Garlic has once again been singled out for its health virtues by recent American research, published in the Journal of Nutrition. The study found that aged garlic extract supplements reduced the amount of dangerous plaque accumulated in the arteries, slowing the progression of heart disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of garlic as an adjuvant to the dietary management of hyperlipidemia (a high level of lipids in the blood), in the prevention of age-related vascular changes (atherosclerosis) and in mild cases of hypertension.
"This study is another demonstration of the benefits of this supplement in reducing the accumulation of soft plaque and preventing the formation of new plaque in the arteries, which can cause heart disease," said Matthew J. Budoff, a lead researcher at LA BioMed. This plaque is often rich in lipids (cholesterol). Over time, it obstructs blood vessels and restricts blood flow.
Causes include lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, stress, lack of exercise, oral contraception, alcoholism), genetic factors (family history of stroke, being male, menopause), metabolic disease (high cholesterol, diabetes, gout) and high blood pressure.
The researchers studied 55 patients aged 40 to 75 diagnosed with metabolic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. Participants were screened at the start of the study to measure coronary plaque volumes, as well as the volume of fat and calcium in their arteries. Then, over the course of a year, one group took a placebo while the other group was given a 2.4 mg dose of aged garlic extract per day.
One year later, the "garlic eaters" had slowed the total accumulation of plaque by 80%, reduced its density and seen plaque levels regress.
Other health benefits of garlic include antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can be useful in cases of gastroenteritis or fungal infections caused by candida albicans.
From: http://www.msn.com/
