Garlic-Oil Benefits

Garlic and its derivatives are famous for their health benefits. You can find garlic products in pharmacies everywhere. Garlic is also a staple of many international food dishes. What is the big deal about garlic?

History

• For several centuries, garlic has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of medical issues such as respiratory infections, intestinal issues, skin diseases and worms. During major conflicts, garlic has been used for the treatment of wounds and to fight infection by direct application. Garlic has been reported to have cholesterol-reducing and immune-system-boosting properties in addition to providing protection against heart disease.

Garlic Oil

• One of the variations of garlic is garlic oil. Garlic oil has been produced for the last 80 years. It is manufactured by marinating chopped and crushed garlic in vegetable oil for at least 24 hours. The leftover pieces of garlic are then removed from the remaining liquid. The other method of making garlic oil is by subjecting crushed or chopped garlic to steam distillation and taking out the natural oil (www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com/pill.htm). Taking garlic-oil capsules will help you avoid the infamous "garlic breath," which is an added benefit.

Natural Benefits

• Both variants of oil have their own specific natural benefits. Garlic oil that is derived from the steam-distillation method contains DADS and DATs (antioxidant sulphides). The sulphides in this oil have some antibiotic properties, fight cancer and strengthen the immune system. These sulphides are distributed throughout the body by the lymphatic system.

  Garlic oil derived from the marination method does not contain as many DADS and DATs as steam-distilled oil, but does have high amounts of antibiotic properties as well as a strong ability to ward off the formation of blood clots. This is due to the chemical compound ajoene, which is commercially obtained only through garlic oil made by marination. This type of oil also has circulatory-system benefits in addition to helping the heart.

Studies

• Garlic oil has the ability to lower cholesterol, and helps prevent the development of tumors due to allyl sulfur. It is especially effective against the development of prostate and stomach cancers. The Iowa Women's Health Study monitored 41,000 women and their garlic consumption. Women who took garlic consistently were found to have a 35-percent lower chance of getting colon cancer (www.earthturns.com/Natural-Garlic-Oils/57.htm).

Caveats

• To avoid negative side effects do not consume garlic oil in combination with blood-thinning medicines (e.g., aspirin), as garlic is a natural blood thinner. Do not take garlic oil before surgery. People with blood disorders should stay away from garlic oil. If you consume too much garlic supplement you may end up smelling like garlic, so take in moderation. Always talk to a doctor when considering taking supplements.