In some people, garlic can lower blood pressure, but not in others. Vitamin B and sulfur are thought to be the culprits. Garlic’s action is driven by B vitamins, which help convert its sulfur content into H2S, a signaling molecule that causes smooth muscle cell contraction and vasodilation. This action can lower blood pressure, but the exact mechanism is unclear.
cNOS Activity
Recent studies have shown that garlic can reduce the levels of CNRS in the blood, a molecule associated with atherosclerosis. This enzyme has anti-atherosclerotic properties, as it inhibits smooth muscle proliferation and phenotypic changes. It can also reduce lipid accumulation in the arterial wall. This may improve endothelial cell function. Besides reducing oxidative stress in the blood, garlic is thought to be able to increase the levels of glutathione. It can also inhibit the oxidation of LDL, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Taking garlic supplements can reduce systolic and diastolic pressures, arterial blood pressure and vascular resistance. Plasma levels of H2S and copolymeric aldehydes were also improved.
Effects On lipid Metabolism
The in vitro and in vivo results of garlic’s effects on lipid metabolism have been mixed. Garlic can lower blood triglycerides, but it can also give animals elasticity. These effects may be due to garlic’s inhibition of human gastric lipase and mercaptoenzymes. In rats, garlic significantly reduced LDL, TG, and HDL. Garlic intake also reduced the weight of inguinal adipose tissue, and total lipid levels were significantly reduced. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results. However, there were no significant differences in serum triglyceride levels between groups.
Effects On Hemodilution
Garlic is a natural blood thinner, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and nausea. It can also cause bad breath and skin reactions. It can also worsen existing conditions such as asthma. Studies have also found that garlic can interfere with many types of medications. Because of garlic’s blood-thinning properties, some diabetics are advised not to take garlic. Pregnant women and those with bleeding disorders should also not take it. It has been proven that garlic can reduce the formation of blood clots, but its effectiveness has not been confirmed in clinical trials. Garlic has fibrinolytic activity, which means it can dissolve unwanted clots. Garlic can also prevent blood clots from blocking arteries.
Impact On Cardiovascular Disease
There is growing evidence that garlic can help lower several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Several in vitro studies have revealed positive effects in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Still, observations are needed to see whether garlic can help prevent cardiovascular disease and whether it affects its progression. However, this evidence needs to be translated into a clinical setting to confirm its effectiveness. Garlic can reduce many cardiovascular disease parameters, but large-scale trials are needed to confirm these findings. To reliably evaluate the impact of garlic on cardiovascular risk, such studies must use standardized preparations and be based on recognized active ingredients. Although these studies have produced positive results, garlic has many problems with toxicity and variable components when eaten raw. Garlic powder can also cause toxic reactions if not properly prepared.