​Increased dietary intake of garlic may be beneficial in reducing the blood pressure of individuals suffering from systolic hypertension.

This meta-analysis evaluated how high dietary ingestion of garlic influences the blood pressure of patients with or without elevated systolic blood pressure. A team of scientists from Hartford Hospital, USA, analyzed 10 randomized clinical controlled trials that examined the effect of garlic intake on blood pressure.

The experts observed consistent consumption of garlic resulted in a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 16.3 mm Hg and in diastolic blood pressure by 9.3 mm Hg in patients with high blood pressure. On the other hand, high intake of garlic had no effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in individuals with normal systolic blood pressure. A diet that encouraged the consumption of garlic may help to keep the blood pressure of patients with hypertension under control.