Ginger and cholesterol : reduction LDL, triglycerides and atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Belgium (Sciensano, 2023). An unfavorable lipid profile — high LDL, high triglycerides, low HDL — increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The ginger is one of the spices best documented for its action on the lose weight-studies">ginger and lipid metabolism.

Meta-analysis 2019: the best available evidence

A meta-analysis of Phytomedicine (Shirpoor et al., 2019) analyzing 14 randomized controlled trials (n=729 participants) concludes:

• LDL-cholesterol : average reduction of -10.9 mg/dL (-7.8%)
• Triglycerides : reduction of -14.9 mg/dL (-9.6%)
• Total cholesterol : reduction of -17.5 mg/dL (-5.9%)
• HDL-cholesterol : slight, non-significant increase

Dose-dependent effect: stronger for ≥2g/day over ≥8 weeks.

Mechanisms of action on lipids

1. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition

Gingerol inhibits HMG-CoA reductase — the same enzyme targeted by statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin). This inhibition reduces endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis (Heeba & Abd-Elghany, 2010).

2. Increased LDL receptors

Ginger increases the expression of hepatic LDL receptors, accelerating the clearance of circulating LDL from plasma (Fuhrman et al., 2000).

3. Inhibition of LDL oxidation

Oxidized LDL are the atherogenic forms. Ginger antioxidants (shogaols, paradols) reduce LDL oxidation by 56% in vitro (Fuhrman et al., 2000, Journal of Nutrition).

4. Hepatic PPAR-α activation

Same mechanism as for hepatic protection: stimulation of beta-oxidation of triglycerides in the mitochondria.

5. Inhibition of thromboxane synthetase

Reduces platelet aggregation, antiatherosclerotic effect complementary to lipid reduction.

NRTI profile vs lipid-lowering drugs

Ginger is not a substitute for statins for severe hypercholesterolemia. It is a complement in a global approach for moderate hyperlipidemia or for prevention.

INTI in a strategy cardiovascular preventive

The shot INTI is part of a cardiovascular prevention approach:

• 1.19g sugar/100ml → neutral glycemic load
• Organic erythritol → glycemic index 0, no insulinemic impact
• Ginger + turmeric : double action anti-inflammatory ginger and hypolipidemic
• Piperine: potentiates curcumin (×20 bioavailability)

Dosage and duration

Studies show significant effects with:

• Minimum 2g/day of dry ginger
• Minimum duration: 8 weeks (dose-cumulative effect)
• Take with meals to maximize absorption

INTI: organic ginger in Belgium from Peru, turmeric, lemon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, bloating-erythritol">erythritol and ginger and digestion organic. 1.19g sugar/100ml.