Eating Garlic Every Day, Effectively Lowering Cholesterol And Blood Sugar?

JAKARTA - Garlic has been known as a kitchen spice that enriches the taste of cooking. However, recent research shows that this simple material can be a secret weapon to keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable.

A meta-analysis of 22 previous studies involving 29 random controlled trials was conducted by researchers from Southeast University and Xizang Minzu University, China. As a result, consumption of garlic is shown to be related to decreased glucose levels and several types of fat molecules in the body.

"In healthy people, glucose metabolism and lipids are very precise," the researchers wrote in their report, quoted from the Science Alert page.

"This metabolic offense can cause a number of chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver disease," he continued.

Garlic has long been associated with health benefits, including helping regulate lipid and glucose levels. From this combined study, the results are consistent.

People who regularly consume garlic have lower blood sugar levels, better long-term glucose control, higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL), lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and lower total cholesterol.

Interestingly, triglyceride levels are not much affected by garlic. In addition, this spice can be a natural and delicious way to help regulate sugar levels and blood fat.

The researchers explained that garlic contains various active substances that work through several mechanisms, one of which is by reducing oxidative stress, namely cell damage due to free radicals that can trigger cardiovascular disease.

Garlic also contains an antioxidant compound called alliine, which has previously been linked to the management of blood sugar, blood fat, and intestinal microbiome health. It is very likely that this combination of effects will produce the benefits seen in the study.

How To Consume

In the study analyzed, garlic is consumed in various forms, including raw garlic, old garlic extract (aged Garlic extract), to garlic powder tablet supplements. The research time range varied, from three to one year.

"Research results show that garlic has a beneficial effect on blood glucose and blood lipids in humans, and its relationship is statistically significant." wrote the researchers.