Sunday, September 15, 2013

Is It True That Garlic Can Lower Cholesterol

Is It True That Garlic Can Lower Cholesterol
Garlic (Allium Sativum) or the stinking rose is a plant that is widely known for its one of a kind odor. This herb that resembles the onion dates back over 6000 years. Garlic is a staple seasoning in Asia, in Europe as well as in the Mediterranean region. It would seem that ancient civilization use this pungent bulb as clay models of garlic was found in Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Folktales states that garlic is used to ward off evil. Bullets are ineffective to repel vampires but the smell of this inconsequential bulb would fend off a vampire attack. Aside from being used as seasoning and an important ingredient in recipes, garlic is most sought after for its aphrodisiac effects.
Several scientific studies conducted on garlic proved that this pungent bulb can effectively fight cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and can lower the bad cholesterol level. There are about thirty sulfur compounds in garlic. Allin is one. This compound does not have any therapeutic effect. But once the garlic is crushed, an enzyme called allinase is set off and changes allin to allicin. It is therefore advised to let several minutes to pass before eating crushed garlic as allicin is the potent compound.
Allicin, a chemical found in garlic is proven effective to eliminate fungi and bacteria as well as well as treat stomach disorders. Allicin is a very strong antioxidant. Garlic is known to thin the blood and lower its clotting properties. In recent years, the most remarkable and extolled quality of garlic is its capability to lower cholesterol levels.
Garlic contains polyphenols that is good for the heart. It was proven that garlic raises High Density Lipoprotien (HDL), the good cholesterol and at the same time prevents the build up of Low Density Lipoprotien (LDL), the bad cholesterol. Because of this, plaque formation on the arteries will be greatly decreased.
The cholesterol lowering ability of garlic seems to be dose dependent. This means that if you want to drastically lower your cholesterol level you have to take a lot of garlic whether in powder form, raw, tablet or oil extract. Garlic has no notable side effect apart from the not too pleasing distinctive breath and body odor. Although no limit is given on the amount of daily garlic consumption, some studies have disclosed that too much garlic can have harmful effects on the liver. Garlic is a cost effective home treatment for a lot of diseases but as it could also damage the liver, it would be wise to consult your doctor for the right dosage.

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