New research reveals garlic’s role in blood sugar and cholesterol control

As indicated by the results of a review conducted by scientists from Southeast University and Xizang Minzu University in China, regularly adding garlic helps maintain proper blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Glucose and lipids are essential nutrients for the body. They are an energy source and form the basis of many building elements. However, they can increase the risk of health problems when provided in excess. Many factors, including alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity, influence higher levels of sugar and fat in the body.

Scientists point out that glucose and lipid metabolism are precisely regulated in healthy individuals. However, disturbances in the metabolism of these compounds can lead to many chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

According to the collected studies, garlic has been associated with regulating blood lipid and glucose levels. This was confirmed by a team of researchers from Southeast University and Xizang Minzu University in China, indicating that people who included garlic in their diet had, among other things, lower blood glucose levels, more "good" and less "bad" cholesterol, and also a lower overall cholesterol level.

Researchers add that the data is not comprehensive enough to unequivocally state that chewing more garlic directly reduces the risk of heart disease. Nevertheless, the review's results strongly suggest that garlic can be a tasty way to control glucose and lipid levels.

It is believed that the active substances present in garlic, which support the body in many ways, including reducing oxidative stress, are responsible for these properties. Furthermore, garlic contains an antioxidant compound called allicin, which positively affects blood glucose, lipid levels, and the gut microbiome.