Purezen HeartThrob
HeartThrob: Support cholesterol, circulation & heart health
FSSAI-registered, GMP-certified, ISO 22000, HACCP-certified, Non-GMO and 3rd-party NABL lab-tested.
Rs. 1,395Rs. 1,285
Most garlic benefits come from allicin, a sulphur compound that forms only when a clove is crushed or chopped. Reviews of trials suggest that garlic, taken regularly for 2 months or more, may help support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure readings. Raw garlic on an empty stomach is a popular habit, but it is not essential and does not work like medicine.
Lahsun is in almost every Indian kitchen, from the tadka on dal to the green chutney with your vada pav. Many families also swear by a raw clove with warm water first thing in the morning. Here is what that habit can and cannot do. For the bigger picture, read our guides on lowering cholesterol naturally and triglycerides and how to reduce them.
Allicin: why you should crush lahsun and wait 10 minutes
A whole garlic clove contains very little allicin. It holds a building block called alliin and an enzyme called alliinase, kept apart inside the cells. When you crush, chop or chew the clove, they meet and allicin forms within seconds to minutes. That is also where the sharp smell comes from.
Heat stops the enzyme. Lab studies found that putting crushed garlic straight into a hot pan or microwave cut its activity sharply, while letting it rest for about 10 minutes first kept much more of it. So the simple kitchen rule is this:
- Crush, grate or finely chop the clove.
- Leave it on the board for about 10 minutes.
- Then eat it raw, or add it to food near the end of cooking to keep more of the garlic benefits.
Allicin itself does not last long. It breaks down into other sulphur compounds, and many of those are also studied for their effects. Aged garlic extract, which is soaked for months, contains a different, more stable compound called S-allyl cysteine.
Garlic benefits for cholesterol and blood pressure: what studies show
Garlic is one of the most researched kitchen foods for heart health. Most trials used garlic powder tablets or aged garlic extract, not raw cloves, so garlic benefits seen in studies may not match exactly what you eat at home. This is one reason heart formulas such as Purezen HeartThrob use a measured garlic extract.
| Marker | What reviews found | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Down by about 17 mg/dL | 2013 review of 39 trials, in people with total cholesterol above 200, taken for over 2 months |
| LDL cholesterol | Down by about 9 mg/dL | Same review, same conditions |
| HDL and triglycerides | Little or no change | HDL rose only slightly |
| Blood pressure | Top number down by about 5 points | 2016 review of 20 trials with 970 people |
| Blood pressure, high readings | Top number down by about 8 to 9 points | Subgroup with readings of 140/90 or above |
These are modest changes. They are useful as part of a heart-friendly lifestyle, but garlic does not replace your prescribed tablets. Keep taking your medicines and let your doctor track your lipid profile and blood pressure.
Raw garlic on an empty stomach: what it can and cannot do
There is no strong research showing that an empty stomach makes garlic work better. Most trials gave garlic with or without food and still saw effects. What matters more for garlic benefits is eating it regularly and preparing it the right way.
- What it can do: Give you a daily dose of allicin and other sulphur compounds, which may help support healthy cholesterol and circulation over time.
- What it cannot do: Melt fat, "detox" the body overnight or replace medicine.
- The downside: Raw garlic on an empty stomach often causes heartburn, burping or nausea, especially if you get acidity.
If mornings suit you and your stomach is fine, go ahead. If you feel a burning sensation, eat the crushed clove with breakfast instead, or mix it into curd or a chutney.
How many cloves of lahsun a day?
For most adults, 1 to 2 medium cloves a day (about 3 to 5 g) is a sensible amount. This is close to what traditional herbal guides suggest for fresh garlic. More is not better: higher amounts tend to bring more stomach upset and stronger breath without clear extra benefit.
| Way to eat it | How to do it | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Raw with water | Crush 1 clove, wait 10 minutes, swallow with water | People with a strong stomach |
| Lahsun chutney | Grind with coriander, mint and lemon | Daily use with meals |
| Garlic in curd | Grate into raita or chaas | Gentler on the stomach |
| Late tadka | Add rested garlic in the last minute of cooking | Keeping some allicin in cooked food |
| Honey garlic | Crushed clove with a little honey | Softening the bite |
Who should be careful with garlic
Garlic in normal food amounts is safe for most people. Large raw amounts or supplements need more care.
- Blood thinners: Garlic may slow blood clotting. If you take warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel or similar medicine, speak to your doctor before eating raw garlic daily or taking garlic supplements.
- Before surgery or dental work: Stop garlic supplements and large raw amounts about 7 days before, because of bleeding risk. Tell your surgeon what you take.
- Acidity and reflux: Raw garlic can worsen heartburn. Eat it with food or switch to cooked garlic.
- Some HIV medicines: Garlic supplements can lower the levels of saquinavir. Ask your doctor if you are on any antiviral medicine.
- Breath and body odour: This is common. Chewing parsley, mint or saunf, or drinking milk with the meal, may help a little.
- Skin: Do not tie or rub raw garlic on the skin. It can cause chemical burns.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Normal cooking amounts are fine. Avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor agrees.
Where Purezen HeartThrob fits in
Not everyone enjoys raw lahsun every morning. Purezen HeartThrob includes 50 mg garlic extract in each daily serving, together with 100 mg CoQ10, 100 mg pomegranate fruit extract, 100 mg Arjuna, 300 mg green tea catechins, 50 mg resveratrol, 50 mg grape seed and algal omega 3 (60 mg EPA and DHA). It also contains Gotu kola, Guggul, Turmeric, Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Piperine.
HeartThrob is traditionally used to support healthy cholesterol levels and circulation. It comes as 60 vegetable capsules, FSSAI registered, with a serving of 2 capsules a day. Take it for at least 3 months, alongside a balanced diet, exercise and your doctor's care. If you are on a blood thinner, check with your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to eat raw garlic every day?
For most healthy adults, 1 to 2 cloves a day is safe. People on blood thinners, those with severe acidity and anyone due for surgery should ask a doctor first.
Khali pet lahsun khane se kya hota hai?
Khali pet lahsun khane ka koi khaas extra fayda research mein nahi dikha hai. Roz 1 se 2 kali, kuchal kar 10 minute rakh kar khana kaafi hai. Agar acidity hoti hai, toh nashte ke saath khayein.
Does cooked garlic still have garlic benefits?
Yes, but fewer. Cooking stops allicin from forming. Resting crushed garlic for 10 minutes before cooking and adding it late keeps more of its activity.
How long does garlic take to show any effect?
In the trials, changes in cholesterol readings were seen when garlic was taken for more than 2 months. It is a slow, steady habit.
Can I take garlic with my BP medicine?
Food amounts are usually fine. Garlic supplements may add to the effect of blood pressure tablets, so tell your doctor and monitor your readings.
Related reading
- Lipid profile test: normal range explained
- Omega 3 capsules: fish oil vs algal oil
- CoQ10 benefits for heart health
- Pomegranate benefits: anar nutrition and juice
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medicine.