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What Makes Garlic So Popular? A Potent Secret

We explore the natural remedies and the extraordinary potential of “Nature’s Healing Magic” found in the unassuming bulb of garlic. From ancient civilizations to modern-day enthusiasts, garlic has been celebrated for its “Amazing Powers” in promoting well-being and supporting various aspects of health. We will unlock the secrets of this aromatic wonder, exploring how harnessing the inherent healing properties of garlic can pave the way to a healthier and more vibrant life. Let’s unravel the mysteries and marvels of this humble yet potent botanical gift from Mother Nature.

Garlic continues to remain incredibly popular for a multitude of reasons, making it a beloved and cherished ingredient worldwide. One of the primary factors contributing to its enduring popularity is its unique and versatile flavor profile. Whether used raw, cooked, or roasted, garlic adds a distinctive aroma and taste that enhances a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet.

Garlic’s Rich History as a Valuable Herbal Remedy Make It Popular

Garlic has a rich history steeped in culinary and medicinal traditions. It has been an integral part of various cuisines for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Its widespread use and mention in traditional medicine further solidify its reputation as a valuable herbal remedy.

“The deeper you look into garlic’s wonderful chemistry; the more you tend to discover what you didn’t know before.” Dr. Eric Block, professor of the State University of New York, at the First World Congress on Garlic

Watch the movie “Medicine Man” with Sean Connery, then you can get a feel for the complexities of finding the “active ingredient”. In this movie, Connery is a physician in the Amazon’ Jungle who feels that he has found the cure for cancer, but cannot quite re-create his initially successful herbal formula. Racing to find the “active ingredient”, the jungle is rapidly being consumed by bulldozers and fire. Finally, he finds that the active ingredient: the feces from spiders after they had eaten out of the sugar bowl.

Why Garlic Remains Popular

This little anecdote will prepare you for the complexities and confusion surrounding the “active ingredients” that are to be credited for garlic’s amazing healing powers. You see, the health care industry is built around our $80 billion per year drug business. In spite of pressure from Congress to lower drug prices and worldwide recessions in the health care arena, international pharmaceutical companies still report 20-30% annual profit margins to their stock holders.

Amazing Healing Powers of Garlic

Drugs are profitable because they are patented and therefore protected from competition by law and therefore can extract major profits from those who need the drugs. Drug companies feel that they have a right to recoup their $150 million investment that is required to jump through the 5 years worth of hoops setup by the Food and Drug Administration for official FDA approval.

Beyond its culinary appeal, garlic boasts an impressive array of health benefits that have been well-documented through scientific research. It contains potent bioactive compounds like allicin, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These health-promoting attributes have earned garlic a reputation as a natural remedy for various ailments, from supporting heart health to boosting the immune system.

Garlic’s accessibility and affordability make it a convenient choice for many households. It is readily available in grocery stores worldwide, and its long shelf life allows it to be easily incorporated into daily cooking.

A Natural Wonder: The Unpatentable Healing Power Unveiled

Garlic cannot be patented because it is a natural product. But if someone can find the active ingredient in garlic, then perhaps a major drug company can create a synthetic analog, or chemical that is similar in structure. Then someone could make a serious fortune off the healing actions of garlic. That is why this quest for the “holy grail” of the active ingredient in garlic. This video shares more about the health benefits of garlic.

A nutrient content chart from the United States Department of Agriculture states identifies the properties of garlic is what’s in 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of edible garlic:

Nutrient Content of Garlic

Water61.3% Carbohydrate30.8 g
Fiber1.5 g Fat0.2 g
Ash1.5 g Potassium259 g
Sodium19 mg Iron1.5 mg
Absorbic Acid15 mg Niacin0.5 mg
Thiamine0.25 mg Riboflavin0.08 mg
Vitamin Atrace   

This nutrient listing is very unremarkable, but it is like a cover-story for Superman–a bland appearance belies the dynamo within. Let’s glean from the world’s best scientists and look behind the scenes at the REAL active ingredients in garlic.

Cancer Nutrition Supplement

The Active Ingredients that Make Garlic So Popular

Protein

Garlic is only a modest 6% protein, the unique sulfur-bearing amino acids in garlic provide a piece of the puzzle in deciphering its potent healing ability. S-allyl cysteine, S-allylmercaptocysteine, S-allyl methyl cysteine, and gamma glutamyl S-allyl cysteine are among the unique amino acids found in garlic. These are primary candidates for potent medicines. One of these agents, S-allyl cysteine, is odorless, stable, and safe and has been demonstrated by itself to reduce cholesterol in the blood, thin out the blood to prevent strokes, prevent cancer in animals, and detoxify the liver.

 Are you eating the right type of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates

Garlic is a collection of starches and sugars. There are 17 identified sugars, including fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) which help to promote the growth of friendly bacteria (like acidophilus) in the gut. FOS is another reason why garlic helps so many people with so many different health problems.

Trace Minerals

The small amount of selenium in garlic could help explain its ability to detoxify the body and protect against the ravages of aging. Also, garlic contains 1 part per billion of germanium, which is not much unless your body is starving for this mysterious trace mineral that seems to help oxygenate the cells.

Trace Minerals

Selenium in garlic could help explain its ability to detoxify the body and protect against the ravages of aging. Also, garlic contains 1 part per billion of germanium, which is not much unless your body is starving for this mysterious trace mineral that seems to help oxygenate the cells.

Nucleosides

Make a whole new you with these substances, they help to build the blueprints, the DNA in the body.  There are six different nucleosides in garlic, including adenosine, which may be another clue to garlic’s value.

Oily Compounds: The Stincky Part

The stinky part!. Among the oily compounds in garlic are diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and small amounts of other volatile and unstable oils.

Green tea also has many active ingredients with unique properties.

Why Garlic Remains Incredibly Popular

The enduring popularity of garlic can be attributed to its remarkable versatility, rich history, and unparalleled health benefits. From ancient civilizations to modern culinary traditions, garlic has been celebrated for its unique flavor and aroma, enhancing a wide array of dishes and cuisines. Its medicinal properties, backed by centuries of traditional use and modern scientific research, have made it a sought-after natural remedy for various health conditions.

As a source of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds, garlic stands as a true botanical treasure, bolstering its reputation as a potent ally in promoting overall well-being. On both the kitchen or the medicine cabinet, garlic’s allure continues to captivate people worldwide, making it an indispensable staple in countless households and an enduring symbol of the harmony between flavor and health in the realm of natural remedies.

Embracing the wonders of garlic is not just a culinary delight; it is a celebration of the remarkable powers that Mother Nature provides, uniting both ancient wisdom and modern appreciation for the incredible benefits of this unassuming bulb.

Dr. Patrick Quillin

Dr. Patrick Quillin, PhD,RD,CNS is an internationally recognized expert in the area of nutrition and health. He has 30 years experience as a clinical nutritionist, of which 10 years were spent as the Vice President for a leading cancer hospital system where he worked with thousands of cancer patients in a hospital setting. He is a Best Selling Author with 18 books which have sold over 2,000,000 copies and also a Keynote Speaker.

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