The 4 AMAZING Health Benefits of Garlic: Heart Health, Cholesterol, Immune System & More

Garlic is a beloved herb in cooking and has been used by many major civilizations, including the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Indians. In addition to tasting fantastic and enhancing SO many foods, garlic has a wide variety of health benefits. 

Most of garlic’s studied health benefits are due to sulfur compounds that form when you crush or chew garlic cloves. These compounds enter your digestive tract, travel throughout your body, and promote different biological effects. 

Let’s look at garlic uses in traditional medicine and what researchers are learning about this tasty herb. 

May Promote Better Heart Health and Cholesterol

One of garlic’s biggest traditional uses is for improved heart health because it encourages healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. 

A 2020 review and meta-analysis of scientific research found that garlic lowered blood pressure in hypertensive individuals and improved the gut microbiota, elevated cholesterol levels, and arterial stiffness (a significant risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases). 

Another fascinating study notes that garlic's allicin content may limit a hormone that increases blood pressure. Garlic may even help “relax” your blood vessels, reducing arterial stiffness and allowing blood to flow more efficiently. 

Last but not least, a randomized control study of 60 patients with mild hypercholesterolemia found that garlic, specifically black garlic, may improve blood lipid profiles. 

The results didn’t show significant changes in the participants’ total cholesterol. However, it increased HDL cholesterol levels (the “good cholesterol) and was determined to possibly have a cardioprotective effect beyond the gold standard medication used in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. 

Rich In Antioxidants 

Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which support your body’s immune system and defend against oxidative damage. 

Garlic extract was shown as a potentially helpful treatment for preventing cognitive decline and reduced learning memory. Researchers believe this is partly due to its high antioxidant levels, which may support lowered inflammation and boost the immune system. Interestingly, garlic may even improve the working memory.  

Another benefit of garlic and antioxidant-rich foods is that they may protect against chronic disease and cancer. One study followed over 41,000 women between the ages of 55 and 69 who regularly ate garlic, fruits, and vegetables and found that they had a lower risk of colon cancer. 

May Improve Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is classified as a group of factors characterized by the following: 

• Hypertension
• Atherogenic dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, low HDL cholesterol) 
• Hyperglycemia
• Prothrombotic conditions (blood clots in blood vessels) 
• Proinflammatory conditions

Garlic powder tablets have been shown to improve metabolic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes over the course of four weeks. Researchers believe this is due to lower fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride levels, and serum fructosamine and may even lead to a lowered risk of cardiovascular issues in diabetic patients. 

A 2018 randomized controlled trial also found positive results for metabolic syndrome via raw crushed garlic. This study examined 40 metabolic syndrome patients randomly chosen from a diabetic center. For four weeks, the patients included raw crushed garlic twice daily in their standard diet. 

The results? Researchers found that garlic reduced components of metabolic syndrome, such as lowered waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and increased HDL cholesterol (commonly called the “good” cholesterol). 

The Mayo Clinic shares that HDL cholesterol is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. It even helps manage your “bad” LDL cholesterol by picking up excess cholesterol and taking it to your liver, where it's broken down. 

Anyway you look at it, this study’s findings are very impressive and exciting to see! 

May Boost the Immune System 

Garlic may have antiviral properties that encourage and boost the immune system. It may even help treat or prevent illnesses like the common cold. 

A research study found that participants taking aged garlic extract during the cold and flu season experienced reduced cold and flu severity and symptoms, and they missed fewer days of work or school. 

Researchers believe this is due to garlic’s antioxidant properties, which may lower inflammation in the body. This may then boost the immune system and help individuals heal faster. 

We even created an Ear Oil from garlic, which supports relief from discomfort caused by or associated with earaches. It’s traditionally used for ear pain and ear infections, which, unfortunately, sometimes accompany colds or flu.* 

Garlic Herbal Products

Ready to add this punchy herb into your life? Try these popular Herb Stop garlic remedies: 

• Garlic Capsules: Our pure garlic capsules support reduced inflammation, cholesterol, and hypertension, helping to encourage better overall cardiovascular health. 
• Artery Clear Capsules: This formula includes turmeric, green tea, and garlic for a punchy boost that supports healthy cholesterol levels. Garlic and turmeric encourage cholesterol to separate from your arteries, while green tea helps move it out of the blood.* 
• Heart Calm Capsules: Do you struggle with nervous tension, stress, or insomnia? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. We designed this capsule blend to support healthier blood pressure levels for those experiencing cardiovascular problems aggravated by stress and nervous conditions.* 

Of course, adding garlic to your food is another great way to sprinkle this powerhouse herb into your routine. We recommend the following: 

• Garlic Powder: A staple for any kitchen that complements almost any savory food. 
• Roasted Garlic Minced: For a warmer, richer flavor, try this roasted garlic, which has a hint of caramel and is fabulous in dips, spreads, soups, and more. 
• Garlic ‘n Herb Seasoning: For a quick way to add zest to any dish, try this blend of sesame seed, black pepper, garlic, green onion, lemon peel, and citric acid. It adds plenty of flavor with no extra salt! 

For advice on what spices to use to season your favorite foods, check out our previous piece on Cooking With Herbs And Spices to take your cooking to the next level. 

We hope this article inspires you to add garlic to your cooking and life whenever you can! Garlic's health benefits can sometimes be overlooked, but you don’t want to miss out on them. 

Well Wishes, 

Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah