery disease, varicose veins, stroke, heart attack). Ginger, which is used to restore cholesterol levels, helps improve blood flow and normalize the functioning of vital organs.
Useful properties of ginger
Studying the root, scientists identified about 400 types of active components, including valuable amino acids (tryptophan, threonine, methionine, leisine, valine), which we get only from food. It also contains essential oils (up to 3%), microelements (calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus), niacin, vitamin complex (C, B1, B2).
In terms of effectiveness, ginger is compared to garlic, although its delicate, tart, burning taste cannot be compared with the pungent smell and aftertaste of garlic.
Does ginger lower cholesterol? The root is a catalyst for all metabolic processes:
- Improves metabolism and gastrointestinal function;
- Reduces the concentration of harmful cholesterol;
- Burns fat;
- Reduces blood glucose levels;
- It has antibacterial, expectorant, anthelmintic, laxative and tonic properties;
- Improves blood flow;
- Relieves spasms;
- Lowers blood pressure;
- Heals ulcers;
- Treats skin diseases;
- Removes toxins;
- Increases sexual activity;
- Relieves the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism.
Traditional medicine has long and successfully used ginger for cholesterol - to prevent its excess. It owes its medicinal properties to gingerol, a phenol-like compound that gives the root a bitter-mint flavor.
Gingerol (from the English “ginger”, which means “ginger”) accelerates metabolism, converting excess cholesterol into bile acids, has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, as a good antioxidant prevents the aging of the body and the development of tumors.
Ginger and cholesterol are antagonists, but the root not only removes plaque, it effectively removes alcohol, food, and radiation toxins. Drinks with this amazing spice improve tone, mood, and well-being. To effectively remove cholesterol, it is enough to consume up to 2 g of root per day.
You can learn more about the beneficial properties of ginger from this video
Cooking options
Ginger root is used not only in folk medicine; it is also contained in recipes for preparing common dishes. In some countries it is considered an essential spice, so do not be put off by its characteristic bitter taste. To use the root against high cholesterol, you can use one of the recipes:
- Essential oils. They contain the highest concentration of useful components. The recommended daily dose is 3 drops, divided into three doses. You can add a drop of oil to a tablespoon of water or honey.
- Tea. A small amount of root (about 20 g) is grated on a fine grater and poured with 250 ml of boiling water. The drink is taken warm when it has cooled down, preferably after breakfast. The beneficial properties of ginger last a long time, so for the second dose, you can pour the same “infusion” into the afternoon, and prepare a fresh drink for the evening.
- Adding to finished tea. This recipe is suitable for those who cannot stand the taste of pure ginger. Then you can simply brew black or green tea and add a little grated root to it.
When adding to tea and other drinks, it is not recommended to peel the root; the skin also contains useful substances. Simply wash it thoroughly.
Dry ground ginger can be added as a spice to fish, meat, and other foods. The beneficial properties of the root are revealed more when it is brewed in boiling water. But this use of ginger will also reduce the negative effects of cholesterol-containing foods.
Ginger tea is not only tasty, but also very healthy
Who doesn't benefit from ginger tea?
Ginger for lowering cholesterol is not suitable for everyone. The following cleaning of blood vessels is contraindicated:
- For gastrointestinal ulcers;
- For bleeding of various origins, in particular with hemorrhoids;
- Diabetics and people with impaired glucose tolerance, if honey is included in the recipes;
- In acute cerebrovascular accidents;
- In the third trimester of pregnancy;
- If the temperature is high;
- In case of allergy to any ingredient of the composition;
- During pregnancy and lactation.
Ginger tea is a medicinal drink: exceeding the dosage can provoke dyspeptic disorders and fever. You should not drink the drink before bed, as its tonic properties can cause sleep disorders.
Take ginger for cholesterol a maximum of 3 hours before bedtime. If there are doubts about your health or a tendency to allergies, you should start treatment with the minimum dosage.
Ginger for cholesterol: recipe options
Preparing such dishes does not require a lot of time and money, and judging by the reviews, the efficiency is high. The raw material (root part) can be used both dry and fresh.
The whole rhizome should be consumed directly with the peel, as it contains many useful compounds. After soaking, the root is cut into thin slices. You can add a slice to traditional or herbal teas.
An important advantage of the recipes is the fact that you can be treated without interruption: ginger, honey, lemon, mint, and nuts included in the mixtures can always be found.
The most popular recipe options for ginger medicinal compositions are presented in the table.
Name | Ingredients | Cooking method | How to use |
Blend against “bad” cholesterol | ¼ tsp. ginger powder; nuts – 5 pcs. (preferably walnuts); 1 tbsp. l. honey | Mix everything and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours. | 1 tbsp. l. before meals. |
Classic version | 3 tbsp. l. chopped root; 1.5 liters of water; black pepper (on the tip of a knife); 2 tbsp. l. honey; 4 tbsp. l. fresh juice (lemons, oranges); 2 tbsp. l. mint. | Throw mint and ginger into boiling water (1 liter), simmer for 15 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients (except honey). | Drink it all in one day, always hot. |
Tonic drink | 1 tsp. powder (or 1 tbsp root). | Pour boiling water (1 cup) over the crushed raw materials. Cover and leave for 10 minutes. | In the morning before meals – 100 ml. The rest is done in a day. |
Tea with lemon | 1 tsp. powder (or 1 tbsp. fresh root); a little honey; 30 ml lemon juice. | Brew boiling water (1l) and leave for an hour. | Drink 2 times a day. |
Polivita-mine mixture | 300 g root; lemon; 300 g honey. | Grind the prepared raw materials (with peel) in a blender, add honey. Store in the refrigerator in a glass jar. | Prevention: 1 tbsp/day, treatment: 1 tbsp. 3 rubles/day. |
Juice | Rhizome – 1-2 pcs. | Soak the raw materials, grind them on a grater, and squeeze them through cheesecloth. | Drink 2 times a day, 1/8 tsp. |
To achieve a tangible result, you must strictly adhere to the manufacturing technology, including dosage. How much to drink ginger tea for cholesterol? The duration of treatment is from 30 days.
If you are tired of mixtures, you can try to diversify your diet:
- Additives to porridge (oatmeal, buckwheat). Rice cereal is not suitable: cereals have a fairly high glycemic index, which increases blood sugar even without honey.
- Boiling water is not useful for such mixtures; they are placed directly into tea at a comfortable temperature.
- In addition to mixtures with the root, ginger oil is also used to remove harmful cholesterol and lose weight. For one dose, a drop of oil added to honey (1 tsp) is enough, which should be eaten before meals.
- Ginger is also added as a spice to meat dishes, salads, and desserts.
In addition to blood vessels, the described remedies strengthen the body’s defenses, therefore they are useful for flu and colds. Ginger can be given to children with high cholesterol, but the dose should be halved.
More recipes with ginger in this video
Nutrition for atherosclerosis
In fact,
Atherosclerosis is a disease that involves a condition in which the arteries become denser and lose their elasticity. As a rule, this disease causes a narrowing of the lumen of the arteries and over time can lead to serious heart problems.
Atherosclerotic changes occur when fats, particularly “bad” cholesterol, become deposited on the walls of the arteries. Over time, such fat accumulations form the notorious cholesterol plaques and atheromas - formations with mushy contents. It is clear that such changes lead to a deterioration in the condition of blood vessels and pose a serious obstacle to blood flow.
Due to the circumstances described above, less oxygenated blood reaches the tissues. Thus, the body experiences “oxygen starvation.” The risk of strokes and heart attacks also increases significantly. In addition, loss of vascular elasticity tends to increase blood pressure (a condition of hypertension) and lead to erectile dysfunction.
The narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels can affect not only the heart. Atherosclerosis also affects other organs: eyes, kidneys and legs. In this case we are talking about peripheral vascular disease.
The insidiousness of atherosclerosis also lies in the fact that there is always a danger of fatty plaque coming off from the walls of blood vessels. If the broken fragments are large enough, this can lead to blockage of the vessel.
Treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis
Measures to prevent atherosclerosis are the same at any age: do not smoke, lead an active lifestyle, adhere to a balanced diet, control blood pressure, have a test for cholesterol and its fractions upon reaching the age of 40 years, and in cases of sudden death at a young age in close relatives - before this age.
To prevent the consequences of the disease, your doctor will most likely advise you to make lifestyle changes. You can lose weight and keep your cholesterol in check by eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and simple sugars, and by exercising. In addition, you will kill several birds with one stone, because a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of hypertension and diabetes.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, you may be prescribed medications to lower cholesterol, blood glucose, and high blood pressure. Aspirin is also very effective for atherosclerosis.
If the vessels are too narrowed, then surgery to expand the lumen may be indicated. the method of stenting is widely used , which boils down to the fact that a very thin metal wire is inserted into the damaged vessel, which expands the lumen. Thus, it is possible to restore blood flow.
So, Dr. BOSTI presents 8 of the most useful foods that are good for our heart and blood vessels. Among them:
1. Apples
Sour apples are richer in vitamin C, they have a beneficial effect on the immune system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce their permeability to toxins, relieve swelling, and promote rapid restoration of strength after a long illness. Apples are beneficial for low blood pressure and hardening of blood vessels because they are a powerful blood purifier. Apples are good for the heart and blood vessels, because the less cholesterol, the healthier the cardiovascular system. If the vessels are clogged with cholesterol, there is a high probability of developing coronary heart disease. Apples protect against cholesterol, reducing its level.
Apples also contain pectin, a type of pectin that binds to cholesterol and prevents it from attaching to the walls of blood vessels. This way they clean out the arteries. They also contain flavonoids, antioxidants that reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 50%.
2. Oatmeal
Porridges are slow carbohydrates that can provide the body with energy for a long time. If we spend several fasting days on porridge, which is cooked in water without salt, we will get an active intestine and a fresh appearance.
Oatmeal is a rich source of fiber, and it helps to gently cleanse the intestines and remove toxins. Also, eating these cereals reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and breaks down its deposits. All this increases elasticity and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
Oatmeal allows you to maintain the required blood sugar level for a long time, which is the prevention of diabetes.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of many heart-related diseases.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric helps increase blood circulation and prevents blood clotting, which can prevent heart attacks. Additionally, turmeric prevents plaque from clogging arteries by inhibiting fat oxidation and lowering cholesterol levels.
- Use turmeric in cooking
- As a dietary supplement, you can take 250 – 600 mg of curcumin in a standardized capsule 3 times daily. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.
4. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is an excellent choice of food for the heart. Hawthorn helps in dilating blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Hawthorn also increases blood flow to the heart and improves cardiac muscle contractions, leading to overall improved heart function. In addition, its antiarrhythmic effect helps stabilize the pulse.
The journal Pharmacognosy Review published an article about how researchers conducted clinical trials involving hawthorn and concluded that hawthorn could potentially represent a safe, effective, non-toxic treatment for cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease.
5. Green tea
Green tea is great for your heart because of its flavonoids and antioxidants. Green tea also plays a key role in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
A study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation found that regular consumption of green tea improves the functioning of blood vessels. Drinking more than five cups of green tea daily can reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke by 26 percent.
- Drink 4 - 5 cups of green tea per day.
- You can take 100 to 750 mg of standardized green tea extract supplements per day, only after consulting your doctor.
6. Olive oil
It contains essential fatty acids that clear arteries and lower cholesterol levels, minimizing the risk of heart attack.
It contains mostly monounsaturated fats, which means there is less risk of plaque forming on artery walls.
7. Ginger
Ginger has blood thinning substances and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The active ingredient in ginger, gingerol, helps relax blood vessels and stimulate blood flow throughout the body.
A study conducted by scientists and published in the journal Nutrition showed that regular consumption of ginger extract lowers plasma cholesterol levels, inhibits LDL oxidation and attenuates the development of atherosclerosis.
8. Garlic
Is an important source of antioxidants. This makes it an excellent natural remedy against free radical damage and high cholesterol. Regular consumption of garlic has been shown to increase good cholesterol levels, thin the blood, improve circulation and control blood pressure.
Features of ginger herbal medicine
Ginger root, as a rule, comes to supermarket shelves from a foreign manufacturer. To preserve their presentation, such products undergo chemical treatment. To reduce the toxicity of the product to a minimum, you can soak the raw materials cold (1 hour), having previously cleaned them.
Dry root powder is considered safer in this regard. Ground ginger has more active properties: 1 tsp. powder is equal to 1 tbsp. l. fresh raw materials.
Ginger not only lowers cholesterol, but also warms up well, so drinking it at high temperatures is dangerous, as the heat will increase.
Ginger will help diabetics give a strict diet a new original taste, saturate the body with useful substances, and help control blood sugar. It is best to prepare juice or tea. Treatment must be coordinated with an endocrinologist, since parallel use of sugar-lowering drugs can enhance the effect of the drugs.
Not all patients with heart failure benefit from ginger: it can cause tachycardia and lower blood pressure. Hypotonic patients should use prescriptions with caution.
Ginger burns fat well and helps safe weight loss. The product can be used by hypertensive patients, diabetics and anyone for whom the problem of excess weight threatens their health. To correct weight, drink up to 2 liters of ginger tea per day, but not more than 250 ml at a time.
To speed up the results, in addition to tea, prepare soup and salad with ginger.
For the active removal of LDL, anti-cholesterol ginger is also used in the following recipe: for its preparation, 1 table. a spoonful of root, cut into shavings, is poured with boiling water (1 liter) and kept in a thermos (5 hours). You need to drink the drink one day before.
As part of the diet, a healthy soup is prepared with ginger. Prepare the ingredients: onion, sweet pepper, carrots, celery, potatoes (2 pcs.), garlic (1 clove), ginger (3g). Pour in low-fat broth. Cook until tender, seasoning with salt and pepper. Onions, garlic, peppers can be pre-fried in olive oil.
You cannot change the proportions, since an increase in, for example, potatoes immediately reduces the dietary possibilities of the dish, and an excess of ginger will give it unnecessary spiciness. Thanks to the presence of ginger, the light soup is well digestible and promotes quick satiety, which is important for a low-calorie diet.
Master class on making ginger soup - in this video
Diet for high acidity: sample menu for the day
29.04.2021
The main indicator of the normal functioning of the stomach is the level of acidity. Excess secretion or its insufficient neutralization leads to increased acidity in the stomach . If symptoms of high acidity appear, it is necessary to correctly adjust the diet .
Why is there excessive acidity in the stomach?
Gastric acidity is a condition in which there is excessive secretion of gastric juices, especially hydrochloric acid. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive process, but also has aggressive properties. To neutralize its effect, the stomach becomes covered with a thick layer of mucus. Unfortunately, under the influence of certain factors, this process may be disrupted.
Symptoms of acidosis:
- acid belching ;
- heartburn;
- nausea;
- bloating ; _
- burning sensation behind the sternum;
- constipation.
The appearance of these symptoms should prompt a person to reconsider their usual diet . For hyperacidity, antacids or inhibitors are used, but the most important factor is changing dietary habits.
Diet for high acidity
In order not to irritate an already sensitive stomach, you should exclude from the daily menu:
- alcohol;
- coffee;
- hot spices;
- pork;
- fatty and fried foods.
You can replace coffee with tea, spicy spices with herbs such as dill or parsley, and instead of frying, dishes should be steamed, stewed or baked with a little added oil.
It is worth including fish in your diet: cod, trout, pollock, salt or flounder. For the time being, you need to put canned meat and fish aside.
Drinks in high-acid diet the stomach . Allowed to use:
- weak tea;
- still mineral water;
- diluted fruit and vegetable juices.
You should completely give up carbonated drinks. Another important rule for high acidity is limiting fiber intake. This may seem strange because it has a positive effect on digestion, but remains in the stomach for a long time, which stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which should be avoided due to high acidity. That's why you should eat wheat instead of whole grain bread, and it's best to boil or bake vegetables and fruits.
Vegetables and fruits on an “acidic” diet
Boiled carrots, asparagus, spinach and beets are the vegetables most suitable for consumption in an “acidic” diet .
It is worth giving up:
- cruciferous vegetables;
- legume seeds;
- Luke;
- garlic;
- sorrel;
- kohlrabi.
Potatoes should be consumed mainly in the form of mashed potatoes. It should be ripe, juicy and less sour.
Apples need to be fried in a frying pan or baked in the oven.
You can also include in your diet:
- bananas;
- peaches;
- nectarines;
- berries.
You definitely need to limit your consumption of pears, plums, cherries, cherries, gooseberries, as well as nuts and dried fruits.
Principles of diet for acidosis and reflux
When on an acidic diet, it is important not to overeat. Eating too much stretches the stomach , which is a simple way to overproduce hydrochloric acid. It is important to eat regularly - preferably five times a day - and the food should not be too hot or too cold. All types of soups are suitable, due to the fact that they do not linger in the stomach for too long, and it, in turn, produces less hydrochloric acid. For the same reason, it is important to chew your food thoroughly.
A diet should not lack protein or fat. Therefore, it is worth including eggs and dairy products in your daily menu, preferably in the form of cheese, milk and natural yogurt. A good source of fat will be: butter, cream and oils: sunflower, rapeseed and flaxseed.
Sample menu for the day
- Breakfast: wheat bread, omelette fried in a teaspoon of butter, coffee with milk.
- Snack: natural yogurt with a handful of blueberries or peaches.
- Lunch: chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, grated boiled beets.
- Afternoon snack: baked apple.
- Dinner: carrot cream soup with vegetarian broth.
Carrot Cream Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g carrots
- 300 g potatoes
- 500 ml vegetable broth
- 200 ml milk
- salt pepper
To prepare this dish, you need to melt the butter, add peeled and thinly sliced carrots, peeled and diced potatoes. Salt the vegetables. Pour the hot broth over the vegetables and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add milk and stir until smooth.
Published in Gastroentorology Premium Clinic
Reviews
Ovchinnikov I.P., general practitioner. The root extract inhibits the production of platelets and prostaglandins, improves digestion, relieves dyspepsia, actively reduces LDL levels, and stimulates bile synthesis. In most cases, the body tolerates this procedure well, without side effects. After completing the course (I recommend doing it annually), a surge of strength appears, blood pressure and blood glucose levels improve.
Lyudmila, 56 years old. As an experienced diabetic, I regularly undergo examinations. When the endocrinologist revealed that my bad cholesterol level was 6.7 units, I was prescribed medication. I didn’t want to get used to them, so I decided to try a more gentle treatment option. Cleansing blood vessels with ginger against cholesterol, and even with the addition of honey, lemon and other healthy products, is a fairly effective method. After one course, my tests are almost normal.
And yet, herbal medicine with ginger root is more often used for prevention: when treating advanced forms of the disease, a diet with ginger root can only alleviate symptoms.
Recipes with honey, lemon, garlic
A recipe with lemon, ginger and garlic is effective for thinning the blood and cleansing it of toxic substances. This helps normalize metabolic processes and eliminate bad cholesterol. To prepare the medicine you need:
- take 2 lemons, wash, cut into small pieces without peeling;
- peel 2 heads of garlic, divide into cloves;
- wash the small ginger root, cut into pieces;
- grind everything in a blender, add 1 liter of water;
- put the mixture on the fire, bring to a boil, cool, strain, place in a jar;
- Take a tablespoon of the mixture in the morning, before meals.
You can replace garlic with honey, then for cooking you need:
- wash and cut the lemon into small pieces without peeling;
- take a small ginger root, grate it on a fine grater;
- mix the ingredients, adding honey (3-4 tbsp.);
- store in a glass jar in the refrigerator, take 1 tsp. three times a day.
To use the product in children, it is better to use a honey-based recipe. Although the taste of garlic is usually overwhelmed by lemon, your child may not like the mixture.