Garlic Proven Through Modern Science

Saturday, April 2nd 2005

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Research Review

A clove of Garlic a day may keep the doctor away but it may also keep your friends away.

Garlic is almost unanimously accepted internationally for its beneficial properties. Even the general media has acknowledged the proven antifungal, antibacterial, anti-cholesterol and immune supporting effects of garlic as well as possibly being the key to a healthy heart. It has now been shown to act as a very useful blood thinning agent. Many people use it effectively pre-winter to help prevent colds, bronchitis and other infections. Scientific studies have proven Garlic's effectiveness for cholesterol reduction, reducing mild hypertension (high blood pressure) and as an antimicrobial.

Garlic without the odour

The compound allicin is acknowledged world-wide by international researchers, as the key to garlic's advantageous properties.

The major drawback has always been Garlic's odour. Ironically, allicin, one of the compounds that make garlic so beneficial is also responsible for its characteristic aroma.

Successfully deodorizing garlic is a very tricky business. Most deodorizing processes break down the essential allicin compound, which removes the odour but also destroys much of the beneficial activity that is found in fresh garlic. So although "deodorized" garlic may not smell, it may not provide many health benefits either.

The enteric coating on Garlicin protects the allicin through the stomach so the tablet dissolves in the intestines. This prevents the "bounce-back" of odour from the stomach that some other garlic products may create.

Garlicin Correctly verifies allicin release

The enteric coating must dissolve in 45 minutes in the intestines to release the allicin and all the benefits of Garlic as simulated in accordance with USP Method 724A of the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Allicin: Garlic's key active

Dr Donald Brown, a prominent American naturopathic physician, states. "Allicin and its fellow sulphur compounds fuel many of garlic's actions in the body?Research suggests that the best garlic supplements closely approximate the eating of raw garlic. Carefully prepared garlic powder will yield allicin almost as efficiently as raw garlic. Aged garlic products don't make the grade, since they yield no allicin and only about 10 percent of the other sulphur compounds present in garlic?"

Which Garlicin Do I Use?

Garlicin Regular

Is the economical once-a-day enteric coated tablet for every day, all year round use to help prevent colds, flu and infections and improve cardiovascular health. Two tablets a day provide the amount of allicin indicated in clinical trials to help reduce cholesterol.

Garlicin HC (Healthy Circulation)

This is the very popular no odour formula containing Garlic (as Garlicin), Hawthorn, Cayenne (Capsicum), Vitamin E and Rutin. This formula is designed to help enhance circulation and improve cardiovascular health. Other symptoms that may benefit include angina, aching legs from poor circulation, normalizing of blood pressure and prevention of thrombosis. It will not cause stomach discomfort as do some other similar advertised capsules.

Garlicin CF (Colds and Flu)

This formula is especially important when a cold or the flue strikes and contains Garlic (as Garlicin), Echinacea, Zinc and Vitamin C.

Note: There are no known contraindications to the use of garlic during pregnancy and lactation. If you are taking antacids or drugs that reduce stomach acidity, any tablets with enteric coatings may dissolve in the stomach instead of the intestines. In the case of Garlicin this may create odour on the breath.

Reproduced unabridged from the April - June 2005 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for Cardiovascular Health & Immune Support :

Astra Forte
Cayenne Hawthorn with Vitamin E
Co-Q Max
Efamarine
Garlicin - Cholesterol Control
Garlicin CF - Colds & Flu
Garlicin HC
Heartcare
Heartnurse
Triplex Immune Booster

Related health information can be found here:

Angina
Arteriosclerosis
Blood Pressure (High)
Blood Pressure (Low)
Circulatory Problems
Cholesterol

Related articles can be found here:

Ancient herb for good health

Year round healthy circulation with Garlicin HC

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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