Garlic is best known for the intense flavor it adds to foods, but it is also widely taken as an herbal medicine. Garlic may be effective in treating a number of factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure. However, there are many conflicting reports concerning the effectiveness of garlic in lowering blood pressure. As with any health supplement, ask your doctor before taking garlic supplements.
Findings on Blood Pressure
Many studies have evaluated the effectiveness of garlic supplements in treating high blood pressure. While some studies have shown positive results, others have found no benefits, according to a summary of garlic research produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2000. While garlic supplements may be beneficial for certain individuals with high blood pressure, doctors do not know how widespread this benefit may be.
Other Benefits
Much of the available evidence indicates that garlic is effective in treating other conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol levels. Garlic supplements appear to be effective in lowering levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known know as LDL or "bad" cholesterol, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. However, garlic supplements do not appear to be effective in raising levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL or "good" cholesterol.
Side Effects
Garlic is generally safe and well tolerated, although minor side effects may occur, including nausea, gas, bloating, bad breath and strong body odor. In rare cases, more serious side effects, including headache, dizziness, fatigue, appetite loss and allergic reactions, may develop, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Garlic supplements may increase the risk of excess bleeding, particularly when combined with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin.
Recommendations
Because of the mixed results on the effectiveness of garlic supplements in treating high blood pressure, many doctors do not recommend taking garlic supplements solely to lower blood pressure, explains Dr. Brent Bauer on MayoClinic.com. If you have other indicators of heart disease, such as high cholesterol, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking garlic supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Garlic: Effects on Cardiovascular Risks and Disease, Protective Effects Against Cancer, and Clinical Adverse Effects; October 2000
- MayoClinic.com; Supplements to Avoid When Dealing With High Blood Pressure; Brent Bauer; March 2010
- MedlinePlus; Garlic; December 2010
