Garlic

Studies in people

• Benefit

  Heart and blood health²

  Eating garlic lowered blood fats, blood sugar, and blood pressure in adults, especially those already at higher risk.

• Benefit

  Blood pressure and cholesterol³

  Garlic supplements lowered blood pressure and total cholesterol in people, especially when using aged garlic extract.

• Benefit

  Blood fats and blood pressure⁴

  In people with high blood pressure, garlic capsules lowered blood fats and raised vitamin E, but did not change blood pressure.

• Benefit

  Cholesterol and heart health⁵

  In people with slightly high cholesterol, a garlic and onion extract lowered bad cholesterol and total cholesterol.

• Benefit

  Stomach cancer risk⁶

  In people, taking garlic supplements for seven years was linked to fewer deaths from stomach cancer, though not fewer new cases.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Blood pressure⁷

  Eating garlic may slightly lower blood pressure, especially in people whose readings are only a little high.

• Benefit

  Heart and blood vessels⁸

  A review suggests garlic may help with mild high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and clogged arteries.

• Benefit

  Fighting infection and cancer⁹

  Garlic extracts and allicin have been studied for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity.

How it’s made and used

• How much the body absorbs¹⁰

  How much allicin the body actually absorbs from garlic foods and pills varies a lot.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.