A recent study completed at Pennsylvania State University found that S-allyl cysteine, the active ingredient in mature garlic, inhibits the liver’s ability to produce cholesterol. It is thought that garlic is able to reduce the production of the liver enzyme, HMG-CoA, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol. It seems garlic works in the same way as cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, however without the side effects.

Previous studies have supported this finding and have concluded that garlic is capable of lowering harmful LDL cholesterol and increasing healthy HDL cholesterol although the reasons for this are not known. Other studies have also shown that garlic is able to reduce other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease by enhancing circulation, reducing homocysteine levels (an amino acid which increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and fatty deposits in arteries) and reduce blood clotting.

So make sure you pop a clove of garlic into your raw juice each morning to help avoid cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol!!

Reference:
News Canada. 1st September, 2005.