Garlic contains a bioactive compound calledallicinthat is thought to contribute to this effect.
This article takes an unbiased look at research investigating the use of garlic in lowering cholesterol.
While much of the evidence has been positive, the results remain far from consistent.
Matthew Leete / Digital Vision / Getty Images
Allicin, a sulfur-based compound found in garlic, is attributed to the cholesterol-lowering effects.
Even so, the exactmechanism of actionremains under debate.
It appears to do so by binding to proteins on liver cells called LDL receptors.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
By doing so, it may effectively “turn off” the production of LDL at the cellular level.
The effects of garlic were largely dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses corresponded to greater drops in LDL.
Moreover, the cholesterol-lowering effects tended to increase the longer that a person was on treatment.
Not all of the studies in the review agreed with these findings.
Which Form of Garlic Is Best for Cholesterol?
There is currently no clear consensus as to which works best at lowering cholesterol and at what dose.
Of the 13 garlic supplements and nine garlic preparations (crushed, boiled, roasted, etc.
), supplements overwhelmingly delivered the highest level of allicin into the bloodstream.
Although fresh crushed garlic achieved the highest spike overall, the effect was short-lasting, often dissipating within minutes.
Enteric-coated tablets were nearly as effective, although the bioavailability dropped significantly when taken with a high-protein meal.
Garlic capsules performed similarly to enteric-coated tablets irrespective of food.
Raw garlic was generally prescribed as one to two cloves per day.
As a general rule, never take more than the recommended dose on the product label.
This better helps ensure the supplements are untainted and safe.
Possible Side Effects
As with all drugs or supplements, garlic can cause side effects.
Most are generally mild and tend to occur at higher doses.
Other studies contend that garlic supplements are more effective in lowering cholesterol than fresh or prepared garlic.
Nothing in the current research suggests that garlic is anywhere near as effective asstatin drugsin treating high cholesterol.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Yesin a positive way.
Studies suggest that heating garlic may reduce its cholesterol-lowering effects.
2014;4(1):114.
Berginc K, Kristl A.The mechanisms responsible for garlic - drug interactions and their in vivo relevance.Curr Drug Metab.
2013 Jan;14(1):90-101.
2016;7:95. doi:10.4103/2008-7802.187248
Lawson L, Hunsaker S.Allicin bioavailability and bioequivalence from garlic supplements and garlic foods.Nutrients.
2018;10(7):812.
