Garlic Powder And Fish Oil Curb High Cholesterol Levels

According to the latest reports from the American Heart Association, lifestyle changes and new drugs are reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by as much as 50 percent. Garlic and fish oil may do even more. New study results show the combined effects of g arlic powder and fish oil capsules reduced total cholesterol levels by an average 12.2 percent in 50 male participants.

Previous research shows that coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries) is more likely in patients who have elevated levels of total serum cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduced levels of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). High serum triacylglycerol concentrations are yet another risk factor that hastens the development of both atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

The study, led by Adam Adler, M.S., and Bruce Holub, Ph.D., from the University of Guelph, in Canada, showed that each supplement helps reduce CVD in a different way. Garlic reduces total cholesterol concentrations, while fish oils reduce triacylglycerol concentrations and raise HDL-C levels. Fish oils may also moderately raise LDL-C, but garlic counteracts it. Overall the two reduce total cholesterol, LDL-C and triacylglycerol levels, thus reducing the risk of CVD.

Both supplements were studied in 50 men with moderately high cholesterol levels (greater that 200 mg/dl). Each of the participants in the garlic-plus-fish-oil group was given 900 mg of garlic powder capsules and 12 g of fish oil per day. By the end of the 12-week period, men taking the combination supplements had average 12.2 percent lower total cholesterol levels, 34.3 percent less triacylglycerol concentrations, and a 9.5 percent reduction in LDL-C concentrations.

Although the study doesn't conclude that a diet rich in garlic and fish oil will eliminate CVD, it does support the theory that an optimal diet may reduce normal CVD drug dosage or eliminate drug use for patients with low CVD risk.
--American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 65: 445-50, 1997.

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Registration/Login

Categories
Health Concerns
Brands

Vitamin Trader - Healthy Discounts on Quality Vitamins