While many people enjoy garlic as a flavoring for cooking, garlic also has many uses as an herbal medicine, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a large amount of research into the benefits of garlic for heart disease has produced largely conflicting results, and garlic may not be effective for lowering blood pressure. Like any health supplement, consult a qualified health care provider before taking garlic supplements.
Small Effect on Blood Pressure
Garlic may be able to slightly reduce blood pressure, by roughly 5 to 10 percent, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. While some studies have shown that garlic may be as effective as other blood pressure medications, many studies have found no benefit from garlic on blood pressure, according to a large analysis of garlic research published in October 2000 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Recommendations
Due to these conflicting reports on the effectiveness of garlic in lowering blood pressure, the exact effect of garlic on blood pressure remains to be determined, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Additional research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn. While garlic may reduce blood pressure in certain individuals, it may not work equally well in all people.
Other Cardiovascular Effects
High blood pressure is one factor that contributes to cardiovascular disease. Garlic has also demonstrated mixed results in lowering other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including blood levels of cholesterol and fats known as triglycerides. While some studies have shown that garlic supplements can reduce levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or "bad" cholesterol, other studies have found no effect, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center.
Additional Cardiovascular Factors
Other factors associated with cardiovascular disease yield equally mixed results in response to garlic, including atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. While some studies suggest garlic supplements may help prevent the second heart attack occurring after a first heart attack, many of those studies were poorly designed, according to Langone. Garlic does appear to act as a blood thinner, which may reduce the risk of heart attack, although the exact effect is still unknown.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Garlic; February 2011
- MedlinePlus: Garlic; December 2010
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Effects on Cardiovascular Risks and Disease, Protective Effects Against Cancer, and Clinical Adverse Effects; October 2000
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Garlic Supplements Show Promise for Lowering Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors, but More Studies are Needed; May 2001
