Fresh garlic makes a flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. When it's used regularly, garlic is more than just a flavor enhancer; it offers several health benefits. Garlic has been used for many years to treat medical conditions. When it comes to adding garlic to your breakfast, lunch or dinner, don't be shy -- eating too much garlic should not cause your blood pressure to go up.
Garlic and Blood Pressure
Although further studies still need to be done to determine the exact relationship between garlic and blood pressure, the University of Maryland Medical Center acknowledges that garlic consumption can lower blood pressure and prevent the occurrence of heart disease. Garlic helps decrease dangerous LDL cholesterol levels, increase healthy HDL cholesterol levels and decrease blood clotting. Since cholesterol levels and blood viscosity influence blood pressure, garlic's effects on these factors ultimately result in lower blood pressure levels. So, eating too much garlic typically would not cause your blood pressure to go up. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults consume 2 g to 4 g of fresh, minced garlic every day.
Other Health Benefits
Rich in antioxidants, garlic can help fight free radicals that invade and harm the body. When free radicals circulate in the body, they damage cell membranes and genetic material, encouraging the development of several diseases. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from damaging the body. Garlic's antioxidant properties are useful in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. Through the years, garlic has also been a common treatment for skin diseases, arthritis and the common cold.
Considerations
Typically, garlic itself will not cause your blood pressure to go up. However, pay attention to the amount of sodium in garlic products. One clove of raw garlic has less than 1 mg of sodium, making it a significantly low-sodium ingredient. However, if garlic is packed in oil or combined with salt, sodium levels can increase dramatically. Some garlic supplements might also contain high amounts of sodium. Since high sodium levels do contribute to elevated blood pressure levels, eating too much of certain types of garlic can indirectly cause your blood pressure to go up.
Too Much Garlic
For most people, eating too much garlic is quite harmless. However, Drugs.com warns that high amounts of garlic can affect blood sugar levels and blood clotting abilities. Before taking garlic supplements or eating a large amount of garlic, consult your physician if you have diabetes, high blood sugar, low blood sugar, blood clotting disorders or bleeding disorders, or if you take any medications that affect blood clotting abilities. Less serious side effects of eating too much garlic include burning of the mouth or tongue, nausea, diarrhea, sweating and skin rash.
