Garlic is touted for benefits beyond the flavor it adds to foods. This herb is purported to play a positive role in medical conditions such as high cholesterol and has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Results on garlic's effect on cholesterol are inconsistent, but they point to its being ineffective. If you're considering taking garlic for cholesterol, you should talk to your doctor first.
Garlic Basics
Garlic has been used for centuries for cooking, as well as for medicinal purposes. It's available in raw form or as a pill or oil supplement, and debate surrounds the best way to consume it -- cooked, raw or in supplement form -- for good health. The key compound in garlic is a chemical called allicin, which gives it its distinctive odor and its potential disease-fighting properties.
Garlic and Cholesterol
According to Medline Plus, garlic is likely ineffective for cholesterol. This conclusion is derived from review of many studies on garlic's role in lowering cholesterol. The numerous studies claiming that garlic is effective at lowering cholesterol appear to have quality control issues. According to Medline Plus, high-quality studies consistently show no link between garlic and lower cholesterol.
Raw Versus Supplemental Garlic and Cholesterol
The American Dietetic Association notes that garlic in supplement form may lack phytonutrients necessary to help lower cholesterol. A 2007 study in "Archives of Internal Medicine" found that garlic in either raw or supplement form had no effect in lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein -- LDL -- cholesterol, considered "bad" cholesterol. Study participants with moderately high cholesterol levels were given either raw garlic, an aged garlic supplement, a garlic powder supplement or a placebo. None of the participants showed significantly lower cholesterol levels.
Considerations
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. While garlic may not lower cholesterol, it can help reduce heart disease risk in other ways. Taking garlic likely lowers blood pressure and reduces the hardening of arteries, both of which are risk factors for heart disease, notes Medline Plus. And taking garlic in raw or supplement form is generally considered safe. Bothersome side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, gas and diarrhea may occur, however.
References
- Medline Plus: Garlic
- American Dietetic Association: Is Garlic Good for Your Heart?
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Effect of Raw Garlic vs. Commercial Garlic Supplements on Plasma Lipid Concentrations in Adults With Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial; Christopher D. Gardner et al.; February 2007
- American Cancer Society: Garlic; November 2008
