Blessed in kitchens the world over, garlic is revered for more than just its culinary prowess. The key to these benefits is allicin, an essential ingredient in garlic. However, what is allicin and how does it benefit our health in general?Let’s explore the significant Benefits of Allicin in promoting health.
What is Allicin? Understanding the Compound in Garlic
Allicin is another sulfur compound in garlic and to give them their due, cancer cells will never be able to develop a resistance mutation against saponins. Alliin is rapidly converted by the enzyme alliinase into allicin, which acts as a deterrent to insects and fungi. Discovered by Chester Cavallito in 1944, allicin has great healthing potential benefits and is used as an antioxidant, antibiotic, antimicrobial. It was believed to be wtih various health property like antiseptic anti-carcancer etc.
While highly effective, pure allicin is extremely unstable and breaks down rapidly so it does not lend itself to easy commercialization. Usually the most powerful is fresh garlic and sometimes it can penetrate further into your body compared to supplements, particularly tablets that have enteric coating. Nearly all of the odor associated with fresh garlic is due to allicin, but this compound quickly converts into other sulfur compounds.
Benefits Of Allicin: Health Benefits Explored
Studies have shown that allicin has several beneficial actions that can positively affect human health. For example, allicin has demonstrated beneficial effects on the heart due to its antiplatelet, hypolipidemic, and circulatory properties. The study also found that the compound has anticancer, chemopreventive, and antimicrobial properties, highlighting the diverse benefits of allicin.
Aged garlic has also shown additional benefits, including properties that support brain and liver health. However, allicin itself may be limit due to its volatility and bioavailability.
While research on the health effects of allicin remains limited, promising findings have emerged in several areas, including heart health, cancer prevention, bone health, immune support, and skin benefits. These diverse benefits of allicin demonstrate its potential as a powerful compound for overall well-being.
Allicin’s Potential to Reduce Cholesterol Levels
According to research, allicin may have beneficial effects on the heart due to its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Both high cholesterol and blood pressure are known factors that increase the risk of heart disease.
Several studies have indicated that allicin can effectively lower cholesterol levels in humans.
One of the initial studies, published in 2001, investigated the effects of garlic powder supplements on 46 participants with high cholesterol. These participants, who followed a low-fat diet, received either a garlic powder tablet containing 9.6 mg of allicin or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The results were promising. By the end of the study period, the group that took the allicin supplement showed significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to those who took the placebo. Notably, HDL (the “good” type) cholesterol levels were unaffected.
A meta-analysis published in 2013 reinforced these findings, indicating that compounds found in garlic helped reduce both total and LDL cholesterol levels when taken as a supplement for two months or longer. Moreover, the authors noted a 38% reduction in coronary events among individuals taking garlic supplements at age 50, underscoring the heart health benefits of allicin.
These studies highlight allicin’s potential role in cholesterol management and its positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Potential of Allicin in Lowering Blood Pressure
In addition to its effect on cholesterol levels, allicin and other compounds found in garlic may help control blood pressure levels.
A study published in 2013 involved 210 patients who were given garlic tablets, a beta-blocker, or a placebo. The researchers found that the group that took the garlic supplement had significantly lower blood pressure levels than both the beta-blocker and placebo groups. This highlights allicin’s potential benefits for heart health, particularly in managing blood pressure effectively.
Allicin’s Role in Preventing Atherosclerosis
There is evidence suggesting that allicin may help prevent atherosclerosis, a common heart disease characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque, composed of substances like cholesterol, fat, and calcium, hardens and narrows the arteries over time, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
A study published in 2017 investigated the effects of allicin on 62 patients with coronary heart disease. These patients were divided into two groups and treated with either allicin or aspirin. After 12 weeks, researchers observed that patients treated with allicin experienced decreased Hcy levels, which may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
The findings suggest that allicin may be an effective treatment for preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, underscoring its beneficial role in heart health.
Protect Against Cancer
Eating garlic has been suggest to treat several conditions. Some claim it can reduce the risk of cancer, but studies are sparse.
Several laboratory studies have shown that allicin can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, but the compound’s effect on human cancer remains unknown. The main limitations of allicin are its instability and its poor bioavailability. It appears to be most effective only when allicin comes into direct contact with cancer cells.
Allicin Benefits: Reducing Muscle Soreness
There is evidence suggesting that allicin may help treat muscle injuries and relieve aches and pains.
A study published in 2008 examined the potential of allicin in treating muscle injuries caused by exercise. Athletes received either an allicin supplement or a placebo 14 days before a treadmill workout. Researchers observed that athletes who took the allicin supplement reported less muscle soreness post-exercise compared to those who took the placebo.
While the study focused on athletes, the findings suggest that allicin may effectively reduce muscle aches and pains in broader applications.
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Allicin and the garlic it originates from exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties. Several laboratory studies have demonstrated that allicin has antibacterial and antifungal activity against a variety of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, allicin can be effective against common yeast infections like candida.
MIGHT PREVENT COLDS AND BOOST IMMUNE FUNCTION
Allicin can help strengthen the immune system and protect against common conditions like colds and flu.
A large study published in 2001 looked at the effects of garlic supplements on 146 volunteers. Participants were divide into two groups and received either a daily garlic supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that the group given the supplements had a 63% reduction in colds compared to the control group. Garlic supplements also significantly reduced the length of illness from 5 days to just 1.5 days.
Another study later confirmed these findings. Researchers found that consuming high doses of aged garlic significantly reduced the incidence of colds and flu.
Note that this study specifically involved taking large doses of garlic supplements rather than allicin. Also, not all studies have found garlic supplements effective in preventing colds, indicating the need for more research.
HOW TO USE ALLICIN
More garlic is one way to get more allicin into your system. A clove of garlic typically contains between 5 and 18 mg of this compound. Fresh garlic has shown to offer more benefits than supplements when consumed. While allicin is also available in supplement form, typically labeled as allicin or garlic extract, fresh garlic offers a broader range of health benefits.
SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS
Ethanol and heat methods clearly indicated conversion of alliin to allicin but effects from the creation of a little amount in vivo has not been well document, because or rather with respect to it varying greatly among users. People who have taken this supplement has reported side effect similar to stomach cramps, nausea and gas. High doses of allicin might increase the risk of bleeding, so people taking blood-thinning medications or preparing for surgery should avoid it. Diabetics and people on blood pressure medications should also check with their doctor first, as allicin may bring down sugar levels or cause a steep drop in BP. There is also not enough information regarding the safety of using allicin supplements to come with pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Read more: 12 Proven Health Benefits Of Ginger
FINAL THOUGHTS
This antioxidant compound, which gives garlic its flavor is also responsible for many of the vegetable’s health benefits; like reducing cholesterol and blood pressure as well as helping a suppressed immunity while healing from bacterial, fungal or microorganism based threats. Studies also point to potential anti-cancer properties of allicin. You can get allicin from garlic cloves or take supplements, but do not begin taking anything without consulting your doctor as high dosages might interact with other medications you are currently using and may influence some health conditions (doses up to 1500 mg/day).
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