Garlic and blood pressure: Garlic, the simple ingredient lying in almost every Indian kitchen, does a lot more than make your food taste good. For generations, it has been used as a home remedy for coughs, infections and even heart-related issues.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force with which your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it flows. When this pressure remains high for an extended period, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, which is why it’s often referred to as a “silent killer.”
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Why is garlic good for your heart?
When you crush or chop garlic, it releases a sulphur compound called allicin. This is what gives garlic its strong smell and many of its health-friendly effects. Studies suggest that allicin and other compounds in garlic may help your heart by:
- Helping blood vessels relax so blood can flow more easily
- Slightly reducing “bad” (LDL) cholesterol
- Calming inflammation in the artery walls
- Making blood less likely to form clots
All of this matters for blood pressure. When arteries are less clogged with cholesterol, more relaxed and less inflamed, the heart doesn’t have to pump as hard.
Garlic’s mild effect on cholesterol, clotting and inflammation when combined may contribute to better blood pressure control over time, especially when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
How to use garlic for blood pressure?
Raw garlic gives you the most allicin, but it also has the sharpest taste and smell. You can peel 1–2 small cloves, crush or finely chop them and leave them aside for about 5–10 minutes so the active compound can develop. After that, you can swallow it with plain water or mix it with a little honey or warm water to make it easier to take. Many people prefer having it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
If you don’t like it raw, cooked garlic still supports heart health. Add it generously to dals, sabzis, soups, stir-fries or salad dressings.
When should you be careful with garlic?
Go slow or speak to your doctor if you:
- Are taking blood thinners, as garlic can increase the risk of bleeding
- Are due for any surgery
- Already have low blood pressure, as too much garlic may lower it further
- Have acidity, reflux or a sensitive stomach, since raw garlic can cause burning, gas or discomfort
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When used regularly, garlic can support your heart, help your blood vessels stay more relaxed and gently assist in keeping blood pressure under control.
