CLAIM:

Garlic shots help lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and the risk of heart disease

FACT:

Indeed, regular consumption of garlic has all these health benefits.

The world is witnessing an epidemic of sorts of lifestyle diseases also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Prominent among these are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of morbidity and deaths worldwide. As the awareness about the diseases, and also about the side effects of modern medicines grows, more people are turning to plant-based alternatives for treatment. The prohibitive cost of allopathic medicines has also pushed people to seek natural alternatives.

Garlic is known for its heart health benefits. The curative property of the spice has been acknowledged in ancient Chinese and Indian medicine. It holds an important place in many culinary cultures around the world. The garlic is valued for its use in preventive nutrition, helping guard against cardiovascular ailments such as hypertension, build-up of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries). 

Team First Check investigated the claims of health benefits of garlic consumption by analysing the existing literature. Here are the team’s findings:

Garlic comprises fresh or dried bulbs of the Allium Sativum plant. The compound giving garlic its medicinal benefits is Allicin. It contains sulphur and is known for its potent anti-bacterial properties. Garlic is consumed either raw (fresh leaves or dried cloves) or processed (garlic oil, extracts, or powder). A single clove of garlic can provide four calories and is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Manganese in addition to Allicin.

In the recent past, food scientists have shown more interest in studying the cardiovascular health benefits of garlic. Evidence from many clinical trials suggests that eating garlic can help prevent cardiovascular problems. The spice reduces blood pressure and LDL by preventing platelet aggregation and dissolving blood clots in the arteries.

But while eating garlic regularly can help keep cardiovascular diseases at bay, it should be complemented with lifestyle changes such as diet control, weight management, and regular exercise.