To tap into the heart-healthy effects of garlic, consider choosing the freshly crushed herb over the dried variety. In a recent study, researchers found that fresh-crushed garlic may be richer in hydrogen sulfide (a compound said to relax the blood vessel and stimulate circulation).
For the study, investigators fed freshly crushed garlic and processed garlic to lab rats recovering from simulated heart attacks. While both types of garlic reduced damage to the heart, the fresh-crushed form more effectively restored blood flow to the aorta. The study's authors attribute this effect to the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a substance that dried garlic is unable to produce.
Past studies have shown that garlic may moderately cut cholesterol and help keep blood pressure in check. A popular cold remedy, garlic has also been found to possess virus-fighting properties.
People have always known that vitamins and proper nutrients can contribute to a more healthy heart. A new study by researchers at the Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City claims that Vitamin D, in particular, has strong correlations to healthy heart, and that a deficiency of Vitamin D may substantially increase one’s risk for stroke and heart disease.