In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, a group of researchers in China conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of garlic on blood lipid and glucose levels in humans.
Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes, cause 41 million deaths annually. Glucose and lipids are crucial for energy, and their dysregulation can lead to atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Dyslipidemia, with high total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), is a major cardiovascular risk factor.
Current treatments for metabolic diseases focus on symptom relief and have side effects. Garlic, rich in compounds like allicin, shows potential in regulating glucose and lipids. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms, optimal dosage, and long-term effects.
Study quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration tools, evaluating bias risk factors. Data analysis involved converting glycated hemoglobin units and standardizing blood glucose and lipid levels. The studies included a total of 1,567 participants from various countries, including Canada, the United States, Korea, Iran, Pakistan, India, Israel, Russia, Poland, Brazil, and Denmark. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 80 years, and the intervention period for garlic spanned from 3 weeks to 1 year.
Source: news-medical.net