Garlic

• Ancient Medicine: Used in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Greek medicine for infections, digestion, and heart health.
• Culinary Use: A staple in global cuisines for its flavor and preservative properties.
• Medicinal Use: Recognized for its antimicrobial and heart-protective effects.
• Rituals and Protection: Historically believed to ward off evil spirits and used for protection against diseases.

• Organosulfur Compounds: Allicin, alliin, ajoene (responsible for medicinal properties).
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, apigenin.
• Saponins: Bioactive compounds with cholesterol-lowering properties.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C, B6, manganese, selenium, calcium, and potassium.
• Volatile Oils: Diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide.

1. Reduces Blood Pressure (Hypertension):
Effect: Helps lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Key Study: Clinical trials show significant reductions in blood pressure with garlic supplementation.

2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels::
Use: Reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol).
Evidence: Studies confirm garlic’s cholesterol-lowering effects when consumed regularly.

3. Boosts Immune Function:
Mechanism: Enhances white blood cell activity and reduces the severity of colds and infections.
Key Study: Garlic reduces the duration of the common cold by 70% .

4. Anticancer Properties::
Effect: Organosulfur compounds in garlic inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Research Insight: Associated with reduced risk of stomach, colon, and prostate cancers.

5. Antimicrobial Action: Use: Effective against pathogens like Helicobacter pylori and Candida species.

6. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Mechanism: Prevents platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots.

7. Supports Detoxification: Effect: Enhances liver function and aids in toxin elimination.

• Bleeding Disorders: Garlic may increase bleeding risk; avoid before surgery.
• Low Blood Pressure: Use cautiously if prone to hypotension.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: High doses are not recommended due to insufficient safety data.
• Stomach Sensitivity: May exacerbate conditions like gastritis or acid reflux.

• Gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and heartburn.
• Allergic reactions, such as skin rash or itching (rare).
• Body odor and bad breath due to sulfur compounds.
• Increased bleeding risk with high doses.

• Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs: May enhance bleeding risk when combined with warfarin or aspirin.
• Blood Pressure Medications: May cause excessive drops in blood pressure.
• HIV Medications: Garlic may reduce the efficacy of certain antiretroviral drugs.
• Adaptogens: Complements herbs like ashwagandha for enhanced immune and cardiovascular support.

• Acute effect of a dried ethanol-water extract of garlic on the microhaemovascular system of the skin.
• Aged garlic extract, a modulator of cardiovascular risk factors: a dose-finding study on the effects of AGE on platelet functions.
• Aged garlic extract has potential suppressive effect on colorectal adenomas in humans.
• Aged garlic extract improves adiponectin levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study.
• Aged garlic extract improves endothelial function in men with coronary artery disease.
• Gladstar, Rosemary (1993). Herbal Healing for Women. Simon & Schuster; New York, NY.
• https://www.plefa.com/article/S0952-3278(98)90034-5/abstract

Garlic is a time-tested remedy with a wide range of health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. It's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties make it a versatile addition to both diet and supplementation. While generally safe, it should be consumed cautiously by individuals on blood-thinning medications or with sensitive digestive systems. Affordable, accessible, and versatile for culinary and medicinal use.