February 09, 2003

By: Stacey Becker
Website: http://www.vitamins-and-health-info.com

Fight cholesterol and improve your immune system with garlic

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For thousands of years garlic has been known for its medicinal properties. During the time of ancient Egypt, slaves were given garlic for strength and nourishment while constructing the pyramids. Olympic athletes of ancient Greece also recognized its nutritional benefits, chewing a clove at the start of a competition believing it would increase their stamina. Taken as food or a supplement, garlic is beneficial for health. It is a member of the family that includes onions, leeks and shallots.

Beyond its obvious culinary uses, garlic is well known for its ability to protect the body against disease and infection. As an immune system stimulant, it kills bacteria and viruses, and even lowers the risk of cancer. Garlic protects the cardiovascular system by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, while inhibiting the build-up of plaque on artery walls. Respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma also benefit. It also acts as digestive aid and antioxidant, protecting the body from free radical damage. Garlic’s healing properties make it ideal to include in a regular supplementation program.

Since garlic affects blood clotting, it should not be used with anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) without consulting a physician. A typical dose is 3 - 30 g of includes (1 -8 cloves/day) or 600 to 900 mg of garlic (tablet or capsule) three times per day. It's strong odour is largely due to a sulfide called allicin. For those who would like to avoid the unpleasant taste and odour, an encapsulated ‘odourless’ supplement is also available. For more information on garlic supplements, please see link to home page and our recommended list of resources.

Author Notes:

Stacey Becker contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.vitamins-and-health-info.com.  Recommending the best vitamins, minerals, herbs and weight loss products for optimum health.