The health benefits of garlic have been known for centuries. Garlic was consumed by ancient Romans and Greeks before going to war and was also placed in the tombs of Pharaohs in Egypt. Now scientific research confirms that garlic can have many beneficial effects on the health of the heart.
But, how can garlic help keep the heart healthy?
The key ingredient that is responsible for the health benefits of garlic is allicin, which is broken down into sulphur compounds. These compounds interact with red blood cells and produce a substance called hydrogen sulphide that can prevent cell damage and the destruction of tissues, which can lead to heart attacks. Hydrogen sulfide is toxic at high concentrations, but in the small doses found inside garlic it can have significant health benefits: it can decrease inflammation and contribute to the vital functions of the cells. Some studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide can provide the heart with valuable oxygen and reduce damage, during periods when blood flow to the heart is suspended like during a heart attack or surgery. Additionally, hydrogen sulfide can help the cells to communicate with each other and promote the dilation of the blood vessels.
Garlic lowers LDL cholesterol
Another way in which garlic can keep the heart healthy is the reduction in the concentrations of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. LDL cholesterol accumulates inside the blood vessels and can lead to cardiovascular problems, therefore by reducing your bad cholesterol you can improve the health of your heart. A study by Steiner examined the effects of garlic on the total cholesterol levels of 52 men between the ages 32 and 68. The subjects were divided into 2 groups. The first group received supplements that contained 800mg of aged garlic extract (AGE) every day and the second group received an identical looking supplement that didn¢t contain any active compounds. The groups were monitored for six months and the results showed that total cholesterol was significantly lowered in the first group and their LDL levels were also reduced by 4.0%. In fact, the reduction in LDL was apparent in the first 14 days.
Other studies have shown even more impressive results. A study published in the “Journal of The Royal College of Physicians of London” that collected information on 952 people, determined that garlic can cause a reduction in triglycerides, as well as a 12-percent reduction in total cholesterol levels. Additionally, research published in “The Journal of Nutrition” concluded that garlic suppresses the oxidation of LDL, which leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Garlic reduces high blood pressure
Hypertension is a serious health condition that can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. Combating hypertension is essential, if you want to have a healthy heart. Researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia studied the effects of taking four capsules of aged garlic a day for a period of 12 weeks. According to the results, systolic blood pressure was lower by 10mmHg in the group that received garlic compared to those who took a placebo.
As you can see, garlic has some very powerful healing properties and can greatly improve the health of the heart. However, you should be careful not to eat large quantities of garlic, because it may cause damage to the digestive tract. Eating 1-4 cloves a day is enough to reap the benefits of garlic.
