Garlic is a popular vegetable that is commonly used in cooking around the world. It is believed that garlic offers many health benefits, including the ability to lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause serious health problems if left uncontrolled. In this article, we will explore whether or not garlic is truly effective at controlling high blood pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a common condition that occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.

Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It is possible to have high blood pressure for years without experiencing any symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:.

Being overweight or obese
Not getting enough exercise
Eating a diet high in salt, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol
Smoking
Having a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease
Stress

How Does Garlic Lower Blood Pressure?

Garlic has long been believed to have cardiovascular benefits, including the ability to lower blood pressure. There are several ways in which garlic may help to lower blood pressure:.

Garlic contains compounds such as allicin and sulfur that are believed to have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels, which can help to lower blood pressure.
Garlic may also help to prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can cause them to narrow and increase blood pressure.
Garlic has antioxidant properties that can help to protect the heart and blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals.
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, which can also contribute to high blood pressure.

What Does the Research Say?

There have been many studies conducted on the potential health benefits of garlic, including its ability to lower blood pressure. While some studies have shown promising results, other studies have been inconclusive or have shown no significant effect.

A review of 16 clinical trials published in the journal Maturitas in 2016 found that garlic supplements were able to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.

However, the authors noted that the quality of the studies varied, and that more research was needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of garlic supplementation.

Another review published in the Integrated Blood Pressure Control in 2014 found that garlic supplements were able to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, but not in people with normal blood pressure.

The authors noted that the effect was modest, and that more research was needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of garlic supplementation.

Overall, while there is some evidence to suggest that garlic may be effective at lowering blood pressure, more research is needed to determine its exact mechanism of action and to establish optimal doses and duration of treatment.

Is Garlic Safe for Everyone?

While garlic is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, it can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Garlic can interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and aspirin, and may increase the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with medications used to treat HIV, such as saquinavir, and may reduce their effectiveness.

People who are allergic to garlic or other members of the allium family, such as onions and leeks, should avoid consuming garlic. Garlic supplements can also cause digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach upset in some people.

Conclusion

While garlic has been touted for its potential health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure, more research is needed to determine its exact mechanism of action and to establish optimal doses and duration of treatment.

If you are considering using garlic to help manage your blood pressure, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe for you to do so, especially if you are taking medications or have any underlying health conditions.