Fresh garlic, used for medicinal properties for centuries, may have clinically proven health benefits for some conditions. Many studies use garlic supplements rather than fresh garlic, so it can't be said without reservation that the same effects can be attributed to fresh garlic, although both contain the active ingredient, allicin. However, fresh garlic actually contains more allicin than supplements. In fresh garlic, allicin is unstable and changes chemical composition quickly, making clinical comparison to supplements more complicated.
Hypertension
An analysis of several studies reported in the June 2008 "BMC Cardiovascular Disorders" by lead author Karin Ried, PhD of the University of Adelaide found that garlic supplements had better result than placebo in 11 studies. The systolic pressure dropped 8.4 +/- 2.8 mm Hg in people with hypertension, on average. Some studies show a drop in blood pressure of 7 to 8 percent, MedlinePlus reports, most using a garlic powder supplement rather than fresh garlic.
Colorectal Cancer
A systematic review of literature reported in the Oct 2007 "Journal of Nutrition" by lead author SN Ngo found that fresh raw or cooked garlic reduced the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 30 percent overall in seven studies. MedlinePlus reported that in most studies showing a benefit, the benefit applied only to fresh garlic rather than supplements.
Heart Disease
Garlic may reduce atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels which often leads to heart attack or stroke. Some studies show a reduction of cholesterol or triglycerides in those taking garlic, but not all studies reach the same conclusions, MedlinePlus reports.
Colds
A study of 146 people found that garlic supplements reduced the frequency and duration of colds, Peter Joslin of the Garlic Centre, United Kingdom reported in the July/ August 2001 "Advances in Therapy". The study, conducted over 12 weeks between November and February, found that people taking garlic supplements had 24 colds as compared to 65 cold in the placebo group. The placebo group's cold also lasted a full day longer. People in the placebo groups also developed re-infections more often than those taking the supplement, with 2 in the active group and 16 in the placebo group. Since this study used garlic supplements, result may not apply to fresh garlic.
Prostate Problems
Garlic may help reduce benign prostatic hypertrophy, MedlinePlus states. Men in China who eat a clove of garlic daily lower their risk of developing prostate cancer by about 50 percent, the same site adds.
References
- BMC Cardiovascular Disorders: Effect of Garlic of Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Karin Ried, PhD et al; June 2008
- MedlinePlus: Garlic
- "Journal of Nutrition": Doe Garlic Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer? A Systematic Review: SN Ngo et al; Oct 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- "Advances in Therapy": Preventing the Common Cold With A Garlic Supplement; Peter Joslin, BSc; July/August 2001
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