Using onions and garlic can have a positive effect on improving the condition of people with high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes
Onions and garlic - one of the most popular products in many cuisines around the world, are high in polyphenols.
To determine the quantitative and qualitative he alth benefits of onions and garlic, study authors from Nigeria's Federal University of Technology isolated extracts from them and then examined their inhibitory effects on various enzymes. The specialists have also studied the antioxidant properties of the extracts.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a special enzyme responsible for converting the hormone angiotensin, which increases blood pressure and regulates the ratio of water to sodium in the body. One type of angiotensin causes blood vessels to narrow, raising blood pressure. Therefore, substances responsible for lowering ACE levels are used to treat hypertension.
Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates in the intestines and accelerates the release of glucose into the blood. Suppressing its action is one of the options for controlling blood sugar when consuming high-carbohydrate foods.
In the course of the study, scientists came to the conclusion that onion and garlic extracts reduce the effectiveness of ACE and alpha-amylase.
Based on this, the researchers believe that the two products, both in their natural form and in the form of extracts, can be included in the therapeutic regimen in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.
