You might have heard some age-old remedies recommended by your elders to improve heart health. Turmeric and garlic take the lead here!
But you’re confused! Do they really work? You have already heard tons of pros and cons of the famous garlic and turmeric for heart health. But now the question arises: Are they really backed by research?
Some herbs and spices have been used successfully for heart problems since ancient times. That’s why many people are inclined towards natural ingredients such as garlic and turmeric due to their heart-health-boosting properties.
Let’s see if these two spices are really good for heart health or not! Let’s see what the researchers say so far!
5 Surprising Benefits Of Garlic and Turmeric In Improving Heart Health (Backed By Science)
Garlic and turmeric aren’t just kitchen staples! They’re powerful natural remedies for your heart. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, fights heart disease with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Meanwhile, garlic’s allicin works wonders by supporting heart health through well-researched mechanisms. Let’s see how:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
Both garlic and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is a major contributor to heart problems because it damages blood vessels and causes atherosclerosis.
However, curcumin and allicin block the inflammatory substances in the body. Once the inflammation reduces, blood vessel dilation also improves, minimizing the risk of heart disease.
- Reduce cholesterol
A 2017 meta-analysis found that turmeric is effective in lowering bad cholesterol. The study also noted that turmeric is safe to use in your diet alongside regular medications.
On the other hand, allicin in garlic has been shown to reduce the bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Reduced inflammation and low LDL mean reduced atherosclerosis and better blood flow.
- Powerful antioxidant
Curcumin has strong antioxidant properties. Meanwhile, the polyphenols in garlic are known to reduce oxidative stress, which plays a key role in protecting the heart.
By neutralizing harmful free radicals, they prevent damage to blood vessels and reduce inflammation, both of which are critical in lowering the risk of heart disease.
This, in turn, supports better circulation and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, promoting overall cardiovascular health.
- Lowers blood pressure
Angiotensin is a hormone that raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
Surprisingly, allicin inhibits the production of angiotensin, which causes the blood vessels to relax and reduce blood pressure.
Allicin and curcumin have both been studied to improve systolic blood pressure and have been proven to be used in hypertension.
- Improves blood circulation
Curcumin and allicin help the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels, boosting blood flow. Better circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach all organs efficiently, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How to Use Turmeric To Improve Heart Health?
- The easiest and most common way to consume is golden milk. Boil turmeric in milk with black pepper and honey and drink it. You can also make turmeric smoothies, turmeric-roasted chickpeas, and turmeric paste.
- Another easy and common way to consume them is through widely available supplements. Curcumin supplements are available in many brands. However, it is safe to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
The Effects of Garlic and Turmeric On Heart Health When Used Together
Now you know the benefits of the two spices, let’s see if they are really helpful when combined together!
When turmeric and garlic are combined, they strongly support heart health. Other positive health effects include improving immunity, lowering the body’s toxins, and promoting the production of healthy components. These can be added to your diet separately or combined for better effects.
How can you use garlic and turmeric together?
Let’s have a look at some popular ways people have been using to benefit from turmeric and garlic collectively.
- Garlic-Turmeric Tea
Preparing garlic-turmeric brew can benefit you. Turmeric and garlic are boiled in hot water to prepare a nutrient-rich herbal tea. After straining, consume the brew by adding honey or lemon.
Other ways to make drinks are to add garlic and turmeric in raw form to hot water and let it steep for some time before consumption. One teaspoon of turmeric powder and one to two garlic cloves are enough for a one-time intake.
- Add To Cuisines
In some countries, these are the main ingredients in their cuisines. They are added to curries, soups, and marinades to enhance their flavor and health.
- Combine With Oil
Curcumin and allicin are fat-soluble; taking them with healthy fats, such as olive or coconut oil, improves their absorption.
Other Natural Ways To Treat Heart Problems
Besides turmeric and garlic, there are many other natural ways to reduce heart problems. Have a look at a few down below!
Dietary Changes:
Some dietary changes can greatly impact heart health, keep blood vessels healthy, and lower blood pressure. These include omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds, dark chocolate, or even hibiscus tea.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Along with dietary changes, lifestyle modifications are great for keeping your cardiovascular system healthy. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and quitting smoking help combat heart disease.
Supplements:
You can also consume supplements to improve heart functions and benefit your health by reducing inflammation and cholesterol levels. For example, you may take Coenzyme Q10, red yeast rice, and berberine.
Takeaway
While garlic and turmeric act as a great adjunct to reduce heart problems, you should not entirely rely on them without professional consultation.
To avoid complications, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider or visit a nearby urgent care for your heart disease.
Remember, natural remedies are not effective for major heart problems like heart failure or coronary artery disease. You may need expert advice.
If you live in Indiana or Illinois, you can even visit our clinic for cardiac screenings, thorough diagnosis or complete treatment. We are available in Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, and Schererville.
FAQs
Can turmeric lower cholesterol?
Studies have proven that turmeric benefits heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and improving HDL cholesterol. Research advocates using 500–10,000 mg of turmeric daily to lower cholesterol.
How should I use turmeric and garlic together?
You can use turmeric and garlic together or separately. If you want to use these together, you can make garlic-turmeric tea by brewing or steeping it. Other ways to consume them are garlic-turmeric paste, garlic-turmeric rice, and smoothies.
Are there any risks to consuming turmeric or garlic for heart health?
They are undoubtedly great for health benefits to the heart and cardiovascular system, but they may be harmful if taken in large amounts. They may cause gastrointestinal issues, increased bleeding risk, kidney stone formation, hormonal imbalances, potential liver damage, and lower blood pressure (if you are already taking hypotension medicine).
