The health benefits of ginger are associated with its antioxidant properties. Ginger contains a very high level of antioxidants, surpassed only by pomegranate and some types of berries. Ginger’s strong antioxidant properties help to promote longevity by protecting cells from damaging free radicals and oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation and disease. The main antioxidant active compounds in ginger are the gingerols and shogaols.
Twenty healthy patients and twenty patients with coronary artery disease were assigned dry ginger for four weeks. Ginger consumption significantly decreased lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility in healthy subjects as well as in patients with coronary artery disease without any effect on blood lipids.
The researchers concluded that ginger appears to have strong free radical scavenging property and that it’s antioxidant potential, along with other beneficial effects of ginger, merits strong consideration of its use in patients with coronary heart disease.
Reference:
Verma, S., K., et al. (2004). Antioxidant property of ginger in patients with coronary artery disease. South Asian Journal of Cardiology, vol. 8, no. 4.
