Home / Health / Crushed Garlic Before Breakfast: A BP Breakthrough?
Crushed Garlic Before Breakfast: A BP Breakthrough?
1 Dec
Summary
- Raw garlic contains allicin, which helps lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels.
- Studies show garlic supplementation significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Chewing raw garlic 15 minutes before breakfast may enhance compound absorption.
The practice of consuming raw, crushed garlic on an empty stomach, specifically 15 minutes before breakfast, is rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom and is now gaining traction for its purported benefits in managing hypertension. This ritual aims to maximize the absorption of allicin, a key compound activated when garlic is crushed or chewed. Allicin works by stimulating nitric oxide production, which relaxes and widens blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure resistance.
Scientific evidence supports garlic's anti-hypertensive effects. Multiple studies, including meta-analyses, indicate that garlic supplementation can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These reductions are comparable to those achieved by some prescription medications. The active compound, allicin, is most potent in freshly crushed raw garlic, making supplements like powders or flakes less effective due to processing and added ingredients.
While this morning garlic ritual can enhance bioavailability, it's crucial to note that raw garlic acts as a natural blood thinner. Individuals on blood-thinning or blood pressure-lowering medications should consult a healthcare professional before adopting this practice. Garlic should be viewed as a supportive therapy alongside prescribed treatments and lifestyle changes, not a replacement.
