Aged garlic extract supplements have been shown to reverse the buildup of deadly plaque in arteries and help prevent the progression of heart disease, according to a new study slated for publication in the Journal of Nutrition.

The research, by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-University of California-Los Angles Medical Center, found a reduction in the amount of "soft plaque," in the arteries of patients with metabolic syndrome who took aged garlic extract. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, hypertension, and other cardiac risk factors.

"This study is another demonstration of the benefits of this supplement in reducing the accumulation of soft plaque and preventing the formation of new plaque in the arteries, which can cause heart disease," said lead researcher Dr. Matthew J. Budoff. "We have completed four randomized studies, and they have led us to conclude that aged garlic extract can help slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reverse the early stages of heart disease."

The study involved 55 patients, aged 40 to 75 years, who underwent screening at the beginning of the study to measure plaque buildup.

Following evaluation, the participants were given either a placebo or a dose of 2,400 milligrams of aged garlic extract every day.

After one year, the results showed those who had taken the garlic had slowed total plaque accumulation by 80 percent and reduced soft plaque buildup.