How to Prevent Heart Disease Easily and Cheaply with Garlic

Heart disease is a serious and common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause various symptoms, complications, and even death. However, there are also some natural and inexpensive ways to prevent and treat heart disease, such as using garlic. In this article, you will learn how to prevent heart disease easily and cheaply with garlic.

What is Garlic and Why is it Good for the Heart?

Garlic is a plant that belongs to the onion family. It has a strong smell and a pungent taste. It is widely used as a spice, herb, or medicine in many cultures and cuisines. Garlic has many health benefits, especially for the heart. According to the American National Cancer Institute, garlic contains anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds, such as quercetin, diallyl sulfide, allin, and ajoene. According to a study published in Life Science, a daily dose of 1 ml/kg body weight of garlic extract for 6 months can result in a significant decrease in free radical content in the blood of patients with arteriosclerosis. Preventing arteriosclerosis can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Garlic is also considered a remedy for impotence because it improves blood flow to the whole body.

Some of the nutrients and substances in garlic that are good for the heart are:

• Allicin: This is the main active ingredient in garlic, which is responsible for its smell and taste. Allicin can block the activity of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Allicin can also lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can cause plaque buildup and blockage in the arteries.
• Polysulfides: These are sulfur-containing compounds that can increase the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the blood vessels. H2S is a gas that can relax and dilate the blood vessels, and lower blood pressure.
• Vitamin C: This is an antioxidant that can protect the body from free radicals, which can damage the blood vessels and cause inflammation. Vitamin C can also lower cholesterol and prevent platelet aggregation, which can cause blood clots.
• Vitamin B6: This is a vitamin that can lower the level of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessel walls and increase the risk of heart disease.
• Calcium: This is a mineral that can prevent hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Selenium: This is a trace element that can boost the immune system and prevent infections, which can cause inflammation and damage to the heart.

How to Use Garlic to Prevent Heart Disease?

There are several ways to use garlic to prevent heart disease, such as eating raw garlic, taking garlic supplements, or making garlic remedies. Here are some of the methods you can try:

• Eating raw garlic: This is the simplest and most effective way to use garlic for heart health. You can eat one or two cloves of raw garlic every day, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning. You can also chop or crush the garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before eating, to activate the allicin. However, eating raw garlic can cause some side effects, such as bad breath, stomach upset, or allergic reactions. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before trying this method, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.

• Taking garlic supplements: This is another way to use garlic for heart health, without having to deal with the smell or taste. You can take garlic supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, or oil, which are available in most pharmacies or health stores. You should follow the dosage and instructions on the label, and consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.

• Making garlic remedies: This is a way to use garlic for heart health, by combining it with other ingredients, such as honey, lemon, ginger, or vinegar. You can make garlic remedies at home, by following some simple recipes, such as:

  • Garlic and honey: This is a remedy that can boost the immune system and prevent infections, which can cause inflammation and damage to the heart. To make this remedy, you need 30 cloves of garlic and 6 lemons. Peel and chop the garlic and lemons, and blend them together. Add some water and strain the mixture into a jar. Add some honey and stir well. Store the jar in the refrigerator and take one tablespoon every morning on an empty stomach.
  • Garlic and ginger: This is a remedy that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve blood circulation, which can prevent plaque buildup and blockage in the arteries. To make this remedy, you need 2 ounces of garlic and 2 ounces of ginger. Peel and chop the garlic and ginger, and blend them together. Add some water and strain the mixture into a jar. Store the jar in the refrigerator and take one teaspoon twice a day before meals.
  • Garlic and vinegar: This is a remedy that can lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels, and prevent diabetes and obesity, which are risk factors for heart disease. To make this remedy, you need 15 cloves of garlic and 3 lemons. Peel and chop the garlic and lemons, and blend them together. Add some water and strain the mixture into a jar. Add some apple cider vinegar and stir well. Store the jar in the refrigerator and take one tablespoon every morning on an empty stomach.

What are the Precautions and Warnings of Using Garlic for Heart Disease?

Garlic is generally safe and beneficial for heart health, but it can also have some precautions and warnings, such as:

• Garlic can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, or HIV drugs. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using garlic for heart health, especially if you take any of these medications.
• Garlic can cause some side effects, such as bad breath, body odor, stomach upset, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. Therefore, you should use garlic in moderation and stop using it if you experience any of these side effects.
• Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are going to have surgery or dental work. Therefore, you should avoid using garlic for at least two weeks before any of these procedures.
• Garlic can lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia. Therefore, you should monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust your medication dosage accordingly, if you use garlic for heart health.
• Garlic can lower blood pressure levels, which can be problematic for people with low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, you should be careful when standing up or changing positions, and seek medical help if you feel dizzy, faint, or lightheaded, if you use garlic for heart health.

Conclusion

Garlic is a natural and inexpensive way to prevent and treat heart disease, as it has many nutrients and substances that can improve the structure, function, and activity of the heart and blood vessels. You can use garlic for heart health by eating raw garlic, taking garlic supplements, or making garlic remedies. However, you should also be aware of the precautions and warnings of using garlic for heart health, and consult your doctor before trying any of these methods, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. By using garlic for heart health, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke, and improve your quality and length of life, as well as your overall well-being.