Garlic, a popular spice many add to their favorite dishes, doubles as an herbal medicine. Some believe it has a positive effect on triglyceride levels and factors leading to heart disease, such as atherosclerosis. The evidence necessary to support these claims is sometimes lacking, making these beliefs questionable. Before using garlic as a form of treatment, speak with your doctor to ensure the safety of your health.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a fat in your blood that form from excess calories. Your body converts any calories you do not use for energy into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells. Your hormones release triglycerides between meals for energy during physical activity. However, if you consume more calories than you burn, the consequence may be high triglyceride levels. The American Heart Association lists high triglycerides as a cause of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis
"Athero" translates into "gruel" or "paste," while "sclerosis" means "hardening," explains the American Heart Association. This disease causes a hardening of your arteries due to a buildup of plaque, a substance formed from cholesterol, fat and calcium. As plaque builds, your arteries become smaller, restricting the flow of blood to vital organs in your body, such as your heart and brain. This increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. High triglycerides are not the only cause. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, tobacco use and diabetes also lead to atherosclerosis.
The Garlic Connection
Although garlic is a common herbal treatment for the prevention of atherosclerosis, or for slowing the progression of this condition, New York University's Langone Medical Center states that little evidence exists to support the efficacy of garlic for this use. Some studies show that garlic may be an effective blood thinner, but this, too, is debatable. Medline Plus adds that studies on the efficacy of garlic as an herbal treatment for the reduction of triglyceride levels have been conducted, some more reliable than others. Taking into consideration only the higher-quality studies, the conclusion is that garlic does not significantly lower triglyceride levels.
Side Effects
Several dosages of garlic are available, all of which depend on the form you take. If you choose to use this herbal supplement to lower your triglycerides, ask your doctor what dose is right for you. Consuming excessive amounts can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, raid pulse, insomnia or flatulence, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. Do not combine garlic with blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin or heparin. This can result in excessive bleeding. If you have HIV, garlic can reduce the effectiveness of some HIV medications.
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