High blood pressure and high cholesterol are common medical conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Both of these conditions can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.

While medication may be necessary to treat these conditions, dietary changes can also have a significant impact. One seasoning that has been shown to aid in hypertension and cholesterol control is garlic.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to damage to the arteries and organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it does not typically have any symptoms until it is severe.

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the fats in your blood.

While your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, too much cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health complications. High cholesterol does not typically cause any symptoms, so it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly.

How does garlic help with hypertension?

Garlic has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including aiding in hypertension control.

The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, is believed to help relax the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing blood pressure levels. One study found that taking garlic supplements for 24 weeks significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.

How does garlic help with cholesterol control?

Garlic has also been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects. The allicin found in garlic is thought to help reduce the formation of plaque in the arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Garlic may also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels. One study found that taking garlic supplements for 12 weeks significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with high cholesterol.

How to incorporate garlic into your diet

Garlic is a versatile seasoning that can be added to many dishes. Here are some ideas:.

– Crush or chop fresh garlic and sauté with vegetables.
– Add minced garlic to salad dressings or homemade marinades.
– Roast garlic and spread on whole-grain bread.
– Add garlic to soups and stews for extra flavor.
– Make a homemade garlic butter to spread on bread or use when cooking.
– Crush garlic and mix with olive oil and lemon juice for a simple, flavorful dressing.
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Precautions when using garlic

While garlic is generally considered safe when used as a seasoning, there are some precautions to keep in mind.

Garlic may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements if you are on any medications. Additionally, garlic can cause gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed in large amounts, and some people may have an allergy to garlic.

Conclusion

Garlic is a delicious seasoning that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including aiding in hypertension and cholesterol control.

While garlic should not replace medication if necessary, incorporating garlic into your diet can be an easy way to support overall health and wellbeing.