Health Benefits of Garlic Essay Example

Health Benefits of Garlic Essay Example Health Benefits of Garlic Paper Health Benefits of Garlic Paper In the more recent past, garlics main claim has been as a cholesterol buster (Mohammad et al. p. 4). Larry King promotes it on the radio, while colorful bottles of supplements proclaim their cardio cures from drugstore shelves: Clinically proven to lower cholesterol. Promotes healthy circulation Supports a healthy cardiovascular system. Each assertion is a promising lure for the 60 million Americans with heart diseaseand together these claims have helped make garlic one of the best-selling herbal supplements in the United States. In 2000, American consumers spent more than $61 million on the stuff. Garlics Power As a Cold-Buster: It is found from the study that the long-held belief that garlic is an effective remedy for the common cold. In the study, 146 people received either a garlic supplement or a placebo. Over a 12-week period during cold season, participants kept a diary in which they recorded cold symptoms. At the end of the study, the garlic group was way ahead, reporting 24 colds as compared to the placebo groups 65 colds. As a bonus, the garlic groups symptoms were shorter in duration (Blumenthal, p. 6). As an Artery-Saver: A great deal of garlic research has focused on the prevention of heart disease. In a study of 152 people with arteriosclerosis, researchers found that high doses of garlic powder significantly reduced the build-up of arterial plaque, a primary cause of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. During the 48 months of the study, researchers noted that lone-term garlic use even reduced existing arterial plaque slightly. As a Heart-Helper: Garlic has been shown to help maintain the elasticity of the aorta the main artery of the body that extends from the heart. Stiffening of the aorta occurs as a result of aging or high blood pressure and is a primary risk factor in cardiovascular disease. In comparing adults aged 50-80 who took 300mg or more of standardized garlic powder daily for at least two years to a control group, rest-archers found that aortic stiffening was significantly reduced in those taking garlic. The garlic powder used in the study was standardized for allicin, a sulfur compound that converts to allicin, long considered a primary active ingredient in garlic (Tattelman p. 103). Studies show garlic may reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Where does garlic get its clot-busting powers? Recently, scientists identified a substance in the herb called Ajoene that lubricates platelets in the blood. The more slippery platelets become, the less likely they are to clump together and form a clot, the first step to a heart attack or stroke. While early evidence continues to support garlics reputation as a blood thinner, more research is needed before experts can draw firm conclusions about the herbs role in preventing heart attack and stroke. Numerous heart-related studies have been conducted on a specific form of garlic - aged garlic extract (AGE). It undergoes an aging process that converts the odor-causing components of garlic into mild compounds that proponents claim are more stable than those found in raw or powdered garlic. Studies indicate that AGE, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure and inhibits the formation of arterial plaque (Blumenthal et al. p. 23). As a Homocysteine-Reducer: In a research it was found to lower homocysteine levels, blood markers of inflammation that are considered major risk factors for heart disease. As an Antibiotic Alternative: One study found that garlic juice exhibited antibacterial activity against several germs, including certain antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Another mouse study revealed that garlic extract helped inhibit a strain of staph infection. As an Antifungal Therapy: garlic is helpful for fungal infections, particularly yeast infections and athletes foot. For yeast infections, it is recommended to eat 1-2 garlic cloves daily, crushed and taken with water or mixed into food. If one has athletes foot, tub  ½ cloves on the affected area two to three times daily. If one does not like raw cloves, then one should try capsules, gel caps or extracts (Brown, p. 51). As an Antidiabetic Agent: Research has shown that garlic is very effective as an antidiabetic agent (Eidi et al. p. 624). To Cure Warts and Corns: A study has shown that when lipid extract of garlic was applied on the feet with 1-2 corns twice a day then the patient recovered completely in just two days (Dehghani et al. p. 613).