Should i take garlic supplements

High triglyceride levels are another known risk factor for heart disease, but garlic seems to have no significant effects on triglyceride levels 13 , Summary Garlic supplements seem to reduce total and LDL cholesterol, particularly in those who have high cholesterol. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides do not seem to be affected.

High doses of garlic supplements have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes in humans, as well as significantly reduce oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure 7 , 9 , Summary Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging. But given the beneficial effects on important risk factors like blood pressure, it makes sense that garlic could help you live longer.

The fact that it can fight infectious disease is also an important factor, because these are common causes of death, especially in the elderly or people with dysfunctional immune systems. Summary Garlic has known beneficial effects on common causes of chronic disease, so it makes sense that it could also help you live longer. It was traditionally used in ancient cultures to reduce fatigue and enhance the work capacity of laborers.

Most notably, it was given to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece 1. Rodent studies have shown that garlic helps with exercise performance, but very few human studies have been done. However, a study on nine competitive cyclists found no performance benefits Other studies suggest that exercise-induced fatigue may be reduced with garlic 2. Summary Garlic may improve physical performance in lab animals and people with heart disease.

Benefits in healthy people are not yet conclusive. At high doses, the sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity. It also reduced many clinical signs of toxicity, including headaches and blood pressure Summary Garlic was shown to significantly reduce lead toxicity and related symptoms in one study.

However, rodent studies have shown that it can minimize bone loss by increasing estrogen in females 26 , 27 , 28 , One study in menopausal women found that a daily dose of dry garlic extract equal to 2 grams of raw garlic significantly decreased a marker of estrogen deficiency Foods like garlic and onions may also have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis Summary Garlic appears to have some benefits for bone health by increasing estrogen levels in females, but more human studies are needed.

It complements most savory dishes, particularly soups and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can also add a punch to otherwise bland recipes.

Garlic comes in several forms, from whole cloves and smooth pastes to powders and supplements like garlic extract and garlic oil. However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to garlic, such as bad breath. There are also some people who are allergic to it. Not just for cooking, garlic has all sorts of uses and benefits. Keep reading to find out more! Originally, garlic was used as a performance-enhancer and even given to the first Olympians in Greece, presumably to give them a boost.

Garlic is available as capsules. Some have been deodorised or have a coating to prevent giving your breath that tell-tale garlic odour. A Iranian study found that compounds in garlic, including allicin, can help prevent fatty deposits in arteries by: 6. However, other scientists have reported that the cholesterol reduction in the blood may not be significant. Few scientific studies have looked into the effects of garlic on the common cold, but a study in Advances in Therapy reported that people taking garlic supplements were less likely to catch a cold, and also recovered faster if infected.

A Cochrane review of studies reached the same conclusion, but said more studies were needed to confirm the results. Black garlic is simply an aged version of our favourite superfood, which may contain even more of the good stuff regular garlic does. This process gives their cloves their dark, black colour and also makes them taste sweet and tangy — kind of like balsamic vinegar. The cloves also have a texture-change and feel jelly-like and chewy. Asian countries like Japan, Thailand and South Korea have been using it for centuries — with each country having their own take on the fermentation process.

Most fermentation takes place in a warm, humidity-controlled environment where garlic is left for several weeks. We all know a garlic lover or two in our lives — you know, the ones who double the necessary cloves for every recipe! Each little clove is packed with nutritious goodies like oligosaccharides, flavonoids , amino acids, and allicin — a sulphur compound that both gives fresh garlic its distinct smell and has been well researched for its health benefits.

The fermentation process of black garlic actually reduces the allicin content — which is why it's not so smelly. To compensate, the process also creates a high concentration of an antioxidant called S-Allycysteine SAC , which makes the remaining allicin more bioavailable. In addition to this, the reduced allicin is converted into other antioxidants like bioflavonoids and alkaloids, which help to reduce the damage oxidative stress poses to our cells.

Now you know all about black garlic and how it differs to the fresh garlic we know and love, let's get into the benefits it can have for your health. There is evidence from a large number of studies that both black and fresh garlic can have the following health benefits:. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:.

Ask a doctor before using garlic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The use of garlic as a flavoring agent in foods is considered safe during pregnancy. Garlic taken by mouth in large doses may be harmful to children. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Although not all side effects are known, garlic is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

This includes angelica dong quai , capsicum, clove, danshen, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, turmeric, and willow. Use Garlic Garlic Oil exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor.

If you choose to use garlic, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms cloves, tablets, oil, etc of garlic at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric coated pill.

Swallow it whole.