Garlic May Help Reduce Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

Incorporating garlic into your diet—whether fresh, sprinkled, or infused in oil—can help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

A meta-analysis of 22 studies with 29 randomized, controlled trials by researchers from Southeast University and Xizang Minzu University in China has confirmed that garlic consumption is associated with reduced glucose and certain fat molecules.

Glucose and lipids are crucial for energy and building blocks in the body. However, modern diets often lead to excessive intake, raising health risks. Lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and exercise also affect sugar and fat levels.

Disrupted Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Can Lead to Chronic Diseases

“Glucose and lipid metabolism is precisely regulated in healthy individuals,” the researchers note in their paper. “Disorders in these processes can cause chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.”

Garlic, known for its health benefits, has been linked to the regulation of lipids and glucose in various studies.

The research overall confirmed positive effects: individuals who included garlic in their diet had lower blood glucose levels, improved long-term glucose control, higher levels of ‘good‘ cholesterol (HDL), lower levels of ‘bad‘ cholesterol (LDL), and reduced overall cholesterol. Interestingly, triglyceride levels were unaffected.

Garlic Shows Promise for Managing Glucose and Lipid Levels Despite Limited Direct Evidence

Although the data doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it strongly suggests garlic could be a flavorful way to help manage glucose and lipid levels.

Further research and focused studies could help clarify the mechanisms at play. The meta-analysis reviewed trials lasting from three weeks to a year and included various forms of garlic: raw, aged garlic extract, and garlic powder tablets.

“The results showed that garlic has a beneficial effect on blood glucose and blood lipid in humans, and their association was statistically significant,” the researchers note.

The beneficial association may be due to garlic’s active ingredients reducing oxidative stress, which can lead to cardiovascular issues. Garlic contains an antioxidant called alliin, previously linked to managing blood glucose, lipids, and the gut microbiome. Likely, a combination of effects is responsible for the positive results.

It’s evident that diet significantly influences health. This study adds more reasons to include garlic in our diets. “[The study] provides new ideas for the development of natural products against diseases related to glycolipid metabolism,” the researchers conclude.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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