One of the most significant trends in alternative health is the newfound focus on everyday foods and ingredients that can give a big boost to health. Garlic is one of these foods with remarkable health benefits, whether it's taken raw or used in supplements.
Garlic Butter, Garlic Sauce… Garlic Supplements?
Most people think of garlic as that innocuous little bulb that's great for flavoring cooking, but research is showing that it's got a lot more going for it than that. Garlic is rich in antioxidants and other chemicals that support many aspects of wellness, from heart and circulatory health to immunity and anti-aging.
Fresh raw garlic cloves can be used – either swallowed whole or used daily in cooking – but for those who'd prefer not have garlic-smelling breath all the time, there are odorless alternatives. Aged garlic extract is a popular option in odorless garlic supplements, and can be used for the bulb's medicinal properties without worrying about the aroma. These supplements still contain the allicin, alliin, and ajoene that make potent, raw garlic so effective.
Garlic Health Benefits
Many health benefits of garlic have been studied and documented:
Immune System Support: Garlic and other spices and herbs are often recommended to strengthen immunity against cold and flu. Studies show that garlic boosts the body's production of white blood cells, the body's best defense against pathogenic invaders.
Vitamins and Minerals: Garlic is high in vitamins C and B6. It is also a good source of the minerals manganese, calcium, phosphorus and selenium.
Garlic for Cholesterol and Hearth Health: Garlic has been found to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, blood pressure, and plaque formation. One study at the University of California found that 200 mg of aged garlic extract taken daily lowered heart attack risk by 65%
Anti-aging and Anticancer Benefits of Garlic: Antioxidants prevent damage to the cells – the kind of damage that can lead to memory loss, wrinkled skin, and even cancer. Garlic cloves are high in antioxidants that prevent this kind of damage. Studies indicate that garlic may cut chances of stomach cancer by 50% and colon cancer by 35%.
Repelling mosquitos, fleas and other insects: Garlic is often touted as a natural flea deterrent for pets, and can even be used by humans to repel mosquitos, fleas, ticks and other biting bugs. It might not work against vampires, but even odorless garlic supplements will deter most insects.
Reference:
Borek, Carmia, "Bountiful garlic: The secret to good health," Alive, Supplements, February 2009.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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