Is garlic good for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides?

There are many properties attributed to garlic, but not all of them are entirely true. One of the most popular beliefs about garlic is its ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, however, research by Dr. Christopher D. Gardner, from Stanford University in the United States, assures that consuming raw garlic or Taking supplements based on this bulb does not help to significantly reduce elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Why is there this false belief? Because there have been many studies in animals that have shown that the allicin contained in garlic is capable of inhibiting the formation of cholesterol , but not of reducing its levels or concentration in arteries. Similarly, since it is research carried out in animals, it cannot be guaranteed that the effect of garlic is the same in humans.

For the study by Dr. Gardner, he set out to study the action of allicin in 192 people with moderately high levels of LDL. Of the participants, 47 received garlic powder, 48 garlic supplements, and the remaining 48 a placebo. The investigation lasted two months and fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels were constantly analyzed, which did not show a significant improvement.

However, this study ensures that its results are valid only for people with moderately elevated cholesterol and does not rule out that garlic can reduce the most acute hypercholesterolemia or prevent cardiovascular diseases. In fact, it is considered that the consumption of garlic is positive to prevent and treat arteriosclerosis , thanks to the anti-inflammatory property of the bulb and its power to lower high blood sugar levels.

Although the aforementioned study refutes the action of garlic to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, this bulb is still one of the most widely used foods in natural medicine due to the multiple properties it offers to the human body, which you can learn about below.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases

It helps to considerably improve the health of the heart by its action of increasing the flexibility of the arteries and preventing the narrowing and hardening caused by the accumulation of plaque inside them. Also, garlic helps control blood pressure, being very useful for people suffering from hypertension.

Natural antibiotic

It is an excellent ally of the immune system, as it helps the body fight bacteria that could be causing any type of infection. Consuming raw garlic helps raise the body’s defenses to better fight viruses and diseases and help the body recover more effectively.

Antiseptic for wounds

Crushing or grinding and applying its juice topically to wounds helps fight germs that can cause wound infection.

Control sugar levels

For diabetics it is very important to keep blood glucose levels regulated. Garlic exerts an action in the body that regulates the production of insulin, preventing sugar from concentrating in large amounts in the blood.

Other health benefits of garlic

• It acts as an anticoagulant and vasodilator.
• Promotes blood circulation.
• Purifies the body of toxins.
• Helps prevent digestive tract cancers.
• Improves the digestion of food.

People diagnosed clinically with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridaemia should follow their doctor’s instructions closely and take prescription medications to treat both conditions. However, one of the most important recommendations to lower both cholesterol and triglycerides is to make changes in your daily habits that allow you to permanently reverse this condition. Some actions that may be significant in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides include the following:

• Eat a healthy diet low in fat and sugar.
• Cook meals on the grill, in the oven or steamed and avoid fried foods, au gratin or foods with a lot of oil.
• Increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber to stimulate the purification of the organism and the reduction of accumulated fat. Watercress, spinach, oatmeal, and pineapple are great natural fiber options.
• Green leafy vegetables significantly help lower cholesterol. Prefer watercress, broccoli, chard and arugula are ideal.
• Protein should never be lacking in your meals, but beef, for example, should be avoided more than twice a week. He prefers lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish.
• Consuming too much seafood can affect cholesterol levels. Eat them with caution.
• Stop eating flour, pastries, cakes, pastries, sweets, refined sugar, bread, pasta, soft drinks, juices with sugar, cold cuts and processed foods.
• Decrease the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Do any cardio-stress physical activity like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, running, dancing, or biking. The ideal is to do at least 40 minutes a day of some type of exercise.

Discover other natural treatments by consulting the article Home remedies to lower cholesterol .

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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