Eating Fabulous

How Garlic Reduce High Blood Pressure

by ruth on October 16th, 2007

A study conducted at University of Alabama at Birmingham demonstrates how garlic helps reduce blood pressure and thus protect against subsequent cardiovascular diseases. Apparently, the protective effect is closely linked to how much hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced from garlic compounds interacting with red blood cells.

The UAB researchers found this interaction triggered red blood cells to release H2S, which then led to the relaxation of blood vessels. Fresh garlic was used at a concentration equal to eating two cloves. The resulting H2S production caused up to 72 percent vessel relaxation in rat arteries.

“When these garlic compounds are metabolized to H2S in the vascular system, the H2S targets membrane channels and causes smooth muscle cells to relax,” Kraus said. “So a garlic-rich diet has many good effects, and H2S may be the common mediator.”

Future studies are being planned to better understand how much H2S production is needed through garlic or supplements to maximize those benefits.

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POSTED IN: ~Cardiovascular Health, ~Spices, Herbs and Condiments