Garlic Is Good For High Blood Pressure - Here's Clinical Evidence
For several decades, traditional healers have used garlic as a high blood pressure herbal treatment. Today, many more people have discovered the effectiveness of this herb, not only in regulating blood pressure but in the treatment of other illnesses as well. This article will detail some of the recent studies and clinical trials that back up the use of this herb as a blood pressure therapy.
Now, let's get to the lowdown of scientific studies about garlic. Some scientific studies indicate that 300 mg of garlic extract (taken raw, this translates to about 10 cloves of raw garlic daily) can be greatly beneficial to those with heart problems. Although one must remember that garlic is to be used as a supplement and not as a replacement for medications prescribed by the doctor. Instead, supplement your existing medication with garlic to help lower your cholesterol level.
There are some components in garlic that studies show have powerful healing properties. Garlic sulphides contribute to garlic's ability to lower blood pressure. The sulphides remain even when the garlic is cooked. Meanwhile, selenium is said to help regulate blood pressure while germanium is believed to prevent the growth of cancer in the body. Aside from these, garlic contains a wealth of healing biochemical compounds:
* Allicin (which possesses antibiotic properties but is lessened during cooking)
* Alliinase and Allyls (these increase the effectiveness of vitamin B1)
* Allin (helps the body digest protein)
* Ajoene (allicin turns into ajoene and is useful for preventing blood clots)
Various studies carried out in India, the United States and Germany recorded the effectiveness of garlic in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It has been used in traditional healing by the Chinese, Babylonians, and Egyptians as early as 5,000 years ago. Despite this, it is important to note that doctors are still hesitant in issuing a formal statement about the blood pressure lowering effects of garlic.
A clinical study was conducted by the Michigan School of Health. Rats were placed on a high cholesterol diet, with some rats receiving garlic. Those who were fed with garlic only registered a rise in cholesterol levels of 4% while those who were not registered a whopping 23% increase in cholesterol levels.
While there are no serious side effects or contraindications, patients who are about to undergo surgery should avoid garlic for a period beforehand as it tends to extend bleeding time. Anticoagulants are also not compatible with garlic intake so make sure to consult your doctor first before taking garlic with these and other mediations.
There are ways to make garlic more palatable to some who simply can't stand its odor or its taste, particularly when it is taken raw. Garlic can be used as a substitute for salt to help bring out the flavor in your food. You can also make garlic pasta or top garlic on toasted bread. These makes for tasty treats. However, you must remember that garlic is much more effective when taken raw, especially when you want to use it to help lower your blood pressure.
