According to a new research garlic can work wonders in treating high blood pressure, when complimented with proper medication. As part of the study, Australian doctors registered 50 patients in a trial to observe if garlic supplements can bring any positive changes to those who were suffering from high blood pressure despite getting proper medication.
Garlic supplements have earlier displayed to reduce the cholesterol and high blood pressure in those with untreated hypertension. Now, the researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, observed and studied the effects of four capsules a day of a supplement known as aged garlic for 12 weeks.
They discovered that systolic blood pressure was around 10mmHg lower in the group given garlic compared with those given a placebo. According to the researcher Karin Ried - Garlic supplements have been associated with a blood pressure lowering effect of clinical significance in patients with untreated hypertension. The trial, however, is the first to assess the effect, tolerability and acceptability of aged garlic extract as an additional treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with treated, but uncontrolled, hypertension.
Caution: Experts say garlic supplements should only be used after seeking medical advice, as garlic can thin the blood or interact with some medicines.
The study has been reported in the journal Maturitas.
