Garlic Cures for Cancer

Garlic's immune-boosting properties may hold a key component in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that both the vegetable and its supplements are being examined to determine if some of its components prevent or reduce cancer's effects on the body.

Garlic's Properties

• The American Cancer Society explains that certain properties in garlic, specifically allyl sulfur, may fight cancer. Allyl sulfur attacks the cancer cells, allowing the cells to die naturally. Additionally, scientists believe that garlic's compounds block stomach cancer agent Helicobacter pylori.

  The American Cancer Society says that scientists continue to examine garlic's impact on fighting cancer. They've discovered that garlic boosts immunity, fights disease, treats bacterial, yeast and fungal infections, and alleviates stomach and abdominal ailments.

Research Findings

• Some studies of garlic's effects on cancer have yielded promising results. Dr. Lenore Arab from the University of North Carolina analyzed a variety of reports on garlic eaters. Subjects ate an average of six raw or cooked cloves per week. Dr. Arab and colleagues found evidence that the garlic eaters who had the highest consumption of raw or cooked garlic reduced their risk of getting colorectal cancer by 10 to 50 percent.

  Scientists at the Nanjing Center Institute in China conducted a study examining the cancer-fighting effects on people who ate allium-based vegetables (a family of sulfur-based vegetables such as garlic, onions and scallions) more than once a week. They found that garlic reduced the risk of esophageal cancer by 70 percent and stomach cancer by 60 percent.

How Much to Eat

• The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume a certain amount of garlic to exploit its cancer-fighting properties. It recommends different amounts depending upon its compound. Adults should consume about one clove of fresh garlic, 0.4 to 1.2g of dried garlic powder, 2 to 5mg of garlic oil, and 300 to 1,000mg of garlic extract every day.

  Eating too much garlic can be detrimental. Overconsumption causes stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea and nausea.