Garlic and heart health:

This incredibly simple ingredient may be small, but it has the abilities to enforce many positive effects on the health of your heart and circulatory system. By thinning the blood, reducing blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels, garlic alone has the power to protect your heart and keep it in excellent condition, thanks to its combination of minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Reducing blood pressure:

Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels to contract, which can therefore increase blood pressure. The allicin that is found within garlic however, blocks the angiotensin II activity in order to help decrease blood pressure. Meanwhile, the pholysulphides that are also present within garlic are converted by the red blood cells into hydrogen sulphate, which dilates our blood vessels and helps to keep blood pressure under control. Reduced blood pressure allows the blood to carry more oxygen to essential organs, while reducing any tension in blood vessels and pressure on the heart.

Reducing cholesterol:

Just one tiny garlic clove can play a huge role in reducing the risks of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes because of its abilities in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol and other debris in the blood can cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which then leads to restricted blood flow. Garlic however, moderately lowers blood triglycerides (that contribute to the thickening of artery walls) in order to reduce arterial plaque formation and allowing regular blood flow.

Reducing oxidative stress:

Some of garlic’s top benefits include the protection it offers against inflammatory and oxidative stress. Damage from highly reactive oxygen molecules to blood vessels is a key factor for increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Oxidative damage will also lead to unwanted inflammation as well as putting blood vessels at risk of plaque formation and clogging. However, garlic’s unique combination of sulphur containing compounds, protect us against both oxidative stress and blood vessel damage to help maintain a healthy heart and blood flow.