Garlic Shout The Illness Out

Health Benefits and Uses

Garlic's health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known (1). Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague! It has been used extensively in herbal medicine (phytotherapy, sometimes spelt phitotherapy). Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels. It can even be effective as a natural mosquito repellent. In general, a stronger tasting clove of garlic has more sulphur content and hence more medicinal value it's likely to have. Some people have suggested that organically grown garlic tends towards a higher sulphur level and hence greater benefit to health. In my experience it certainly tastes better so I buy organic whenever possible whether or not it's best for my health.
Some people prefer to take garlic supplements. These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath.
Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.

Healthy Antioxidant

Studies (2) have shown that garlic - especially aged garlic - can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging "free radicals".

Side-Effects

Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract. There are a few people who are allergic to garlic. Symptoms of garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches. Also, garlic could potentially disrupt anti-coagulants, so it's best avoided before surgery. As with any medicine, always check with your doctor first and tell your doctor if you are using it.
Important: Research published in 2001 concluded that garlic supplements "can cause a potentially harmful side effect when combined with a type of medication used to treat HIV/AIDS". More details are available on the NIAID website.
See also the warnings page on this site.

Medicinal Ingredients of Garlic

There are two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits: allicin and diallyl sulphides. I've given each of these a page of their own:

Health Effects of Allicin Health Effects of Diallyl Sulphides

Also a page on the chemistry of allicin.

Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle - not as an alternative to it. Always consult your doctor first regarding any medical condition.

Remember that although garlic is potentially beneficial for some people it is also very strong. Some people are intolerant of or even actively allergic to it.

Always consult your doctor regarding any health or medical matter The medicinal properties and benefits of garlic are strongest when it is raw and crushed or very finely chopped Don't overdo it - too much can irritate the digestive tract Raw, crushed garlic is an anti-fungal, however it can produce skin blistering Raw, crushed garlic is a powerful antibiotic (1) Cooked prepared garlic is less powerful but still reputedly of benefit to the cardiovascular system Garlic cloves cooked whole have very little medicinal value however their milder taste makes them more acceptable to some people There have been claims that garlic can help with cholesterol management however the research is inconclusive If buying garlic pills, check the ingredients Garlic should be seen a part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, not an alternative to one Be aware of the possible problems with garlic One of the most commonly used spices, garlic is known for its immense health benefits. It is known for its pungent smell and distinct flavor. Garlic is a species of the onion family. The commonly used part of the plant is the bulb which is divided into many sections called cloves. The cloves are used for raw consumptions or used in cooking various dishes. The roots attached to the bulb and the thin skin of the cloves is not considered to be edible. Garlic has a sulphur bearing compound known by the name of Allicin, which gives the medicinal qualities to this wonder herb. Nutritional Value of Garlic Minerals / Vitamins Amount (per 100gm) Copper 0.630 mg Iron 1.200 mg Manganese 0.860 mg Phosphorous 310 mg Calcium 30 mg Zinc 1.930 mg Carbohydrates 20.8 gm Protein 6.3 gm Thiamine 0.060 mg Riboflavin 0.230 mg Vitamin C 13.0 mg Health and Nutrition Benefits of Eating Garlic Garlic is known best for keeping cold at bay. Eating a clove of garlic when you feel like you may have an onset of cold, improves your immune system and strengthens up the natural defense system of the body. Garlic is also credited with anti-oxidants that help fight cancer and cancerous tumors. Medical science has proof that garlic contains compounds like diallye disulphide and s-allycystein, which have anti-tumor properties and help in slowing down the growth of tumors and also reduce their size. Garlic has compounds that help prevent any kind heart disease. It helps in lowering the cholesterol level in blood, which in turn makes sure there is nothing to block the arteries. It helps keep the aorta of the heart flexible and enables it to pump the blood effectively. Garlic also helps in the control of blood pressure or hypertension. A chemical known as Ajoene is found in garlic which helps in thinning the blood, thus reducing clots from forming and reducing hypertension. Garlic was used in ancient China to treat people suffering from angina attacks and poor circulation. Garlic is effective against fighting off a host of infections. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and has been used since a long time to treat wounds, typhus, cholera, intestinal parasites, recurrent yeast infections and candida albicans. Garlic can also be used as an effective aphrodisiac and may be used to treat impotence. Garlic produces an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase, which is required to get an erection. Garlic stimulates the production of this enzyme in people who have lower levels of it.