Garlic is one of the best natural supplements to reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, it can prevent heart disease and stroke.
Studies have shown that garlic can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 percent. However, it is important to consume garlic in moderation.
Allicin
Garlic contains allicin, an anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to reduce blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials found that people taking garlic for hypertension experienced significant decreases in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels compared to those taking a placebo.
Allicin improves immunity by stimulating the production of disease-fighting cells in the body. Among them are phagocytes and lymphocytes, which actively fight infections, detoxify toxic compounds and protect the body from dangerous viruses.
Antioxidants
Garlic is an effective natural antioxidant that can help quickly reduce blood pressure. Its powerful antioxidants eliminate harmful free radicals from the body and reduce lipid peroxides.
Additionally, it reduces inflammation that can cause high blood pressure. In addition, its anti-inflammatory effects help prevent atherosclerosis due to high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Additionally, garlic can reduce inflammatory factors such as COX-2, lipoxygenase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, which are known to play an important role in atherosclerosis.
One study revealed that taking a garlic supplement for 30 days along with standard antihypertensive treatment significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 16.5 and 12.5 mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, plasma H2S levels increased significantly, supporting the antioxidant effects of garlic.
Garlic contains bioactive compounds such as allicin, diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), E/Z-ajoene and S-allylcysteine, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-cancer. Not only that, but these compounds also improve cardiovascular health by boosting immunity levels and controlling blood sugar levels.
Potassium
Garlic is packed with potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate body fluid levels and maintain optimal heart and brain function. Additionally, this mineral plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve conduction.
Recently, a study revealed that garlic could significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure with fewer side effects than standard medications to control hypertension. A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials with 553 hypertensive participants confirmed this finding.
