Garlic May Spice up Your Health
By Tom Herrin
A lot of people use herbs and spices to flavor their foods. Some cultures use an abundance of a few kinds. For many years, the use of garlic was associated with those who consumed foods such as pastas, breads, and a few others. Many of these felt assured that their health was highly connected with the use of it. Although it may seem as if this is simply a wives’ tale, there actually is something to it. While many people try to stay as far away from it as possible, garlic can do things for health that are well worth looking at, and it does not always need to have the odor that some consider so offensive.
It May Lower Blood Pressure
One study on the effects of garlic on blood pressure showed that in people who were having difficulty in managing blood pressure with medication, one gram per day in the form of a supplement significantly lowered blood pressure. It is generally believed that the polysulfides in garlic are able to increase the flexibility of the walls of the blood vessels, thereby reducing the pressure. This seems to be consistent with what many users believe as well.
It May Lower LDL Levels
People in many places around the world use garlic to reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood. Whatever the reason, there appears to be a 10-15 percent reduction in the levels of LDL. It has a high enough success rate to be popular in many cultures. It has shown no effects on HDL or triglyceride levels, however, but for those with high LDL levels, it can be great.
It May Prevent Blood Clots
Many people experience problems with blood clots. While there are a variety of causes, it is something that bears consideration. There are several kinds of medications that are used to treat the situation, but many of them have possible side effects that are a concern. As we age, we tend to have more problems with this. Taking in more water is essential, but taking a garlic supplement may help as well as it has shown promise in helping to prevent clots. Taking a daily supplement may be an easy way to add just a little bit of extra precaution. With the low price, it may be worth trying.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lone Tree, Colo.
