A new review and meta-analysis of existing studies focused on the potential health benefits of garlic consumption. The researchers were particularly interested in the impact of garlic on cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels. They found that garlic intake was associated with lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, suggesting that garlic may be a potential therapeutic option for people with lipid and glucose metabolism disorders. Given the rising rates of conditions like coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes, researchers are exploring cost-effective ways to prevent and treat these diseases, leading to the investigation of garlic’s effects on blood glucose and lipid metabolism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people in the United States are affected by diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Routine blood tests are typically conducted to monitor these conditions and assess potential health risks. The researchers in the study wanted to determine whether garlic could have an impact on lipid levels and blood glucose levels due to the presence of allicin, a compound in garlic known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Analyzing data from 22 studies involving 29 trials and over 1,500 participants, the researchers found that garlic supplementation led to improvements in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with no significant impact on triglyceride levels.
Through their meta-analysis, the researchers found a meaningful association between garlic consumption and positive changes in various metabolic markers. Garlic supplementation was seen to lower fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The study results suggest that garlic interventions have the potential to prevent or manage cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, showcasing the benefits of incorporating garlic into dietary strategies. The longer the garlic intervention trials lasted, the greater improvements were observed in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Cardiologist Cheng-Han Chen noted that while the study provides valuable insights into the effects of garlic on blood sugar control and cholesterol levels, more research is needed to identify the active compounds responsible for these beneficial effects. Garlic, known for its sulfur-based compounds like allicin, alliin, and diallyl disulfide, is considered a nutritious addition to any diet, but further investigations are warranted to understand its mechanisms of action. Family medicine expert Edwin Bosa-Osorio emphasized the study’s strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging the need for larger, more robust studies to validate the findings. While the study findings are intriguing, they do not currently warrant changes in dietary recommendations, and existing treatments and preventative measures for heart disease and type 2 diabetes remain highly effective.
