Garlic is closely related to onions, leeks and chives, although it's unique because of its high sulfur content. It's been used for centuries for culinary and medicinal purposes by various cultures around the world, and is currently being studied by scientists for its ability to prevent and treat chronic disorders such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
History
Garlic originally came from central Asia, although it spread rapidly around the world and is believed to be one of the first cultivated plants, dating from about 5,000 years ago in the Middle East. In early 18th-century France, gravediggers drank a concoction of crushed garlic in wine hoping it would protect them from the plague, and during World wars I and II, soldiers were given garlic to prevent gangrene.
Types
Garlic supplements can come in the form of fresh, dried or aged garlic pills or as garlic oil. Garlic essential oil capsules are made of vegetable oil and garlic essence obtained by passing steam through garlic. These types of capsules tend to have only a small amount of garlic essential oil. Garlic oil macerate products are made from encapsulated mixtures of whole garlic cloves ground into vegetable oil, and therefore contain more garlic essence. To get the most benefits, look for standardized brands using aged garlic high in sulfur compounds that are more easily absorbed.
Benefits
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, garlic contains beneficial antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Although research has been mixed regarding garlic's effects on preventing cardiovascular disease, the National Institutes of Health reports small reductions in blood pressure in human trials, as well as the inhibition of platelet aggregation that might lead to clots. The results of clinical studies investigating garlic and cancer suggest high intakes of garlic may protect against gastric and colorectal cancer, and garlic compounds have also been found to inhibit development of chemically induced cancers in animals of oral, esophageal, uterine, breast, prostate and skin cancer.
Side Effects
If you have allergies to other members of the Liliaceae or lily family, including hyacinth, tulip, onion, leek, and chives, you should avoid garlic. Several cases of bleeding have been reported with garlic due to its ability to keep blood from clotting, so if you're on a blood thinner or have a blood disorder, use caution when taking garlic. The most commonly reported side effects of oral garlic supplements are breath and body odor, but they can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms including heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhea.
Cautions
According to the National Institutes of Health, contamination of garlic products can occur--such as a case in Vancouver, British Columbia in which one preparation was linked to botulism. Garlic bulbs are sometimes contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria that may grow and produce botulinum toxin in garlic-in-oil products that aren't refrigerated and don't contain antibacterial agents.
Dosing
An appropriate dose of garlic supplements for children has not been established, so talk with your doctor before giving your children garlic. For adults, The World Health Organization recommends 2mg to 5mg garlic oil daily.
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