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<i>Garlic: A medicinal food</i>
For many decades, people have been using garlic to prevent a countless of health conditions from cold - flu to complicated heart problems and certain cancers (especially colon). It was used to protect against plague by monks in the Middle Ages. Great Hippocrates used garlic vapors to treat cervical cancer. It was used during World War-II as an inexpensive and apparently quite effective replacement for antibiotics. Allicin from crushed raw garlic is a very strong antibiotic that kills even MRSA staph on contact. Today, researchers have shown that garlic can kill many types of bacteria, viruses and in some cases even intestinal parasites. Some believe that this is also considered a useful antioxidant that can boost the body's immune system. Some scientists found, this can reduce LDLs or "bad cholesterol and is a good blood-thinning agent to avoid blood clots which could potentially lead to heart attack or stroke. And, epidemiological and medical studies also suggest that individuals regularly consuming garlic show a lower incidence of stomach cancer and show lower blood lipid levels. Studies have also shown that consuming garlic generally lowers or helps to regulate blood sugar. Among general people, garlic is well known for its good effects on heart. Garlic is believed to be helpful in preventing and treating high lipid profile or cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is also effectual in atherosclerosis and respiratory infections. One study reported that garlic was able to reduce arterial plaque formation by nearly 20 percent in some participants, especially in women. Allicin and its derivatives are responsible for its special odor and many of its medicinal effects. Interestingly, Allicin is found when garlic bulbs are crushed. There are different kinds of garlic oils, garlic powder capsules, garlic pills with enteric coatings are available these days. Some are not genuine as well. In fact, garlic oils are the oldest kind of manufactured preparation. There have been some reports of a possible interaction between garlic and warfarin that could increase risk of bleeding. Therefore, if you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications such as aspirin, warfarin, dipyridamole, or indomethacin, you should avoid from having large amounts of garlic or consult a qualified doctor.
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