Two Cloves A Day Could Keep Infection Away

*This article is hott off the press and was written for inclusion in the upcoming Toucan Times, an all volunteer publication produced by PCVs in Belize.

 

Health Benefits and Uses of Garlic

Garlic's health benefits and medicinal properties are far reaching have long been known. Consider the Italians or the Greeks who have incorporated this powerful plant in their diets for centuries. Garlic has long been considered an herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore (and reality) for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to yeast infections, viruses and even intestinal parasites.

Raw garlic can be used to treat the symptoms of acne and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels (research varies on this topic however). It can even be effective as a natural mosquito repellent. That alone is enough reason for me to keep consuming it. Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, though in a broad-spectrum rather than targeted manner. It even proves to have anti-viral qualities which no antibiotic can touch. The human body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.

Research show that eating garlic appears to boost our natural supply of hydrogen sulfide. In a study performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, researchers extracted juice from supermarket garlic (probably the same stuff we find at the “Chino” store on the corner) and added small amounts to human red blood cells. The cells immediately began emitting hydrogen sulfide, the scientists found. The power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may help explain why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer, say the study authors.

Many home chefs cook garlic immediately after crushing and chopping it. However, to maximize the benefits of garlic, you should crush it and then allow it to sit for about 10 minutes or so. This “resting time” triggers an enzyme reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in garlic. 

Amidst all its amazing properties, garlic does however have some drawbacks. Some people prefer to take garlic supplements over raw garlic. These pills and capsules may have the advantage of reducing garlic breath or eliminating the taste of garlic if you’re averse to it but the supplements will be more expensive generally than just buying cloves at your market. Following are some general pointers about garlic…

• Garlic is most effective when crushed or chopped and when consumed raw.
• One clove a day will improve your health and 2-5+ cloves will help prevent a cold.
• When cooking garlic wait until the last 10 minutes of cooking to add the garlic. Overcooking the garlic kills the hydrogen sulfide present.
• Be careful about taking too much as it could irritate your digestive system.
• Garlic supplements may interact with certain drugs such as anticoagulants
• Don’t microwave garlic as this kills the active ingredients. Better, just kill your microwave.
• And cut back when family, friends, village children and stay dogs start avoiding you. Unless that’s your desired objective.

References used for this article are listed. For further information check out the top website which was full of details and descriptive information…
http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbGarlicMed.htm
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/15/unlocking-the-benefits-of-garlic/