Garlic is at the top of the list for several good reasons. Studies reported that not only has garlic prevented atherosclerosis, it also lowers cholesterol levels and prevents platelet aggregation. Aged garlic extracts but not raw garlic stops oxidation of LDL cholesterol which is probably the first stage of plaquing. 1-4
1. Koscienlny J, Klüßendorf D, Latza R, et al. The anti-atherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum. Atherosclerosis 1999;144:237–49.
2. Neil HAW, Silagy CA, Lancaster T, et al. Garlic powder in the treatment of moderate hyperlipidaemia: A controlled trial and a meta-analysis. J R Coll Phys 1996;30:329–34.
3. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Pindur G, et al. Effect of garlic on thrombocyte aggregation, microcirculation and other risk factors. Int J Pharm Ther Toxicol 1991;29(4):151–5.
4. Srivastava KC, Tyagi OD. Effect of a garlic derived principle (ajoene) on aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood platelets. Prostagl Leukotr Ess Fatty Acids 1993;49:587–95.
5. Munday JS, James KA, Fray LM, et al. Daily supplementation with aged garlic extract, but not raw garlic, protects low density lipoprotein against in vitro oxidation. Atherosclerosis 1999;143:399–404.
