Garlic Supplements: A Natural Way to Lower Cholesterol
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 80 million US adults, 20 and over, have borderline cholesterol levels. Medical experts consider anything above 239 mg/dl as high cholesterol, which tends to be most prevalent among those 40 and older. Failure to manage it at any age can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Garlic supplements are sometimes used as part of treatment regimens to manage high cholesterol. Traditionally, effective treatment usually involves medication and lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Now, more people are learning that in addition to this, taking garlic supplements as well can help lower cholesterol.
Are you interested in choosing the best garlic supplement for seniors? We provide a guide to help you choose one that suits your health needs.
Understanding Cholesterol: LDL and HDL
What is cholesterol? Knowing this and why your body needs it can help you understand why you must manage it.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found throughout the body that's essential for:
- Building cell structure
- Making hormones
- Producing Vitamin D
It also helps your metabolism work efficiently.
LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are the two types of cholesterol in the human body.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry and distribute fat molecules around the body. LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol. It can build up in the arteries, causing health complications.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver. Because of this important task, it's known as "good" cholesterol.
Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Your body needs cholesterol for energy. It's important to maintain healthy levels, especially of HDL cholesterol. The body makes its own, but food is also a source of cholesterol. Eating too many cholesterol-rich foods can put you at risk.
Common causes of high cholesterol include:
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Genetics
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels. Medications taken for other health problems may also contribute to higher cholesterol.
The Role of Garlic in Health
Mount Sinai's Health Library details garlic's medicinal use over centuries. Many ancient civilizations used it for both food and medicine. Eighteenth-century French gravediggers drank it in wine to guard against the plague, and it was used during World Wars I and II to prevent gangrene.
Garlic has many active compounds with antifungal and antibacterial properties, including allicin. Allicin can help ease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and prevent bacterial infections.
Forms of Garlic Supplements
You can enjoy allicin's benefits by using garlic to flavor your food. Garlic supplements may be more effective as they ensure you get the daily dose needed for the best results.
Common forms of garlic supplements include:
- Pills and tablets
- Oil capsules
- Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)
- Black garlic
- Garlic oil
Dosage suggestions for each are usually based on the amount of allicin in the supplement.
Health Benefits of Garlic Supplements
Garlic supplements contain health-promoting compounds. The standardized forms of these supplements allow the body to access these compounds more easily by efficiently providing stabilized allicin.
Garlic supplement benefits include:
- Better cardiovascular health
- Blood pressure management
- Immune support and anti-inflammatory effects
- Overall wellness due to antioxidant properties
You can experience these benefits by taking natural garlic capsules or tablets orally. Topical applications of garlic oil are also effective for conditions such as athlete's foot and acne. WebMD recommends taking garlic extract orally twice daily for 18 months to improve gum health.
Key Features to Consider to Select the Best Garlic Supplement
Are garlic oils, capsules, or extracts best? The type of supplement is an important factor to consider. However, these other features can help you make a more informed decision.
Allicin Content
Every product will have varying levels of allicin content. Some supplements contain an allicin derivative known as SAC.
Supplements with high allicin levels may be more effective. However, you may need to take multiple doses throughout the day.
Source and Quality
In addition to adequate amounts of garlic, high-quality supplements will be organic and sourced to ensure minimal to no contaminants. Check the label to confirm a supplement meets these requirements.
Dosage Recommendations
The typical dosage for garlic supplements is between 1200 mg to 2400 mg daily. However, your doctor can recommend an appropriate dosage, usually taken orally with water. They will advise if you should take it with or without food.
Additives and Fillers
You can also check the label of your supplement for dosage instructions. It will also indicate the ingredients the supplement contains. Ensure there are no additives, fillers, or other unwanted ingredients.
Top Recommended Garlic Supplements
The top garlic supplements are usually rated based on the features above. A physician or pharmacist can also advise based on patient results. They will recommend brands with the best efficacy, safety, and user feedback.
Some of the products that stand out for their quality and effectiveness include:
- Garlique's range of garlic herbal supplements
- Nature's Bounty garlic and garlic extract supplement tablets
- Nature's Truth odorless garlic soft gel capsules
- Sundown's odorless garlic extract supplement
Each appears on one or more lists of the best garlic pills for 2023. They are also ranked as some of the best garlic supplements for seniors.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
It's important to note that even the best garlic supplements may not be appropriate for everyone. Some common side effects include digestive issues and bad breath.
If you take other medications, especially blood thinners, consult a doctor. It's also best to do this if you're pregnant or before giving them to children.
Effective Control of Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a growing health concern in America, especially for seniors. Effective treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes. Garlic has also been shown to reduce cholesterol.
Your physician can recommend the best garlic supplement based on your health condition. Although beneficial, a new supplement regimen may be the last thing you want, especially if you take other medications.
At Campbell Place Assisted Living, we offer seniors many supportive services, including medication management. Our professional team develops individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident and will do the same for you. Contact us to learn more about our lively, warm, and friendly community.