Garlic is a magic herb that helps lower blood pressure level, controls serum cholesterol level and prevents heart attacks.
Garlic provides protection against atherosclerosis, angina and a host of other cardiovascular disorders. Innumerable studies have shown that garlic is potent enough to check cardiac disorders successfully.
Garlic: The Wonder Herb
These heart-health benefits of garlic are attributed to the volatile factors present in the herb. Garlic is rich in sulphur-containing compounds, trace minerals and enzymes. Practically, all the health benefits of garlic are attributed to a compound called allicin.
Garlic Helps Reduce Blood Pressure Significantly
Garlic has demonstrated blood pressure lowering properties in countless studies and clinical trials.
Research says garlic has the potential to reduce the systolic blood pressure (S.B.P. or the upper reading on the sphygmomanometer) by 8 mm Hg. It lowers the diastolic blood pressure (D.B.P. or the lower reading on the sphygmomanometer) by 5 mm Hg, in patients who suffer from elevated blood pressure levels.
Consequently, there is lesser damage to the arteries, reduced chances of atherosclerosis, and accordingly, diminished risk of CAD (coronary artery disease), angina, heart attack and stroke.
Garlic Decreases Blood Cholesterol Level and Fights Atherosclerosis
Garlic promises to decrease total serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) levels appreciably. Alongside, it substantially enhances the HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein or beneficial cholesterol).
Quick Serve Ideas for Garlic: Include Garlic in Everyday Cooking
For maximum health benefits, buy fresh garlic. Select garlic that is plump with unbroken skin.
An important thing to remember about garlic is, make sure the flakes/cloves are chopped and allowed to sit for five to seven minutes. This stimulates the enzymatic process that converts alliin to allicin, the vital element responsible for all the fantastic effects.
- Add chopped or grated garlic to all curries and sauces. It gives a wonderful aroma.
- Chop garlic and marinate in olive oil for about one week. This flavored oil can be used in most salad dressings and marinades.
- Garlic mashed potatoes taste simply delicious. Roast three to five flakes of garlic. Grate them. Add them to about three boiled potatoes and a quarter cup olive oil. Blend well. Season with favorite herbs.
Garlic exercises remarkable health benefits, thus, its use as a food should be encouraged, despite its odor, more so, in individuals who have raised cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes and a strong family history of cardiovascular diseases.
References:
Nutr Rev, Efficacy of Garlic Supplementation in Lowering Serum Cholesterol levels, Spigelski, D., and P. J. Jones, 2001.
J Hypertens, A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure, Silagy, C. A., and A. W. Neil, 1994.
