The Miraculous Power of Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is more than just a flavorful seasoning; it's a powerhouse of health benefits, including cardiovascular support, immune boosting, and potential anti-cancer properties. Its fermented form, known as black garlic, along with various garlic supplements, offer additional benefits and solutions for those who may not tolerate fresh garlic. In this comprehensive review, we explore the myriad of benefits and scientific studies supporting garlic's positive impacts on health.

Cardiovascular Health

1.????Lowering Blood Pressure:

Garlic has been found to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Garlic supplements, in particular, significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as shown in an updated meta-analysis published in the "Journal ofNutrition" (Ried, 2016).

2.????Reducing Cholesterol Levels:

Both fresh garlic and garlic supplements may reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. A meta-analysis concluded that garlic is effective in reducing total serum cholesterol by 17 ± 6 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 9 ± 6 mg/dL in individuals with elevated total cholesterol levels (>200 mg/dL), provided garlic is used for longer than 2 months. (Ried, Toben, & Fakler, 2013).

Immune System Enhancement

Garlic’s ability to boost the immune system has been supported by research. The included study found that people who took garlic every day for three months (instead of a placebo) had fewer colds. That is, over the three‐month period, there were 24 occurrences of the common cold in the garlic group, compared to 65 in the placebo group.

Anti-cancer Properties

Garlic (Allium sativum), belonging to the Liliaceae family, is rich in chemical constituents known to offer protection against various ailments, notably cancer. Studies affirm garlic's protective role against stomach, colorectal, and breast cancer in humans. The protective properties seem to stem from organosulfur components, especially allyl derivatives, which have demonstrated the ability to curb cancer development in areas like the forestomach, esophagus, colon, mammary gland, and lung of experimental animals (Omar & Al-Wabel, 2010).

Black Garlic and Its Special Benefits

Black garlic possesses unique characteristics and benefits:

1.????Enhanced Antioxidant Properties:

Black garlic has higher antioxidant activity, more than regular garlic.

2.????Improved Gastrointestinal Health:

Black garlic has a beneficial impact on gastrointestinal functions.

3.????Anti-aging Effects:

Black garlic exhibits potential anti-aging effects.

Garlic Supplements: A Solution for Those Who Can't Tolerate Fresh Garlic

Garlic supplements provide a convenient alternative for those who may find fresh garlic intolerable, offering standardized dosing, reduced digestive discomfort, and odorless options.

1.????Standardized Dose:

Garlic supplements come with precise amounts of active compounds, allowing for accurate alignment with therapeutic effects.

2.????Digestive Tolerance:

Formulations like enteric-coated capsules may minimize gastric irritation.

3.????Odorless Options:

Odorless garlic supplements can provide an appealing solution for those sensitive to garlic's strong aroma.

However, quality assurance and consultation with healthcare providers are essential considerations in choosing garlic supplements to avoid potential conflicts with medications and medical conditions.

Conclusion

The benefits of garlic, including black garlic and supplements, span various health domains. The existing body of research and availability of different forms make garlic a promising dietary addition for overall health enhancement, even for those who may not tolerate or prefer not to consume fresh garlic.

References:

1. Ried, K. (2016). Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: An updated meta-analysis and review. The Journal of Nutrition, 146(2), 389S-396S.
2. Ried, K., Toben, C., & Fakler, P. (2013). Effect of garlic on serum lipids: An updated meta-analysis. Nutr Rev, 71(5), 282-99. https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12012.
3. Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group, Lissiman, E., Bhasale, A. L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Garlic for the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(11), CD006206. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006206.pub4.
4. Omar, S.H., & Al-Wabel, N.A. (2010). Organosulfur compounds and possible mechanism of garlic in cancer. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 18(1), 51–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2009.12.007.
5. Ahmed, T., & Wang, C.-K. (2021). Black garlic and its bioactive compounds on human health diseases: A review. Molecules, 26(16), 5028. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26165028.