Eat a clove of garlic a day to reduce cholesterol and improve your cardiovascular health
Garlic doesn't have the most stellar reputation, it is known as the 'stinking rose' after all. What you might not be aware of are the health benefits that come from eating garlic.
These days, scientists are pretty sure that garlic consumption is associated with improving cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that eating garlic on a regular basis leads to a healthier heart: when you eat garlic it dilates the muscles of your blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow and improves circulation. It also reduces cholesterol levels.
Maintaining a healthy heart is extremely important because, according to the British Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the UK. High cholesterol levels can also lead to heart complications such as angina and heart attacks.
The World Health Organisation recommends eating a daily dose of 2-5g of garlic (one clove) to promote general health.
Want to know more? Check out 'The Mighty Bulb' by Natasha Edwards, published in March 2012. Edwards' father runs The Garlic Farm in the Isle of Wight, the UK's only specialist garlic grower.
She says, 'Garlic, as well as tasting delicious, has many health benefits. Along with lowering cholesterol levels, studies have shown that garlic can also dramatically reduce blood clotting, improve circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis.'
