Garlic, known for its strong flavor and aroma, has been claimed to treat several health conditions, from common cold to high blood pressure. But can it act as a doctor for high pressure? This is a popular myth that has been around for many years.

In this article, we will explore the truth behind this claim.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and other organs.

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. Therefore, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

There are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as:.

Age, as blood vessels become less flexible over time
Family history of high blood pressure
Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as consuming too much salt, being overweight, not getting enough physical activity, and smoking
Underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and thyroid problems

Can Garlic Lower Blood Pressure?

Garlic has been claimed to have various health benefits, including lowering blood pressure. However, the evidence behind this claim is mixed.

Some studies have suggested that garlic may have a small effect on reducing blood pressure.

For example, a review of several studies found that taking garlic supplements for at least four weeks could lead to a slight reduction in both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure. However, the effect was only modest, and the studies included in the review were of low quality.

Other studies have found no significant effect of garlic on blood pressure.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that taking garlic supplements for 12 weeks did not significantly lower blood pressure in people with uncontrolled hypertension.

Why is Garlic Thought to Lower Blood Pressure?

There are several compounds in garlic that may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. One of these compounds is allicin, which is formed when garlic is chopped or crushed.

Allicin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may also have a slight relaxing effect on blood vessels.

However, it is important to note that the amount of allicin in garlic supplements can vary widely, and not all garlic supplements may contain it.

In addition, allicin is unstable and breaks down quickly, which means that it may not survive the digestive process.

Other Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help control it. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt
Losing weight if you are overweight
Getting regular physical activity
Limiting alcohol consumption
Stopping smoking
Managing stress

In addition, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and take your medication as directed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that garlic may have a small effect on reducing blood pressure, the evidence is mixed and of low quality. Therefore, it is unlikely that garlic alone can act as a doctor for high pressure.

If you have high blood pressure, it is important to make lifestyle changes and consult with your doctor for proper treatment.