Node Smith, ND
Aged Garlic Extract to Decrease Painful Inflammation and Lower Cholesterol Levels
A recent study looked at the ability of aged garlic extract to decrease painful inflammation as well as lower cholesterol levels in obese individuals.1 Obesity has become a growing threat to the health of a worldwide population, especially in industrialized nations. In fact, in the United States, over a third of the adult population are considered obese (this does not include those who are merely considered “overweight,” which puts this figure up over 50%). Obesity often brings a host of symptomatic struggles, including inflammation which can contribute to experiences of pain. This inflammation can often be greatly diminished through dietary changes, regardless of whether weight is lost.
Ancient Herbal Remedy for Sugar Regulation and More
Aged garlic has been used as an herbal remedy for blood sugar regulation, cholesterol control and immune support for generations. Garlic is a dietary herb that is generally easy to include in the diet and enjoyable to many people. Aged garlic is a process by which garlic extract is stored in alcohol for up to 20 months. The health benefits of this aging process is thought to increase the herb’s potency.
Aged Garlic Study
The current study divided 51 obese individuals into 2 groups. Besides obesity all participants were considered relatively healthy. One of the groups was given aged garlic for 6 weeks, and the other was given a placebo. The participants were encouraged to eat their normal diet and exercise as they would have (or haven’t) during the course of the study.
Results Revealed Regulation of Immune-cell Distribution and Reduced Blood LDL
The results showed the aged garlic extract aided in the regulation of immune-cell distribution and reduced blood LDL in these adults. It also modified secretion of several inflammatory proteins.
The conclusion of the study was that “aged garlic extract may help prevent chronic diseases associated with low-grade inflammation in obese adults.” Cardiovascular disease was a principle disease consideration.
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Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Portland, OR and associate editor for NDNR. He has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine among the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend camp-out where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Four years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.
