Garlic is an herb commonly used in food and in folk remedies. Rich in antioxidants, garlic can help destroy free radicals, which are particles that contribute to the aging process and the development of various health conditions including heart disease and cancer. Among its many possible benefits, raw garlic has an observable effect on blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
In an analysis published in the April 1994 "Journal of Hypertension," researchers determined that a dried garlic powder evaluated in several studies, Kwai, seemed to show some benefits. They noted garlic was most effective in patients with mildly elevated blood pressure levels and concluded more studies were needed to validate garlic's role in treating hypertension.
Active Component
The active component of garlic is called allicin, and it is this compound that makes garlic effective against certain conditions like high blood pressure. When raw garlic is chopped, crushed or chewed, an amino acid called alliin, which contains sulfur, comes into contact with the enzyme alliinase to form allicin. Though not fully studied, allicin may be able to improve the function and structure of your cardiovascular system.
Dosage
If you are an adult, you can take about 4 g of fresh garlic once a day to help reduce your blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This translates to approximately one clove, which typically contains 1 percent alliin. No medicinal dose has been established for children as of yet, so use garlic on children for health-related reasons only under the supervision of a qualified health care provider who has experience treating children using herbal remedies.
Side Effects
The body odor and bad breath commonly associated with ingestion of raw garlic is attributed to the allicin found in the vegetable. Bloating, flatulence and nausea have also been reported after taking garlic, Drugs.com reports. People have reported burning in the mouth, esophagus and stomach after taking a 25 mL dose of fresh garlic extract. They have also reported sweating and lightheadedness. Taking large amounts of garlic may also alter the way your blood coagulates and increase the risk of postoperative and spontaneous bleeding. In rare cases, handling uncooked garlic cloves or touching these to your skin can result in blistering.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- "American Family Physician"; Health Effects of Garlic; Ellen Tattelman; July 2005
- MedlinePlus Supplements: Garlic
- Drugs.com: Garlic
- "Journal of Hypertension"; A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure; C.A. Silagy and H.A. Neil; April 1994
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