The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that as of 2011, nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure. While this condition typically has no symptoms upon its onset, if left unchecked, those with high blood pressure have an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and mental cognitive impairment. Garlic has been utilized for culinary and medicinal purposes as far back as ancient Egyp, and several studies may prove garlic is an effective natural treatment for high blood pressure.
Garlic Active Compounds
The University of Maryland Medical Center states garlic features several active compounds; however, the two primary compounds include alliin and allicin. When crushed, a garlic bulb transforms alliin to allicin; however, in order for the body to sufficiently absorb allicin, the garlic must be aged so the allicin is easily broken down into a water-soluble substance.
Garlic and High Blood Pressure
The active compounds found in garlic may benefit the cardiovascular system by inhibiting blood platelets from sticking together, which allows the blood to flow freely through veins and arteries. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that by decreasing platelet aggregation, blood pressure will be reduced. While initial studies find garlic to potentially have blood pressure reduction qualities, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests garlic may only reduce blood pressure in those who already have high blood pressure.
Dosage
Garlic may be consumed through dietary supplements and as an ingredient within food; however, garlic tea ensures your body is receiving the recommended dosage of allicin. Peel and dice three cloves of fresh garlic, and allow the garlic to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow the alliin to transform into allicin. Bring 8 oz. of water to a rolling boil, and pour over the garlic cloves. Add honey or lemon to the tea for taste, and consume at least once a day, which provides the recommended allicin dosage outlined by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warnings
As with any herb, always discuss the use of garlic supplementation with your physician. This is especially important if you are taking antiplatelet and blood-thinning medications or protease inhibitors as garlic is known to thin the blood. Common side effects of garlic supplementation include heartburn, gastrointestinal discomfort and unpleasant body and breath odor.
References
- Mayo Clinic; High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); January 2011
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; What Is High Blood Pressure?; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Garlic; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; November 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Garlic; July 2010
