Is Eating Raw Garlic, Onion, and Ginger Beneficial for Your Heart Health?

SadaNews - Garlic, onion, and ginger have earned a good reputation for supporting heart health, circulation, and healthy cholesterol levels.

There is some scientific evidence behind the claim that these ingredients might benefit your heart. Trista Best, a nutrition specialist, says: "Garlic, onion, and ginger contain biologically active compounds; allicin, quercetin, and gingerol. They are believed to have heart-protective benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and lowering cholesterol."

Allicin may lower cholesterol

There is some research, according to Verywell Health, supporting the hypothesis that allicin may lower cholesterol. For instance, studies have found that allicin, a sulfur compound released when garlic is crushed, may help reduce bad cholesterol and blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, according to nutrition specialist Melanie Marcus.

Melanie added that similarly, quercetin, a flavonoid found in onions, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help prevent plaque buildup in arteries.

Gingerol may lower triglycerides

As for gingerol, the active compounds that give ginger its pungent flavor, it has been associated in some studies with improved circulation and lowered triglycerides.

While these findings seem promising, it is important to note that most research studies these components individually or as part of a balanced diet, not in the form of concentrated raw spoons of all three combined.

Trista emphasizes that a balanced approach to incorporating these ingredients for heart health is to add them to your meals, rather than taking them by the spoonful in their raw form.

She explained that consuming these items raw and in concentrated forms can irritate the stomach, lead to heartburn, and negatively interact with blood-thinning medications.

Garlic and ginger, in particular, can increase blood thinning, thus raising the risk of bleeding if taken alongside medications like warfarin or aspirin. Conversely, raw onion and garlic can cause gas, bloating, or acid reflux in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.

Melanie notes that a mixture of raw onion and garlic will inevitably lead to strong breath, adding: "They are rich in fermentable sugars, which can exacerbate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome."

Trista draws attention to the fact that there is no need to force yourself to take a spoonful of raw garlic, onion, and ginger paste to protect your heart. The better strategy is simply to use these ingredients regularly in cooking.