Garlic has been called the “Stinking Rose†and it is the chemical that makes that smell (check out this aromatherapy safety guide) that brings health benefits. This chemical that gives garlic its pungent taste and smell is a sulphur-bearing compound called allicin. The benefits of garlic go back 5,000 years in India, having been recorded in Sanskrit records, and Chinese medicine has recognized garlic’s powers for over 3,000 years.
Recent research has discovered that garlic fights heart disease, lowers blood pressure helps prevent cancer and helps fight off colds.
Scientists through clinical trials have shown that taking garlic tablets lowered volunteer’s blood pressure between one and five per cent. Taking garlic supplements could cut the incidence of stroke by 30-40% while heart disease could be reduced by 20-25%.
Studies have been performed examining the benefits garlic has on the prevention of cancer. Some studies suggest that garlic inhibited the development and progression of breast, colon, stomach, esophagus, prostate and skin cancers in test tubes and in animal studies.
Taking garlic regularly seems to help the body fight off infections. In the 19th century, there was an outbreak of infectious fever. English priests caught the fever but the French priests who ate garlic every day did not.
About 1 fresh clove per day, which is between 600-900mg, is the suggested daily amount to be taken to receive the potential benefits of garlic according to the American Dietetic Association.
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