Garlic supplements can help reduce high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and prevent certain types of cancer, but are not effective for treating high cholesterol, reducing the chances of getting breast or lung cancer, or treating diabetes. Fresh garlic is often the best way to get the full benefits of the plant. Garlic supplements can have side effects and should be used with caution, especially in combination with other herbs and drugs that affect blood pressure.
Garlic supplements are promoted as treatments and cures for hundreds of ailments. However, only some of these remedies are backed by scientific research. A garlic supplement could help reduce high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and prevent certain types of cancer. Contrary to some home remedy guides, garlic is probably not effective for treating high cholesterol, reducing the chances of getting breast or lung cancer, or treating diabetes. Certain garlic supplements are less effective or not noticeably effective compared to fresh garlic. Side effects of taking garlic can include bad breath, heartburn, and nausea.
A garlic supplement can be taken three times a day to reduce blood pressure by up to 8 percent. If fresh garlic is taken, only one clove is needed per day. Garlic supplements also have the ability to lower blood pressure in people who have normal blood pressure. In combination with other herbs and drugs that affect blood pressure, these supplements can be dangerous. For safety reasons, a health professional should be contacted before attempting to lower blood pressure with a garlic supplement.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which a person’s arteries become hard and less flexible. This usually occurs naturally as a person ages, but can increase in severity due to poor diet choices, certain health conditions, and lack of exercise. Garlic helps keep arteries flexible, helping to facilitate blood flow. Kidney disease, stroke, and high blood pressure can be prevented by having more flexible arteries. In addition to taking a garlic supplement, a person should avoid fatty foods, refrain from excessive alcohol consumption, and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.
Eating fresh garlic reduces the risk of developing colon, rectal, and stomach cancers. Researchers do not believe that garlic in supplement form has the same effect. Other studies suggest that a garlic supplement strengthens the immune system, potentially preventing these cancers anyway. Essentially, scientists are undecided on this matter when it comes to supplements rather than fresh garlic.
Many home remedy guides suggest using garlic in ways that are not supported by scientific research. Garlic supplements cannot treat diabetes, prevent breast cancer, or cure the common cold. Studies are underway to explore and demonstrate further benefits of a garlic supplement. Until researchers present solid evidence, such health conditions are best treated with a health professional.
Fresh garlic instead of a garlic supplement is often the best way to get the full benefits of the plant. If a garlic supplement must be used, the person should avoid purchasing aged garlic. Aged garlic is significantly less effective, although some people prefer it due to its diminished odor.
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