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Posted on Feb 26, 2016, 6 a.m.
Meta-analysis reports that garlic supplements are a safe and effective approach for blood pressure management.
Most often associated with potential to enhance cardiovascular and immune health, garlic supplements contain the compound allicin – which is not present in the fresh bulb. China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (China) researchers completed a meta-analysis involving 7 randomized placebo-controlled trials comparing garlic vs. placebo in hypertensive men and women. Data analysis by the team revealed a significant lowering effect of garlic on both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, with no serious adverse events reported in any of the trials. The study authors submit that: “The present review suggests that garlic is an effective and safe approach for hypertension.”
X.J. Xiong, P.Q. Wang, S.J. Li, X.K. Li, Y.Q. Zhang, J. Wang. “Garlic for hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Phytomedicine, 4 Feb. 2015.