Supports And Maintains The Well-Being Of The Cardiovascular System! • Lowers total cholesterol (but raises the good-type HDL cholesterol) • Produces more "natural killer" cells in the blood that will tackle infections and tumours • Lowers blood pressure • Reduces the risk of blood clots (that are responsible for most heart attacks and strokes) • Destroys infection causing viruses and bacteria • Helps regulate of stomach function • Improves blood circulation What is Garlic? Garlic is a species in the onion family. Its close relatives include the onion, the shallot, and the leek. Garlic has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Garlic has been used in many cultures for thousands of years, dating at least as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were built. Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. What scientific studies give evidence to support Garlic? A study by Silagy and Neil (1994) showed that that garlic supplements have an important part to play in the treatment of high cholesterol. Overall, a 12% reduction in total cholesterol was shown over a placebo and that this reduction was normally evident after only 4 weeks treatment and was considered likely to persist for as long as the study was in progress. The largest study so far was conducted in Germany where 261 patients from 30 general practices were given either garlic powder tablets or a placebo. After a 12 week treatment period, cholesterol levels dropped by 12% in the garlic treated group and triglycerides dropped by 17% compared to the placebo group. Studies (Dr D Sooranna, Ms J Hirani and Dr I Das, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK) reveal that garlic may help to boost the birth-weight of babies destined to be too small. They concluded that taking standardised garlic tablets throughout pregnancy may decrease the chances of these types of complications at birth. Experiments by the research team showed that adding extracts of garlic to cells from the placenta of women likely to suffer from these conditions was able to quickly stimulate growth. Furthermore, the activity of key enzymes that are reduced in the abnormal pregnancies were significantly increased when garlic was added. What does Garlic do?Circulatory Effects: More than 250 publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. It may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibit platelet stickiness (aggregation), and increase fibrinolysis, which results in a slowing of blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial Actions: Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activity. It may work against some intestinal parasites. Garlic appears to have roughly 1% the strength of penicillin against certain types of bacteria. This means it is not a substitute for antibiotics, but it can be considered as a support against some bacterial infections. Candida albicans growth is inhibited by garlic, and garlic has shown long-term benefit for recurrent yeast infections. High Blood Pressure: Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. The pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also slows the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and the formation of gas within the digestive track. An average dosage of two to three capsules a day may help in making a dent in the blood pressure. Digestive System Disorders: Garlic is one of the most beneficial foods for the digestive system. It exercises a beneficial effect on the lymph, aids in elimination of noxious waste matter in the body. It stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. Crushed cloves of garlic may be infused in water or milk and taken for all types of disorders of the digestion. It has an antiseptic effect and is an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach and intestine. Garlic produces very marked effects on the intestine. It is an excellent agent as a worm expeller. It has also a soothing effect on the various forms of diarrhea. Problems such as colitis, dysentery and many other intestinal upsets can be successfully treated with fresh garlic or garlic capsules. One garlic capsule taken three times a day is usually sufficient to correct mild cases of diarrhea or dysentery. For more persistent cases, up to six capsules a day can be taken. Garlic has the ability to destroy harmful bacteria in the intestines without affecting the beneficial organisms which aid digestion. Skin Disorders: Garlic has also been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders Pimples disappear without scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistent form of acne, suffered by some adults, has also been healed with garlic. The external use of garlic helps to clear the skin of spots and pimple, and boils. The process is further helped by taking the garlic orally, to purify the blood-steam so as to secure a long term clearance of the skin. A regular course of three garlic capsules per day should help to clear minor skin infections quickly. Whooping Cough: Garlic is an excellent remedy for whooping cough. It should be given more often if the coughing spells are frequent and violent. Antibiotic Action: Garlic's compounds also have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic may help fight off all sorts of infections, including those of the lung, sinus, bladder, and vagina, as well as colds and flu. Garlic is a practical remedy used both internally and externally to treat fungal and bacterial skin infection.