Fight High Blood Pressure with Garlic: Some Clinical Evidence

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.

Garlic has been found to be an excellent supplement to one's prescribed medications against heart problems. Some scientific studies show that 10 cloves of raw garlic eaten daily (or around 300 mg of garlic extract) aids in the regulation of one's cholesterol level. It is important to note, however, that garlic should be used as a supplement and not as a substitute to medications already prescribed by the doctor.

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)

* Allyls and Alliinase (enhance the effectiveness of vitamin B1)

* Allin (makes the digestion of protein easier)

* Ajoene (this is great for preventing blood from clotting, allicin is transformed into this substance)

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.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Further resources: Find out about ways to lower blood pressure plus also effective natural ways to reduce blood pressure - click on the links for details.

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