Garlic (Latin name : Allium sativum) is not only known as a flavor seasoning, but it has long been used as a traditional herb for treating various diseases. Research also claimed thousands of garlic is able to overcome and prevent various diseases ranging from cancer to blood vessels and heart. Even so, not a few also stated that the efficacy of garlic has not been particularly significant in preventing and treating these degenerative diseases.
A study in Los Angeles, United States revealed new evidence that supports the benefits of garlic for the health of blood vessels. Garlic extract in pill form is believed to have great potential to prevent thickening of the blood vessel wall tissue.
In some research, involving 65 participants, average age 60 years and have a big enough risk of heart disease. Participants divided into two groups: a diet pill containing extracts of garlic plus vitamins, while the other group was given capsules containing a placebo.
Participants are monitored for a year and at the end of the research recorded 58 surviving participants. Regularly every month, participants should be checked for cholesterol and other blood elements. They also have to do a heart scan at the beginning and end of the study.
From the research revealed, the development of atherosclerosis seems not fast in those who ate garlic pills compared with those taking placebo. According to researchers, the findings were not influenced by factors such as age, sex, degree of severity of atherosclerosis in early studies, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes treatment.
Professor Matthew Budoff MD, Naser Ahmadi MD and his team did not explain the content of what is really the biggest influence for the slowing of atherosclerosis. However, garlic extract is believed to provide the primary benefits of lowering levels of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with increased risk of heart disease. The study was funded by Wakunaga of America, which makes the garlic pill used in the study.
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