Clogged arteries are caused by a buildup of plaque, a condition also known as atherosclerosis. High cholesterol levels contribute to this disease, and patients are often prescribed lipid-lowering drugs and may even be candidates for surgical removal of the plaque if the case is severe enough, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Garlic has been used as a supplement that can help to lower high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for developing atherosclerosis. However, the FDA has not approved garlic as a treatment for this disease. Research over the past 20 years has produced mixed results regarding the efficacy of garlic supplements, but they may help to prevent development of or furthering clogged arteries. Always talk to your doctor before adding any type of supplement to your diet.
Artherosclerosis Facts
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fat and other substances in your blood form the artery-clogging plaque that leads to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Since narrowed arteries mean your heart has to work harder to pump the blood through them, high blood pressure can also result from this condition. Atherosclerosis is also a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, which is a primary cause of death among people over the age of 45, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Garlic Facts
Fresh or raw garlic is an herb that is found in bulb form, and each bulb contains several cloves. These cloves are often crushed or chopped to be added to food for flavoring purposes, causing them to release a distinctive smell. The chemical substance that produced this smell is called "allicin" according to MedlinePlus, and it is also considered the active ingredient that contributes to the herb's health advantages. Most garlic supplement manufacturers age or ferment the allicin in order to eliminate the characteristic odor; however, this also effectively reduces the amount of the chemical that is available for the body to use. Regardless, most research to date uses aged garlic extracts, or AGE, to determine the efficacy of this herb as treatment and a preventive measure for many cardiovascular diseases.
Garlic for Treating Clogged Arteries
"Nutrition" published a review in 1997 stating that garlic research in humans was still lacking, but it shows promise in reducing hyperlipidemia and levels of plaque in arterial walls. In 1999, "Atherosclerosis" published a study that found giving patients garlic powder with high doses of allicin experienced a slight reduction in arterial plaque over a period of four years; however, this effect also decreased as the subjects' age increased.
Garlic for Preventing Clogged Arteries
Also in 1999, "Atherosclerosis" published another study which found that supplementing using AGE instead of raw garlic produced significant results as an anti-atherosclerosis agent. This suggests that AGE may play an important role in helping to lower the risk and progression of clogged arteries. More recently, a 2001 study in the "Journal of Nutrition" states that although the exact mechanism of how garlic extract works is unknown and more research is needed, AGE was effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. However, conflicting results published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" in 2007 determined that fresh garlic and garlic supplements did not have any effect on blood lipid levels. As always, ask your doctor before taking garlic supplements or adding more fresh garlic to your diet as part of your personalized health plan.
References
- Atherosclerosis; The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum; Koscielny et al; May 1999
- FDA: Artery Health Institute LLC Warning Letter; 10/12/10
- Atherosclerosis; Daily supplementation with aged garlic extract,but not raw garlic; Munday et al; Apr 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Atherosclerosis
- Nutrition; Effects of garlic on atherosclerosis; Orekhov et al; Jul-Aug 1997
- Journal of Nutrition; Cholesterol-lowering effect of garlic extracts; Yeh et al; Mar 2001
