Garlic Supports Blood Sugar Metabolism

In a recently published clinical trial, researchers report that garlic supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and lipid levels. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant that has been used historically to enhance heart health and immune function.

Sixty subjects with suboptimal blood sugar metabolism were included in this study. Half of the subjects were given garlic 300 mg three times per day in addition to their usual blood sugar medication, and the other subjects received a placebo in addition to their usual medications. At the beginning of the study and after 12 and 24 weeks, the subjects were evaluated for fasting blood glucose and serum lipid levels.

The results indicated that after 24 weeks, the subjects who received garlic in addition to their usual medication had significantly enhanced blood sugar balance compared to the subjects who were given the placebo plus their medication. In addition, the subjects receiving garlic also showed more optimal balance of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to the placebo group.

The study authors concluded that garlic may be a good addition in the management of suboptimal blood sugar metabolism and lipid balance.

Reference:

Ashraf R, Khan RA, Ashraf I. Garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation with standard antidiabetic agent provides better diabetic control in type 2 diabetes patients. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2011 Oct;24(4):565-70.