Is Garlic Healthy?

Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, is a perennial bulbous herb. Garlic is rich in healthy nutrients and has been used traditionally as a dietary source, and -- more recently -- as a supplement as well. While garlic as a food is beneficial for your overall health and may help a variety of health concerns, the benefits of garlic supplements are still being researched to assess their efficacy.

Health Benefits

Garlic is one of the foods included in the book "Ten Best Ten Natural Remedies That Can Save Your Life," authored by James Balch, MD. According to Balch, garlic is one of the oldest and most well-respected herbs, being documented as a medicinal remedy from the 16th century B.C.E.

A review of current scientific studies on garlic by Drugs.com found that garlic can
help in reducing high cholesterol levels and in the treatment of hypertension. Garlic has traditionally being used for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties thus may help conditions such as colds, other respiratory infections or warts. Garlic may help diabetics, because it can help reduce blood glucose levels and increase levels of insulin Other conditions such as benign prostate enlargement and certain cancers may benefit from garlic supplementation.

Why Garlic Is Healthy

A research team from Queen's University, Canada, believes that it has found the reason why garlic has so many health benefits. The study was published in the February 2009 issue of "Medical News Today." Dr. Derek Pratt, study leader, explains that until this study, it was believed that garlic's effects on human health were derived from the antioxidant properties of allicin, the active ingredient of garlic. Based on this study's results, the authors concluded that sulfenic acid, a compound that results when allicin is decomposed, is the ingredient truly responsible for the strong antioxidant properties of garlic. Unlike other allicin-containing foods, garlic delivers faster and higher levels of sulfenic acid to the body.

Safety, Efficacy & Drug Interactions

Dietary sources of garlic are considered safe. The most common complaints including body and mouth odor as well as mild digestive symptoms. Garlic may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The safety of garlic-based supplements is not exactly known, and their effectiveness depends on the brand that is used. Garlic supplements may have the potential to interact with blood thinners, and some medications, including anti-diabetes drugs. Drugs.com suggests 2 to 5 g of fresh raw garlic. To be effective, garlic supplements should contain 2 to 5 mg of allicin, garlic's active ingredient.

Considerations

Add more garlic to your food to take advantage of its medicinal qualities. Consult a qualified practitioner if you are considering taking garlic supplements to determine the optimal dosage of garlic for your condition, as well as possible side effects and drug interactions. Garlic food or supplement should not replace any conventional drugs you are currently on.