Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Garlic is a perennial herb native to central Asia, and is now cultivated around the world.
An Australian study found a specific type of garlic supplement substantially lowered blood pressure compared to a placebo. The 12-week trial involved 50 patients who were given four capsules daily of aged garlic extract. The findings of the University of Adelaide study were published in November, 2010 in the scientific journal Maturitas.
Lead researcher Karen Reid noted that when garlic is taken in any form other than aged extract (fresh, raw, powdered) it doesn’t have the same blood pressure lowering effects.
Previous human studies also suggested that garlic can modestly lower blood pressure, but larger, well-designed studies are needed to corroborate this potential effect, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Possible Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is used to boost the immune system and help prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer, notes the UMMC. It's unclear if garlic helps prevents future heart attacks in people who have previously suffered from cardiac arrest.
A German study found heart attack patients who were given were given garlic oil extract over 36 months showed about a 50% reduction in death rate compared to those who did not take garlic. The study involved 423 patients.
Garlic has been used throughout history to prevent and treat the common cold. Scientific studies support the use of garlic to prevent colds, reports the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). However, there is no evidence to suggest that if you take garlic at the first sign of a cold you will recover more quickly. Garlic can also kill fungi, and may help treat athlete’s foot when applied topically.
Garlic Side Effects and Precautions
Perhaps the most common side effect of garlic is unpleasant breath odor. Other adverse reactions include may include upset stomach, headache, itching, runny nose, dizziness, increased sweating, chills, fever and asthma flares.
Garlic should not be taken prior to surgery because of its blood-thinning properties. People with blood disorders should talk to their health care provider before taking garlic supplements.
Sources:
New York Daily News, “Garlic hailed as 'secret weapon' against high blood pressure” (Accessed November 23, 2010)
Mayo Clinic, “Garlic” (Accessed November 23, 2010)
University of Maryland Medical Center, “Garlic” (Accessed November 23, 2010)
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, “Garlic” (Accessed November 23, 2010)
Karen Gaskell - Karen Jean Gaskell has worked as a radio and television journalist for more than three decades. During her career Karen has written and ...
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