A few years ago, I remember garlic being praised for its health benefits - specifically for its cholesterol lowering effects. However, a new study claims that garlic doesn't have a huge effect on lowering cholesterol, whether it was eaten raw or taken as supplements:
Whether it was eaten raw in heart-healthy sandwiches or in pills made of powdered or aged garlic, the strong-smelling herb had no effect on cholesterol in people whose levels were already elevated, the government-funded study found. [source: indystar.com]
The study has not determined whether garlic may help regulate cholesterol in healthy people. I agree with the scientist at the end of the article in that I will not give up on garlic either. Whether or not it has a dramatic impact on health, it's still yummy and will remain a part of my meals whenever I can have it.
[tags]garlic benefits, garlic supplements, garlic study, garlic effects[/tags]
