Effect of garlic and lemon juice mixture on fasting blood sugar, diastolic and systolic blood pressure and body mass index in people with hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Background: From ancient times, people believed the role of garlic in lowering blood pressure. However, no study has been done about mixture of garlic and lemon juice. So, this study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic and lemon juice mixture on fasting blood sugar, diastolic and systolic blood pressure and body mass index. Methods: In this study, 120 patients of the age of 30-65 years, with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia, were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. First group recieved 20 grams of garlic daily, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, second group recieved 20 grams garlic daily and the third group recieved 1 tablespoon lemon juice daily, 2 hours after. The fourth group did not receive garlic or lemon juice during 2-monthes intervention. The fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index levels were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Findings: The garlic and lemon juice mixture, after 8 weeks, significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index, compared with the control group. However, this reduction was not significant compared to the garlic group. The mixture did not have any effect on fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: According to the results, the garlic and lemon juice mixture is not better than garlic alone, in reducing blood pressure and body mass index. Other studies are suggested to be done in different ways to ensure the effectiveness of this product. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.