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Clinical Evidence Shows Garlic Fights High Blood Pressure |
By:
Robert L Brown |
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Garlic. Hmmm This herb does not just add flavor to your food, it also fights high blood pressure. Traditional healers have used it for several decades, and now, there is an increasing awareness of the herb and its healing abilities. Indeed, garlic is not just an effective regulator of blood pressure, it also can be used to treat other illnesses. Let us discuss the results of some of the recent clinical trials and studies that show garlic as an effective remedy against blood pressure.
Several scientific studies showed that those who have heart problems could benefit from taking up to 10 cloves of raw garlic per day, which is roughly equivalent to 300 mg of garlic extract. Despite the effectiveness of garlic, people should not take it as a substitute for medications that have been prescribed by their doctors. But they can take garlic to supplement their prescribed medications and to help them lower their cholesterol level.
Scientists have found out that garlic sulphides, which remain present even if garlic undergoes cooking, are partly responsible for garlic's blood pressure lowering properties. Garlic's selenium content is also said to be responsible for normalizing blood pressure while its germanium content is said to be responsible for the prevention of cancer growth. Garlic also contains the following biochemical compounds:
* Allicin (this is recognized to have antibiotic properties. However, cooking decreases its content.)
* Allyls and Alliinase (these help vitamin B1 be more effective in the body)
* Allin (makes the digestion of protein easier)
* 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.
Eating garlic does not yield serious contraindications or side effects. A word of warning, though. As garlic is known to prevent blood clotting, it also tends to make wounds bleed longer. Thus, those who are about to go into surgery should avoid any intake of garlic before the operation. Garlic is also not compatible with anticoagulants. To be sure, consult your doctor before taking garlic, particularly if you are taking any medications.
Those who cannot stand the strong odor of raw garlic can take it as a supplement or use garlic in their kitchen recipes. Garlic pasta is not only healthy but also tastes yummy. Putting some garlic on toasted bread works as sumptuous treat. You can also substitute salt with garlic in recipes to make dishes tastier. However, raw garlic is said to be more effective in lowering high blood pressure levels.
Further reading: Learn details about ways to lower blood pressure and ways for lowering blood pressure naturally - just click on the links to the left. Click here for other unique 'lower blood pressure' articles.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article55606.html |
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