Medicinal effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) is known from the ancient days itself. It is used for treatment and prevention of many disease. Heart attack patients get several benefits with garlic intake.
Active ingredient is Allicin which is an odorous sulfurous compound that has several medicinal effect. Following are the benefit of Garlic in heart attack patients. The main abnormality in blood vessels in heart attack patients is atherosclerosis.
- It helps to reduce the blood clotting. It produce irreversible inhibition of platelet aggregation ,which is a blood component. Major action of drugs given in heart attack patients is to inhibit the platelet, which is responsible for blood clotting.
- Reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides levels which is responsible for formation of atherosclerosis and plaque in blood vessels leading to reduction in blood supply.Several studies showed 9 to 12% reduction in cholesterol and moderate reduction of triglycerides levels with its use.
- Help to reduce blood pressure which is also a risk factor for heart attack .There will be an average reduction of 11mm of Hg in systolic and 6.5 mm of Hg diastolic blood pressure.
- Garlic has anti atherosclerosis action,which help to reduce the formation of new atherosclerosis lesion and prevent the progression of older lesions.
Garlic is available as fresh cloves, powders, extract, tablets. At least one-half garlic clove per day is required for medicinal effects.Although the tablets and powders are convenient, the amount of active ingredient is insufficient.
Some people may experience gut (gastrointestinal system ) symptoms such as flatulence(gas), chest pain and abdominal pain after garlic intake.
