Fight Hypertension

Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure above 134/84. For abnormal readings in the lower range, lifestyle modifications like a low sodium diet or DASH diet are recommended. Regular moderate aerobic exercise has also been shown to reduce blood pressure and assist with weight control. Until recently, herbs and supplements have not been shown to be effective adjuncts in lowering blood pressure.

There have been numerous studies done on the use of garlic to lower blood pressure. Taken alone these studies did not provide the length of treatment and large numbers subjects needed to draw conclusions regarding effectiveness. But, an analysis of all studies done called a meta-analysis has shown that garlic probably is effective in lowering blood pressure.

Does that mean that you should eat garlic if you have hypertension? The answer is maybe but maybe not. Garlic contains two compounds - hydrogen sulfide, which gives you bad breath and allicin both of which influence blood pressure. These compounds can be extracted and about 600 - 900 mg daily of garlic power which contains 3.5-5.0 mg of allicin content are needed to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Raw garlic must be very finely chopped to release the allicin. When garlic is subjected to heat - cooking - it looses much of its effectiveness. Eaten raw it is effective on reducing both your blood pressure and your number of friends.

What are we to conclude from studies like this? Blood pressure is regulated in the body in various ways. To keep yours low to normal, maintain an ideal weight, eat a good diet and exercise regularly.