Garlic Reduces Alzheimer's Disease, Heart Disease Risk

Garlic is good for both the heart and the brain, according to a report recently published in the Jou…

Garlic is good for both the heart and the brain, according to a report recently published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Carmia Borek, author of the report, from T ufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA says that risk factors for cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol, high homocystein, hypertension and inflammation are also risk factors for dementia including the most common form of dementia - Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Borek says that cholesterol is associated with increased beta-amyloid, which is the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and oxidative damage is a major cause for cardiovascular disease and dementia and age-related diseases. For this reason, some researchers suggest statins may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Garlic preparations such as aged garlic extract (AGE or Kyolic) can reduce the risk for these diseases cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Garlic is good for the blood flow. Older men who want to feel young again can try to eat some garlic. In addition to garlic, dietary factors that are good for cardiovascular health include vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acid or oily fish, and peanuts or arginine - an amino acid.