A new review and meta-analysis of existing studies explored the potential health impacts of garlic consumption on cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels. The researchers involved in the study believe that garlic has the potential to become a therapeutic option for individuals with lipid and glucose metabolism disorders, such as coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. Given the rise in these diseases and the associated costs of treatment, researchers are interested in finding more cost-effective ways to prevent and treat these conditions. The meta-analysis, conducted by researchers in China and published in the journal Nutrients, extracted data from 29 trials to evaluate how garlic may affect various health markers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people in the United States are affected by diabetes each year, with approximately 11.6% of the population having the condition. The CDC also reports that around 86 million adults in the U.S. have elevated cholesterol levels, putting them at risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke. Routine checkups often involve blood tests that measure cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and triglyceride levels to monitor these conditions and identify potential health issues. For individuals at risk of developing or already living with these conditions, interventions such as medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the diseases.
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which previous studies have shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. An earlier study highlighted allicin’s effectiveness in lowering cholesterol based on an animal trial. To investigate the impact of garlic on blood glucose and lipid metabolism, the researchers analyzed 22 studies that met their criteria, including 29 trials with a total of 1,567 participants across various countries and age groups. The trials involved different forms of garlic supplementation, ranging from garlic powder to aged garlic extract, with participants consuming varying daily doses.
The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between garlic intervention and improvements in metabolic markers. Garlic consumption was linked to lower fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The intervention also led to higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These findings are particularly relevant for individuals with type 2 diabetes due to the characteristic elevated blood glucose and HbA1c levels associated with the condition. The study also indicated that longer garlic intervention trials resulted in more substantial improvements in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
While the researchers observed positive effects on various blood markers, they did not find a significant impact on triglyceride levels. Overall, the study suggests that garlic interventions have the potential to prevent or manage cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Medical professionals, including experts like Cheng-Han Chen, MD, and Edwin Bosa-Osorio, MD, agree that more research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which garlic influences blood sugar control and cholesterol levels. While the current study may not lead to immediate changes in dietary recommendations, incorporating garlic into a balanced diet is considered a nutritious and healthy choice. Despite limitations in sample size and study duration, the findings offer promising insights for future research on the health benefits of garlic consumption.
