Garlic: The Mystical Food in Health Promotion

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties. He has had this interest in recent years, it has accelerated several publications that reveal that it can also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.1–5 The ability of garlic and related ingredients to serve as antioxidants,6 affect immuno competence,7 and possibly even mental function8 testify to its health the consequences can be extremely widespread. Garlic, a member of the Alliaceae family, is one of the more economically important cultivated crops spice. A large amount of garlic is produced annually in China and India. 5.65 million in 2002 cwt. of garlic was harvested from 32,800 acres in the U.S.9 About 80% of this amount is produced in California. Although significant consumption occurs as fresh garlic, it is also found as dehydration, flakes, and salts in various food preparations. There are also dozens of garlic supplements commercially available as essential oils, garlic-oil macerate, garlic powder, or garlic extract. Garlicit continues to be one of the best-selling herbs in the US.