Whereas according to Ayurveda, eating garlic clove with lukewarm water every morning on an empty stomach is beneficial for heart health. Let us tell you, the sulfur-containing compound called Allicin found in garlic acts as a natural protective shield for heart health. It improves blood flow by controlling blood pressure, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and preventing plaque accumulation in the arteries. Due to its anti-thrombotic properties, it keeps the heart healthy by preventing blood clotting. But Dr. Ajit Singh, cardiologist of Shardcare Healthcity, says that nowadays many people believe that eating garlic on an empty stomach in the morning reduces cholesterol and keeps the heart healthy. It's an old home remedy, but is it scientifically true? Based on my experience and the available evidence, I would say the answer can be both 'yes' and 'no' - depending on how, when and for whom it is being used.
What is cholesterol?
Cardiologist Dr. Ajit Singh says that before knowing the effect of garlic on heart health, we have to understand that cholesterol is a very important substance in the body. It plays an important role in cell wall formation, vitamin D production and hormone balance. But when 'bad' LDL cholesterol becomes excessive in the body, it deposits in the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart diseases. This is where the role of lifestyle and diet becomes most important.
Can consumption of garlic reduce cholesterol?
Many researches show that chemicals like allicin present in garlic can slightly reduce the cholesterol level in the blood. Some small studies show that consuming garlic in regular, controlled amounts may raise HDL (good cholesterol) and slightly lower LDL. But this effect is not as large or definite as we find with drugs like statins.
Disadvantages of consuming garlic
But if you are already taking garlic supplements, it may have side effects on your health. However, most of the side effects such as garlic odor from the mouth, garlic odor from the body, flatulence or gas formation, heartburn and diarrhea are usually mild and appear at higher doses. Apart from this, garlic also has mild anticoagulant or blood thinning properties, which can pose a threat to people suffering from bleeding disorders. Additionally, taking garlic with immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine may alter their metabolism, which may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of organ transplants and autoimmune diseases.
What is the safe amount of garlic to consume?
Although there are no guidelines for proper use of garlic in any form, there are some health risks associated with it. Many studies recommend consuming one to two cloves of raw garlic daily. You can take garlic with or without food.
Doctor warned
Relying only on garlic is not enough to prevent heart disease. The good news is that our eyes also give deep information about the health of the heart. By examining the pulses in the eyes, we can detect high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and other cardiovascular problems in advance, making timely treatment possible.
Advice- If you want to eat garlic in the morning, it can be a safe diet for you, provided you do it with a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, stress control, and medical advice. Especially if the amount of cholesterol in the body is already very high or you are already suffering from heart disease, then definitely consult your cardiologist.
Garlic may have some positive effects, but don't consider it a magic solution. Instead, an overall healthy lifestyle will help better control your heart and cholesterol.
