Fresh Ginger Root: Healthy Arteries

5-lipoxygenase is a member of a large family of enzymes called lipoxygenases.  5-lipoxygenase is expressed in the cardiovascular system: the aorta, coronary, and carotid arteries. Under certain circumstances such as cell oxidation (pollution) this enzymatic pathway generates inflammatory mediators called leukotrienes.

Essentially, select leukotrienes signal and collect fatty type deposits that build-up in the arteries. Inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase enzyme helps protective the aorta, coronary, and carotid arteries from damage and irritation.

Medical research suggests that ginger, the underground stem of the plant Zingiber Officinale suppresses leukotriene biosynthesis by inhibiting 5-lipooxygenase. This is significant because ginger is now thought to possess duel anti-inflammatory inhibitor properties via leukotriene and prostaglandin pathways.

Ginger has been found to suppresses prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, much like non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). For generations ginger root has been used as an herbal medicinal product to suppress nausea, soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Fresh ginger root is available at the produce section in most food stores. It is a light weight, low cost item. Fresh grated ginger provides a warm and spicy substitute for salt when preparing certain meals and a healthy substitute for sugar in fresh baked cookies & muffins.

Keep in mind, omega 3 fatty acids from cold water fish (salmon, albacore tuna) also help inhibit inflammation that initiates and inflames fatty build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Omega 3 fatty acids help suppress three types of inflammatory mediators: prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. Blending ginger and omega 3 fatty acids into meal planning will help block inflammation that brews and becomes troublesome in the arteries.


Sources:
The 5-Lipoxygenase as a Common Pathway for Pathological Brain and Vascular Aging
Cardiovascular Psychiatry and Neurology Volume 2009
Jin Chu MD, Domenico Praticò MD

Ginger: An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-inflammatory Actions
Journal Med Food 2005
Grzanna R, Lindmark L