Garlic

According to recent studies, garlic may actually have some health benefits, including the ability to fight the common cold and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Many of the chemicals found in garlic may be good for your heart. Allicin, a sulfur component found in garlic in particular, may help in increasing blood flow and relaxing blood arteries. These compounds working together could reduce blood pressure. Garlic consumption decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mm Hg and 5.5 mm Hg, respectively, according to a study of 12 research involving more than 550 people with high blood pressure. This reduction was similar to the effects of blood pressure medications. In a 24-week trial involving 30 people, 600-1,500 mg of garlic extract was proven to decrease blood pressure just as well as the drug Atenolol.