Clogged arteries? Five ways garlic can help

Among the popular benefits of consuming garlic is its ability to help prevent hardening of the arteries. Here are five ways this superfood has shown its power against clogged arteries *

* Warning: Those who take conventional medications such as blood thinners should consult a medicinal herbalist or their health practitioner when using both natural and pharmaceutical medications for atherosclerosis or any other condition that has been diagnosed. There is nothing here intended to be used as medical advice.

garlic It is one of the strongest foods out there, and with good reason. Aside from garlic’s known antibacterial, antifungal, and microbial properties, garlic has been documented in studies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, to name a few.^[i] It is also known to help open arteries.

Arteriosclerosis It is a complex disease in which plaque, made up of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances, builds up in the arteries.^[ii] In the long term, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, which limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and the rest of the body.

The condition can lead to dangerous conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Here are five ways garlic can help treat or prevent clogged arteries.

Five benefits of garlic for clogging arteries

1. It prevents vascular calcification

Aged garlic extract has been shown to reduce multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure. A 2004 study evaluated its ability to inhibit vascular calcification, which acts as a marker for plaque formation in coronary arteries.^[iii]

In a small, double-blind, one-year pilot study, aged garlic extract was shown to inhibit the rate of coronary artery calcification in patients taking statin therapy compared to placebo.

After finding three times as low a progression in coronary artery calcification in those taking older garlic supplements versus a placebo, the researchers wrote that if their results were confirmed in larger studies, garlic may be beneficial for patients at risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.

2. It increases blood vessel elasticity and endothelial function

A stressful lifestyle is a known risk factor for the presence and exacerbation of atherosclerosis. A study investigated the effect of chives extract alongside Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) On the elasticity of blood vessels in a group of firefighters.^[iv]

The combination has been linked to significant benefits for vascular flexibility as well as endothelial function among firefighters, who are under high stress at work. This combination has emerged as a potential way to prevent hardening of the arteries in these individuals.

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Separate research evaluated the effects of garlic And CoQ10 on coronary atherosclerosis and inflammatory biomarkers, and it was concluded that the participants who took the group had significantly improved coronary artery calcium as well as C-reactive protein levels.^[v] The results indicated improved heart health.

3. It prevents Nanoplaque formation

In a 2004 study, garlic successfully prevented the formation of a lipoprotein associated with atherosclerosis.^[vi] Experiments have shown that garlic extract strongly inhibits the binding of calcium ions to proteohyparan sulfate, which weakens the formation of what is responsible for the “nano-structure” and ultimately the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

4. Protects against aortic sclerosis

A cross-sectional observational study evaluated healthy adults taking standard garlic powder for at least two years and a control group, and then measured the elastic properties of the aorta.^[vii]

Blood pressure levels, heart rate, and plasma lipid levels were similar in the groups. However, chronic garlic powder consumption slowed age-related increases in aortic stiffness, which supports the protective effects of eating garlic.

5. Reduces the progression of atherosclerosis

Aged garlic extract has been combined with nutritional supplements to investigate effects on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation, vascular function and atherosclerotic progression.^[viii]

In the trial, 65 subjects of moderate risk were treated with either a placebo or a capsule containing chives extract plus vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B6 and L-arginine, and given daily for one year. The combination of garlic and nutritional supplements has been linked to improved oxidative biomarkers, vascular health, and reduced development of atherosclerosis.

A related study found that treatment with aged garlic extract plus supplementation of vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B6, and L-arginine was associated with decreased progression of coronary artery calcium, along with an increased ratio of brown fat to white adipose tissue.^[ix]

These are just some of the ways garlic has shown healing properties against calcification problems in the cardiovascular system. You find Nearly 800 abstracts of research for clogged arteries In the GreenMedInfo.com database.

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References

[i] Banerjee S et al The effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review. Nutr J.. 2002; 1: 4. Posted online 2002 November 19.

[ii] National Institutes of Health, Atherosclerosis https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis

[iii] Budov M. et al Preventing the progression of coronary artery calcification with the use of elderly garlic extract in patients receiving statin therapy: a preliminary study. Ex med. 2004 November; 39 (5): 985–91.

[iv] Larijani V et al Beneficial effects of chives extract and coenzyme Q10 on vascular elasticity and endothelial function: FAITH randomized clinical trial. feed. 2012 Aug 1. Epub 2012 Aug 1.

[v] Zeb I et al “Elderly garlic extract and coenzyme Q10 have a positive effect on markers of inflammation and progression of coronary atherosclerosis: a randomized clinical trial” J Cardiovasc Dis Res. 2012 Jul-Sep; 3 (3): 185-190.

[vi] Siegel G et al Inhibition of arterial plaque growth through garlic. Vienna Med Wochenschr. 2004 November; 154 (21-22): 515-22.

[vii] Braithupt-Gruegler K et al Preventive effect of chronic garlic intake on the elastic properties of the aorta in the elderly. Rotation. 1997 Oct 21; 96 (8): 2649–55.

[viii] Budov M. et al. Aged garlic extract with added B vitamins, folic acid and L-arginine delays development of subclinical atherosclerosis: a randomized clinical trial Breast cancer treatment. 2004 Feb; 83 (3): 221-31.

[ix] Ahmadi N et al. Aged garlic extract combined with supplementation is associated with increased brown fat, decreased white adipose tissue and a prediction of decreased progression in coronary atherosclerosis. Int J Cardiol. 2013 Mar 1. Epub 2013 Mar 1.