A daily dose of one aspirin a day is often prescribed for the prevention of heart disease to those who are at risk. However, just like with other over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, the use of aspirin comes with health risks and unwanted side effects. Some of these risks may include excessive bleeding, kidney and liver failure, ulcers, tinnitus, and hemorrhagic stroke. The good news is that ginger can be used as a suitable alternative to aspirin without the potential adverse effects. Ginger is already one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It is a nutritional powerhouse of various nutrients and bioactive compounds, which include calcium, copper, dietary fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, protein, zinc, and many others. Its main bioactive compound is gingerol, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
With an abundance of health-boosting compounds, the delicious and nutritious spice that is ginger can commonly be found in both recipes and natural remedies. Its healing properties can be used to treat a number of health conditions, including inflammation, muscle pain, nausea, motion sickness, colds, flu, arthritis, sore throat, and diarrhea.
(Related: Five amazing health benefits of ginger.)
How ginger works as an aspirin alternative
Ginger is loaded with 12 different antioxidant compounds that are more powerful than vitamin E. These antioxidants can help protect your body from oxidative stress and cell damage caused by free radicals. Flavonoids are one type of antioxidant that can be particularly beneficial for heart health and the prevention of heart disease. In one study, researchers analyzed the effect of dietary flavonoid intake among 1,400 male participants. The participants who were given the smallest amount of flavonoids exhibited the worst carotid artery diameter among the total participants and they were found to be at the greatest risk of heart disease.