Garlic
Description
Garlic a species in the onion genus, Allium. Cloves from the bulb are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Botanical Name
Allium sativum (Cultivated Garlic)
Allium ursinum (Wild Bear''s Garlic, also known as Bear’s Garlic)
Both species of Garlic belong to the Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) family.
Topic Contents
Garlic may Enhance the Function of these Substances
Amino Acids
Garlic may increase the body’s levels of Glutathione and may reduce levels of oxidized Glutathione.
Enzymes
Garlic may increase the activity of Glutathione Peroxidase. [1]
Garlic may increase Glutathione Reductase levels. [2]
Garlic may increase the activity of Glutathione-S-Transferase. [3]
Garlic may activate Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS). [4]
Garlic may increase the activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). [5]
Hormones
Garlic may inrease plasma Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels (due to the Diallyl Disulfide content of Garlic). [6]
Garlic may inrease Testosterone levels (due to the Diallyl Disulfide content of Garlic increasing Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels. [7]
Immune System Chemicals (Cytokines)
Garlic may increase the production of Interferon Alpha. [8]
Garlic may increase the production of Interleukin 10 (IL-10). [9]
Microorganisms
Garlic may enhance the growth of some forms of Bacteria - Beneficial within the body (due to Fructooligosaccharides) including:
Neurotransmitters
Garlic may inrease plasma Norepinephrine levels. [10]
Garlic may increase the production of Nitric Oxide. [11]
Patented Medicines
Garlic may enhance the effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin. [12]
Garlic may Enhance the Function of these Foods
Oils (dietary Oils)
Garlic may counteract the ability of Fish Oils to increase LDL Cholesterol levels:
One clinical study demonstrated that daily consumption of 12 grams of Fish Oils concurrently with 900 mg of Garlic caused a reduction in LDL Cholesterol levels of 9.5% - as opposed to a 8.5% increase in LDL Cholesterol when Fish Oils were consumed alone, without Garlic.
Fish Oils possess numerous health benefits and only one known negative effect (that of increasing LDL Cholesterol). By consuming Garlic concurrently with Fish Oils, this only known detrimental effect of Fish Oils can be avoided while still deriving the health benefits of Fish Oils.
Garlic may Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances
Amines
Garlic may inhibit the conversion of dietary Nitrates and Nitrites into (carcinogenic) Nitrosamines and may inhibit the ability of Nitrosamines to damage the Liver: [13]
Garlic may inhibit the carcinogenic effects of Sodium Nitrite. [14]
You have read 25% of this topic
Keep reading Garlic
- Electromagnetic Radiation
- Environmental Toxins
- Enzymes
- Immune System Chemicals (Cytokines)
- Lipids
- Minerals
- 20 more sections
- Every cited reference behind this topic
- All 5,000+ interlinked topics, search and notes
No credit card needed to start a trial. Already a member? Log in