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| - Last Updated on September 1, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating garlic reduces high blood pressure. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Half True.
The Claim
A Facebook post lists the potential health benefits of eating garlic. One of the mentioned points asserts that garlic can reduce high blood pressure.
We will be fact-checking only this specific point in the story. Below attached is the screenshot of the claim.
Fact Check
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is also called hypertension. It is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg, but hypertension has readings consistently higher than 130/80 mmHg. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Lifestyle changes and medications are common approaches for management. Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial.
What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is managed through lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication. Lifestyle adjustments include a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, limited alcohol, and quitting smoking. Medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, and others may be necessary. Regular monitoring and consistent adherence to the treatment plan are essential for effective management throughout life.
Can diet reduce high blood pressure?
To a certain extent. While a specific diet alone may not cure high blood pressure, it can play a crucial role in managing and reducing blood pressure levels. It is important to not rely solely on diet and address the root cause of high blood pressure.
One of the social media post claims that drinking almond milk reduce blood pressure.
For example, while discussing whether eating rock salt reduces high blood pressure, Dietician Kamana Chauhan informed that “Excess sodium can increase water retention in the body. This leads to a higher blood volume and puts more strain on the heart, resulting in elevated blood pressure. The recommended daily sodium intake is 6g. But for individuals with high blood pressure, it is around 3.75g. As rock salt has fewer additives compared to common table salt, it is a healthier option. However, people should still consume it in moderation for optimal health benefits.”
Overall, adopting a heart-healthy diet can contribute to better cardiovascular health and help control hypertension. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is often recommended for individuals with high blood pressure.
Another post social tells that Hypertension can be permanently eliminated by consistently practicing a specific routine each morning.
This diet can manage high blood pressure. It emphasizes on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limiting sodium intake. However, lifestyle changes, including exercise and weight management, are also crucial. Also, it is important to understand that individual responses vary, and a comprehensive treatment plan may include medication. So, regular collaboration with healthcare professionals is essential for effective, long-term management.
What are the health benefits of garlic?
Consuming garlic can have potential health benefits. Some are discussed below.
- Heart Health: Garlic may help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
- Immune Support: It can boost the immune system due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Antioxidant Effects: Garlic has antioxidant compounds that combat free radicals.
- Anti-Inflammatory: It may reduce inflammation in the body such as arthritis.
- Antimicrobial: Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties, aiding in infection prevention.
Nidhi Singh, Botanist informs, “There is no doubt that garlic is a real food. Garlic, native to South and central Asia, has a rich history spanning thousands of years. It is among the oldest known medicinal and aromatic crops, with documented use by ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Indians, Babylonians, and Chinese. Garlic was even given to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece”.
Can eating garlic reduce high blood pressure?
It may. There is some evidence to suggest that garlic has a modest effect on reducing high blood pressure. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that has been associated with various health benefits, including potential blood pressure-lowering effects. However, scant evidence suggests that eating garlic can combat high blood pressure.
In our another fact check story, ENT Specialist Dr Priyajeet Panigrahi, MBBS, DNB, and MNAMS informed that garlic contains bioactive components like allicin and alliin, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective effects, and more, including anticancer and antibacterial properties.
Notably, certain studies suggest its efficacy rivals that of standard blood-pressure-lowering medications, with significantly fewer side effects. Research studies have found that garlic supplements could potentially reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
It is worth noting that while garlic’s blood-pressure-lowering effects seem universally applicable, they appear most pronounced in individuals with elevated blood pressures compared to those within the normal range.
It is important to note that while garlic can be a healthy addition to your diet, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have high blood pressure, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate advice and treatment. They can guide dietary changes, exercise, and medications tailored to your specific health needs.
To observe noticeable effects, you would have to consume relatively large quantities of garlic, surpassing typical culinary usage. It is essential to consult your doctor before considering garlic as a substitute for prescribed medications, as interactions could potentially be harmful. Incorporating garlic into your health plan should be part of a broader approach, including lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management, to optimize blood pressure control.
General Physician Dr Kashyap Dakshini informs, “There is data in authentic medical journals demonstrating that garlic is beneficial for individuals who suffer from high blood pressure. However, high blood pressure is a medical condition that requires treatment from an experienced doctor”.
Garlic consumption may lead to various side effects, with individual variations. Common side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, and upset stomach. Raw garlic may amplify these effects. Allergic reactions to garlic are possible for some individuals. Garlic supplements might heighten the risk of bleeding, particularly when taken alongside anticoagulant medications like warfarin. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you plan to take garlic supplements, especially before surgery or if you are on anticoagulant medication.
Garlic supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of specific drugs, such as saquinavir used in HIV treatment. Additionally, interactions with other dietary herbs and supplements are possible, emphasizing the importance of discussing any garlic supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure their compatibility with your overall health and medication regimen.
Nutritionist Nidhi Sarin further affirms that consuming garlic can potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues, flatulence, and alterations in the intestinal environment.
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