A February 26, 2007 article describes a disillusioning study about garlic's purported cholesterol-lowering powers and quotes ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava:
"I think that what's happened over the last 10 to 12 years in this country is that supplements have gotten a much better rep than many deserve," she said. "The garlic claim has been out there for quite a while, but manufacturers have been making all sorts of qualified claims that aren't really backed up with substantial clinical evidence."
While Kava called for more research to confirm the latest finding, she encouraged patients looking to lower their cholesterol in other ways to take advantage of proven methods.
"The tried and true things that are going to lower LDL cholesterol are statins, which, although they can't be taken by everyone, are really very effective; and lifestyle changes such eating a diet with less saturated fat, getting exercise, and losing weight," she advised. "Unfortunately, there is no magic pill."
