Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood that is needed by the body to form healthy cells. It is a type of fat essential for life, which helps to give stability to cell membranes; to synthesize vitamin D and is essential in the production of bile, necessary to digest food.
However, when its levels get too high, it can be dangerous for the body. The health portal Cinfasalud, from Spain, indicates that the greatest risks can occur at the cardiovascular level.
When there is a lot of cholesterol in the body, this substance can cause fatty deposits to form in the blood vessels, which over time grow, hindering the normal flow of blood through the arteries. According to information from the health company Sanitas, seven out of ten people over the age of 45 have high cholesterol.
There are two types of cholesterol. HDL and LDL, two lipoproteins product of the combination of fats (lipids) and protein. Lipids need to bind to proteins in order to move in the blood.
In this way, it prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from being deposited in excess inside the arteries, thus helping to reduce heart attacks and strokes, among other conditions.
Why does it go up?
There are several factors that can cause cholesterol to rise, including a diet high in saturated fat, lack of exercise, family history, being overweight, age, gender, and drinking higher than recommended amounts of alcohol .
According to Sanitas, other conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, certain kidney and liver diseases, and an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can also cause cholesterol levels to rise.
Although there are medical treatments to help lower or control this substance in the blood, there are also some home options that can be favorable, always framed within a balanced diet and physical activity.
Rich in antioxidants
One of them is lemon juice with ginger. The lemon is recognized for its content of vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds that can improve health in many aspects. It contains fiber and other vitamins and minerals that, according to what is said in popular culture, contribute to the cleaning of blood vessels by preventing cholesterol from adhering to the walls of the arteries, states an article from the Better with Health portal.
The Spanish Nutrition Foundation indicates that this fruit is a source of vitamin C, organic acids and flavonoids.
For its part, according to some studies, ginger is a root that has more than 21 antioxidants that can help prevent lipid peroxidation. This mechanism significantly reduces the levels of good cholesterol, which is why it is necessary to control it. Similarly, eating ginger regularly prevents the liver from synthesizing bad cholesterol from food.
The Healthline health portal cites several studies that prove the benefits of ginger in this regard. In one study, people given three grams of ginger powder (in capsule form) each day saw significant reductions in most cholesterol markers. LDL (bad) dropped 10% in 45 days.
For this reason, the mixture of these two natural products can be favorable to control this substance in the body. To prepare the drink, you only need a lemon, a glass of water, two tablespoons of grated ginger and optionally half a teaspoon of honey and a cinnamon stick.
The ginger is peeled and grated, the lemon is squeezed and then everything is taken to the blender and the glass of water is added. It is processed until homogenized, it is served and it is ready to consume. In case the person wants to add honey, the ideal is to do it in moderation.
It is important to clarify that this juice is not a substitute for the medications ordered by the doctor, nor for any main meal. It is best consumed as part of a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein.
It is also valuable to keep in mind that ginger is a food that is contraindicated in some cases, so it is always better to consult a specialist before starting frequent consumption of these natural products.
