Can Garlic Prevent Heart Disease?

[jimmydasaint]

I am not trying to simplify how to prevent heart disease, bearing in mind that genetics, diet and behaviour play such an important role in heart disease. However, what if taking high levels of garlic could prevent the risk of atheroma, aneurysm and thrombosis, all so common in the West due to over-nutrition?

 

It appears as if the active agent is S-methyl cysteine found in both garlic and turmeric.

 

So, for the people in Britain who love a good curry, the news is great. Keep eating your curry and you could prevent heart disease...

 

This is an interesting article from the land of curry experts - India:

 

 

Synergistic Effect of Curcuminoid and S-methyl Cysteine in Regulation of Cholesterol Homeostasis

 

P. Hasimun, E.Y. Sukandar, I.K. Adnyana and D.H. Tjahjono

 

Abstract: Turmeric and garlic have been known to lower cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic state. Thus, both can be used as an alternative hyperlipidemia therapy to prevent complications of cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of actions of both in lowering cholesterol are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of curcuminoid, S-methyl cysteine and its combination in regulation of cholesterol levels in serum, liver and feces. This study used an animal model of rats with cholesterol metabolism abnormality induced by propylthiouracyl for 7 days. Curcuminoid, S-methyl cysteine and its combination were given on day 8, 1 h before the induction of cholesterol solution. Total cholesterol level in serum, liver and feces were measured during 6 h of observation. The results showed that the curcuminoid, S-methyl cysteine and its combination maintained the serum cholesterol within the normal level by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and lowering cholesterol level in liver. Curcuminoid and its combination with S-methyl cysteine increased the conversion of cholesterol into the feces as much as 3 times higher than the control group. While the S-methyl cysteine alone did not increase the conversion of cholesterol into the feces. We concluded that curcuminoid and S-methyl cysteine have multiple site of actions in lowering cholesterol level in the body. Both also work synergistically to overcome hyperlipidemia.

 

Abstract Link

[CharonY]

Garlic also functions as a anticoagulant, which helps preventing thromboses. Of course that has downsides, too, especially if one is prone to ulcers and internal bleeding. On the other hand one has probably eat a lot to have strong effects.

[jimmydasaint]

Garlic also functions as a anticoagulant, which helps preventing thromboses. Of course that has downsides, too, especially if one is prone to ulcers and internal bleeding. On the other hand one has probably eat a lot to have strong effects.

 

I agree, the systemic doses have to be quite high. I have to add a correction, the research is from Indonesia, and a quick scan of the methodology leaves me to think that their methodology is questionable. Nevertheless, the journal seems to be peer-reviewed.

Edited February 15, 2012 by jimmydasaint

[Bobbert]

While there is so much focus on the connection between cholesterol and heart disease, the benefits of garlic in preventing heart disease are probably due to factors other than changes in cholesterol.

 

In particular, clinical experiments have shown that regular consumption of garlic decreased calcium deposits and the size of arterial plaque in coronary arteries, prevented unhealthy blood clotting and improved the circulation of the subjects who were studied.

[CaptainPanic]

Garlic can prevent a girlfriend/boyfriend, thereby forcing you to live the unhealthy life of a bachelor, increasing heart problems.

 

(This is not a serious scientific reply)

[CharonY]

Unless you get your lady/boyfriend hooked to garlicy food. Then he/she cannot get away and you are set for life.