Increasing the frequency of consumption of allium vegetables, especially garlic, may not only improve the diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease risk profile, but also positively influence the overall health of an individual.
The objective of this meta-analysis was to review systematically scientific evidence from studies that examined the effect of dietary intake of allium vegetables on the health of individuals. A total of 16 studies were considered for this meta-analysis.
Researchers discovered that frequent ingestion of allium vegetables, particularly garlic, reduced stomach cancer risk and serum concentrations of total cholesterol. In addition garlic consumption was also observed to improve blood pressure numbers in hypertensive patients and fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum frutosamine levels in diabetic patients. The findings of this meta-analysis support the current recommendation of increasing vegetable intake to improve the overall health of an individual.