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MAGIC SPICES: Ayurvedic Medicine and the Heart

Ayurvedic medicine has been used in India for centuries as a dominant form of
treatment and as a preventative measure for a number of chronic diseases. Not until recently have scientific studies identified the potential hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, and anti-tumor properties of various herbs/spices. The phytochemicals in these compounds may suppress the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterols, stimulate the performance of protective enzymes, and enhance immunestimulating properties that reduce an individual's risk of heart disease. As part of my honors senior thesis I conducted a literature review with my cardiovascular physiology professor, Dr. Cohen, which explores the impacts of Ayurveda on the heart. We wanted to investigate the scientific literature for turmeric and ginger specifically, in order to understand the exact physiology behind these spices. Overall, it seems as though Ayurvedic medicine can be health protective for a number of cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and high
cholesterol, but should be used in conjunction to modern medication. In addition, spices have
considerable anti-inflammatory responses which have been shown to improve obesity-related
inflammatory responses. After much research and analysis, these findings were presented at the Festival of Books in Tucson, AZ on March 12th as community outreach.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/613627
Date January 2016
CreatorsShroff, Erica
ContributorsCohen, Zoe
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Electronic Thesis
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

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