The picture shows garlic.

For those who sacrifice fresh breath for garlic breath for the sake of a healthy heart -- take heart!

According to the latest research, eating garlic makes no difference whatsoever to cholesterol levels.

Almost 200 volunteers were put on a garlic-rich diet for six months, but the only notable change was an increase in bad breath and body odor.

The study by researchers at Stanford University's school of medicine in California, assessed the effects of raw garlic and two commercial garlic supplements on LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and HDL, the "good' variety."

"There were no statistically significant effects of the three forms of garlic on LDL cholesterol concentrations," said team leader, Dr. Christopher Gardner. "Levels of other types of cholesterol were also unaffected."

Garlic has long been thought to have benefits ranging from the prevention of colds to cutting the risk of developing cancer. Previous tests found the plant could "reverse" fatty build-up in the arteries.

Gardner warned the lack of benefit found in this trial did not mean garlic did not have other healthy effects.

"Eating garlic as part of a balanced diet will help to add variety and flavor and it is a healthier alternative to salt, for example," said Judy O'Sullivan, a spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation.

Editor: Donald