IS GARLIC GOOD FOR THE HEART?


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The healing properties of garlic have for centuries been the stuff of legend.
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Considered to be a 'herbal wonder drug', it has been used for warding off evil spirits, and the occasional suitor if eaten in the right quantity. It has also been attributed to being a cure for the common cold, influenza and even the plague!

Unfortunately - up until now - the health benefits of eating garlic haven’t been much more than supposition wrapped in an old wives tale, but things are about to change.

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have recently discovered that eating garlic really does help to keep the heart healthy. It's all down to the chemical allicin – the same chemical responsible for creating the sulphur compounds which makes your breath smell.
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In low concentrations, allicin will react with red blood cells to produce tiny amounts of hydrogen sulphide within the blood vessels. The Hydrogen sulphide then stimulates the cells that form the lining of the blood vessels causing the vessels to dilate. This in turn reduces blood pressure allowing the blood to carry more oxygen to essential organs, and reducing pressure on the heart.
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In addition, low concentrations of allcin also play a vital role in helping cells to communicate with each other.

Lead researcher Dr David Kraus had this to say on the matter:

‘…Our results suggest garlic in the diet is a very good thing. Certainly in areas where garlic consumption is high, such as the Mediterranean and the Far East, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular disease…’

Judy O'Sullivan, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, added:

‘…This interesting study suggests that garlic may provide some heart health benefits. It is important to note that large amounts in supplement form may interact with blood thinning drugs and could increase the risk of bleeding...’
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WARNING. Of course, raw garlic is very strong and eating significant amounts can produce health problems. Too much, and you can risk causing irritation - or even worse - damage to the digestive tract. There are also a minority of people who are allergic to garlic. Symptoms of a garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches.
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