Buzz
Garlic is recognized both as a culinary ingredient and a medicinal herb. While it is commonly consumed as food, it can also be utilized in supplement form to enhance a balanced diet, particularly when addressing more significant health concerns. This is how garlic functions as an alternative remedy:
Curative Benefits
Garlic boasts a wide range of curative benefits, with the most extensive research focusing on its ability to combat heart disease. Numerous comprehensive studies have demonstrated that garlic supplements, which replicate the effects of fresh garlic, can effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels without negatively impacting beneficial HDL cholesterol. Garlic achieves this by inhibiting the liver's overproduction of LDL cholesterol.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that garlic supplements can slightly reduce blood pressure by promoting the dilation of blood vessels. Garlic also aids in preventing blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It achieves this by reducing the stickiness of platelets, small disc-shaped components in the blood essential for clotting. When platelets become overly sticky, they can form clumps that adhere to artery walls, contributing to arterial blockages.
Garlic has also demonstrated the ability to alleviate pain and other symptoms in individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, it can shrink certain cancerous tumors and aid in preventing some cancers, particularly those affecting the intestines. However, research in this area is not as advanced as that for garlic's effects on heart disease, so it is advisable to consult a natural health care professional before using garlic supplements.
One of garlic's oldest applications is as an antibiotic. It is effective against a variety of microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Garlic can treat conditions such as athlete's foot, oral thrush, viral diarrhea, and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for ulcers. Only fresh garlic or supplements that replicate its properties provide these benefits.
Preparation and Dosage
To achieve optimal results, fresh garlic or preparations that replicate its properties should be used. Dried, cooked garlic, or garlic oil lose much of their potency during processing, though they still offer some benefits when consumed as food. Medicinal preparations should specify an allicin potential of at least 6,000 mcg on the label. Alternatively, consuming one chopped clove of fresh garlic daily is recommended. (Note that pre-peeled or minced garlic sold in jars lacks sufficient potency.)
High-quality garlic supplements indicate the "allicin potential" they contain rather than a specific amount of allicin. This means the supplement releases 6,000 mcg of allicin, the compound responsible for garlic's strong flavor, upon reaching the stomach. These supplements do not contain actual allicin, as it is highly unstable and degrades quickly. Instead, they contain alliin, a stable precursor to allicin, which is released during digestion for optimal absorption and effectiveness.
Storage
Keep garlic in a cool, dark, and dry area with proper air circulation. Periodically inspect it and discard any spoiled cloves, ensuring you do not damage the remaining ones.
Publications International, Ltd.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medication applications based on this information. The publication of this content does not constitute medical practice, and it should not replace professional advice from your physician or healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
Garlic is generally safe but can cause unpleasant breath and body odor. If you don't experience these effects, it may indicate reduced effectiveness, as the odor signifies the presence of its healing properties.
To minimize the smell, consume chlorophyll-rich foods like leafy greens or parsley alongside garlic. Alternatively, take most of your garlic intake at night and shower in the morning.
A rare but serious side effect is spontaneous bleeding, which can occur from excessive garlic consumption or combining it with blood-thinning medications. Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage and consult a natural health professional before using garlic with such medications. Garlic is safe for short-term use during pregnancy.
