The Medicinal Properties of Garlic

Garlic is a famous resident of the kitchen. Known for its flavors, it is usually used to sauteing together with its regular partner, the onion. Unknown to many, garlic is actually a specie in the onion family Alliaceae. Garlic, which usually does wonders with pasta, bread, and many delectable dishes, is considered cousin to onion, shallot and leek.

But garlic's abilities do not stop in the kitchen. Researches show that garlic benefits the body in many ways. Called by some as the "stinking rose", the garlic offers a lot of wonders to our health.

First of all, garlic benefits the cardiovascular system. In a study done by the Clinical Research Center and Tulane University School of Medicine, garlic can lower the levels of total cholesterol, specifically of the dangerous low-density lipoprotein (LDP) form. It pumps up "good" cholesterol (HDL). Kieswetter of the University of Saarlandes, Hamburg, Germany claimed that garlic is a natural blood thinner. In Kieswetter's study, garlic helped the patients who experienced a kind of blood clotting in the legs. Kieswetter's study also supported other researches' claim of the ability of garlic to lower blood pressure. Garlic contains gamma-glutamylycsteine, a natural ACE inhibitor. An ACE inhibitor means something that blocks the formation of the angiotensen I-converting enzyme (ACE), a chemical that causes blood pressure increase.

Studies support that garlic can protect against cancer. Dr, Benjamin Lau in 1991 did a research that had identified 3 reasons why garlic tries to fight off cancer. First is by directly inhibiting tumor cell metabolism. Second, garlic prevents the initiation and reproduction of cancer cells. Lastly, garlic boosts a person's immune system to efficiently fight cancer cells.

Different studies show that garlic was found to have glutathione-S-transferase, an enzyme that helps the liver detoxify carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals. Other studies revealed that a large consumption of garlic decreases the incidence of stomach cancer.

Garlic is said to have the ability to be a natural antibiotic. The ability of garlic to promote phagocytosis, which is also the role of white blood cells in fighting infections. Garlic also has the ability to combat Candida infections.

Furthermore, a research also tends to reveal that garlic may help increase insulin secretion. Although a study was done on animals, findings showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels after an intake of high doses of garlic.

This herb has always been very useful to man. Even during the ancient times, it was known not only for its culinary properties. The ancient Egyptians already knew then that garlic could ward off illnesses and could help in strengthening the human body. Therefore it is believed that hard-working slaves received a ration of garlic to keep them strong and healthy, while building the famous pyramids of Egypt.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the "father of medicine" also prescribed garlic for many illnesses. They used it to treat wounds, cure leprosy, fight infection and ease digestive disorders. Greek athletes and soldiers ate garlic to enhance their strength. Roman soldiers ate garlic for inspiration and courage.
Garlic played a different role for some other people who had superstitious beliefs. Greek midwives hung garlic cloves in birthing rooms to repel evil spirits. Others believed that it would protect them against sorcerers, vampires and other mysterious entities.

The website http://www.indio.net/taino/main/remedio/garlic.htm shares different ways of using garlic in cases of illnesses. The site shares that it is more efficient if garlic is eaten raw, because once heated it loses its usefulness. Check with your physician first before you follow their suggestions.

Garlic appears to really be a very versatile herb. But there is no question, the best way to enjoy it is through different dishes and culinary concoctions that people create with it. If you are from California or are trying to visit, make sure to drop by the city of Gilroy in July. The city holds the annual Garlic Festival where you can see a diverse creations like the garlic fries and, believe it or not, their famous garlic ice cream. Even in its relationship with food, no one could ever question garlic's versatile role.