Did you know garlic could help you keep your high blood pressure levels on check? Australian doctors have proven that it could help them in addition to the regular medication.

About 50 patients were considered for a trial and researchers noted that those given garlic supplements as compared to those given placebo had lower blood pressure levels.

Earlier research has shown that garlic supplements help lower cholesterol and even reduce high blood pressure in those with untreated hypertension. However in the current study, researchers from the University of Adelaide analyzed the effects of four capsules a day of a supplement known as ‘aged garlic’ for 12 weeks, and noted systolic blood pressure was around 10mmHg lower in the group given garlic as against ones given a placebo.

"Our trial, however, is the first to assess the effect, tolerability and acceptability of aged garlic extract as an additional treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with treated, but uncontrolled, hypertension," said researcher Karin Ried.

Experts warn that such supplements should be given only on doctors’ advice, and not otherwise.

Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said “It's a concern that so many people in the UK have poorly controlled blood pressure, with an increased risk of stroke and heart disease as a consequence. So enjoy garlic as part of your diet but don't stop taking your blood pressure medication.”