Garlic for Heart Health

Is there evidence to show the effectiveness of using garlic for heart health?

Based on studies which have been carried out over the years, as well as on traditional wisdom, I believe there is more than enough proof for us to conclude that consuming garlic does indeed, both directly and indirectly, improve heart health.

First and foremost, the natural chemical compounds allicin and dialyl disulphide in garlic are believed to relax and enlarge blood vessels. This actually helps to promote better blood flow.

Also, eating garlic regularly helps to prevent coronary artery calcification as well as decrease platelet aggregation. These help to reduce the risk of one getting a stroke or thrombosis, which is the formation of plaque in the blood.

Many previous studies have shown that garlic lowers blood cholesterol levels. Although this fact may have been thrown into doubt by the findings of more recent research, in any case, garlic prevents the oxidization of cholesterol in the blood and, as mentioned above, it also prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.These are factors which contribute directly to heart disease. By dealing with them, it follows that it would be useful to use garlic for heart health.

There is also no doubt that garlic helps to regulate blood pressure levels. Sustained high blood pressure can increase the level of stress on the heart and lead to heart attacks and strokes in the long-term. In this way, it again follows that it would be beneficial to use garlic for heart health.

In addition, garlic is an effective blood thinner. This helps to improve blood circulation, reduces strain on the heart, as well as lowers the risk of one getting heart attacks.

Garlic also has an impact on blocked arteries. A study at Tagore Medical College in India found that eating garlic regularly not only helps to keep arteries in good health, but also helps to reduce the degree of blockage of the arteries.

Over a period of 3 years, 432 persons consumed garlic, and their blood pressure dropped by about 10%; they had had less angina. Among this group, the number of deaths also dropped by 50% in the second year and 66% in the third year of the study. On the other hand, those who did not eat garlic did not experience any significant improvement. This is yet more evidence of the link between eating garlic and heart health.

Further, epidemiological studies have shown that populations which consume more garlic have fewer incidences of heart disease.

Then, we are aware that garlic is packed full of many essential vitamins and minerals. These, in particular the presence of the mineral selenium, all play a part in improving heart health.

Tracing back to tradition healing wisdom may provide more possibilities in understanding the effect of garlic for heart health.

Many ancient civilizations, for example the Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, used garlic to increase strength.

In Taoism, it is believed that garlic enhances one's chi energy, or vital life energy.

Also, in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing art, garlic is described as a medicinal plant which was used to bring warmth to the body as well as improve blood circulation.

These uses and beliefs, directly and indirectly, seem to imply some sort of positive impact by garlic on heart health.

For more information on the health benefits of garlic and the various ways to consume it, read the other related garlic articles.

Garlic Pages | Summary Article | Health Benefits of Garlic | Information | History and Facts of Garlic | Planting, Harvesting, Storing and Preserving Garlic | Eating Garlic | How to Make Garlic Butter - a simple garlic butter recipe | An Easy Garlic Bread Recipe - Making Homemade Garlic Bread | Consuming the Garlic Plant - various ways to do so | Benefits | An Overview of Health Medicinal Benefits of Garlic | Garlic Health Benefits - Some Research and Studies | Garlic for Acne Treatment | Garlic and Blood Pressure | Garlic and Cancer - Is Garlic Anti Cancer? | Garlic to Lower Cholesterol | Garlic for Heart Health | Medicinal Properties of Garlic against Microbes, Harmful Organisms, Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites and Viruses | Side Effects | Possible Garlic Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

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