Garlic has been valued for its medicinal and culinary uses since ancient times. Historical records from Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome document its medical applications. It is even mentioned in sacred texts such as the Bible and the Qur’an. Native to Central Asia, garlic cloves dating back over 3000 years were discovered in King Tutankhamun's tomb. Belonging to the Allium genus, garlic is related to onions, shallots, leeks, and chives, which also share some of its health benefits. These potential benefits include promoting cardiac health, possessing antimicrobial properties, and exhibiting anticancer effects.
What are Garlic's Benefits?
What are Garlic's Benefits?
Garlic is linked to numerous health benefits, with some studies suggesting that raw garlic and garlic supplements may be more effective than cooked garlic. Properly prepared garlic tea also retains these benefits.
Cardiac Health: Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that diallyl trisulfide, a component of garlic oil, helps protect the heart after a heart attack and during heart surgery. Mice treated with this component after a heart attack showed 61% less damage to cardiac tissue than untreated mice. The component may also reduce heart enlargement in heart failure models. Additionally, garlic supplements, particularly aged garlic extract, have been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals by preventing vasoconstriction. Garlic oil has been found protective against cardiomyopathy, a chronic heart disease prevalent among diabetes patients. Diabetic mice fed garlic oil developed more cardiac protection than those in the control group.
Reduced Risk of Infections: Garlic is renowned for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Allicin, a component of freshly crushed garlic, has antiviral properties and is effective against a broad range of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant E. coli and MRSA. It also exhibits antifungal activity against Candida albicans and antiparasitic action against major intestinal parasites like Giardia.
Reduced Blood Clotting: Garlic can reduce the formation of blood clots. One study found that aged garlic extract does not increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin, unlike fresh garlic or other garlic supplements.
Reduced Risk of Cancer: Garlic and other Allium family members have been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers. The Iowa Women’s Health Study indicated that garlic consumption might decrease the risk of colon cancer. A long-term study found that regular garlic consumption was associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer, especially among those who consumed it frequently. A Chinese study also found that regular consumption of raw garlic was linked to a reduced risk of lung cancer.
In summary, garlic offers significant health benefits, including cardiac protection, infection reduction, decreased blood clotting, and potential cancer risk reduction.
Recommended Dosages
Garlic is commonly used by adults in doses of 2400 mg taken orally daily for up to 12 months. For supplements, it is advisable to choose those with an enteric coating to ensure they dissolve in the intestine rather than in the stomach. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific condition.
Precautions & Warnings
Blood-Thinning Properties: Garlic is known for its blood-thinning effects. If you are not accustomed to consuming garlic, consult your doctor before incorporating it into your diet.
Excess Bleeding: Due to its anticoagulant properties, garlic can increase the risk of bleeding. It is recommended to stop consuming garlic 7 to 10 days before any planned surgery.
Drug Interactions: If you are taking anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Heparin, avoid garlic. The blood-thinning action of these medications may be heightened by garlic, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining garlic with any anticoagulant therapy.
Side Effects
When Taken by Mouth: Garlic is generally safe for most people when consumed orally and has been used safely for up to 7 years. However, it can cause some side effects, including Bad breath, Heartburn, Gas, and Diarrhea.
These side effects are typically more severe with raw garlic. Additionally, garlic might increase the risk of bleeding and could cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
When Applied to the Skin: Garlic products, such as gels, pastes, and mouthwashes, are possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. However, these products might cause skin damage similar to burns. RAW garlic is possibly unsafe when applied to the skin, as it can lead to severe skin irritation.
It is important to note that individual responses to this ingredient can vary based on age, weight, and specific health conditions. Consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to determine the appropriate dosage according to individual health needs and considerations. Additionally, healthcare professionals can provide guidance on potential interactions with medications and any underlying health conditions.