Garlic is good for the cardiovascular system, thanks to the abundant existence of a compound called allicin, according to a new study in the United States.
The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, found garlic is rich in allicin, an organic polysulphides. When allicin is broken down into sulphur compounds, these react with red blood cells and produce hydrogen sulphide which relaxes the blood vessels, keeps blood flowing easily and prevents blood clots and oxidative damage.
When hydrogen sulphide is at low concentration level, the study said, it helps cells communicate with each other. Within a blood vessel, hydrogen sulphite stimulates cells on its lining to relax, causing the vessel to dilate. In this condition, blood pressure comes down enabling blood to carry more oxygen to essential organs and reduces pressure on the heart.
Hypertension -- high blood pressure -- is known to be a major risk factor for heart disease. The study, researchers held, may lead to a standardized garlic diet that may have healing results for cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.
So, though the smell is a little odd, garlic in the diet is good for your health!
Source: U.S. study: garlic good for your heart@Xinhua