Garlic is renowned across the globe for its distinct flavor and smell, often used in soups, stews, and roasted meats. But garlic’s advantages don’t stop there – it has been long regarded as a remarkable anti-inflammatory agent. In this article we will delve into scientific evidence that supports garlic’s reputed healing qualities and evaluate how one may use garlic to manage persistent inflammatory conditions.
What is Chronic Inflammation?
As the immune system activates in response to injury, infection, or other dangerous stimuli, inflammation occurs. This intricate process calls upon various molecules such as cytokines and chemokines to aid with white blood cell recruitment at the site of inflammation – ultimately eliminating whatever is causing it.
Unfortunately, when chronic inflammation occurs, it can eventually cause a wide array of health issues. In contrast to acute inflammation that lasts for a short period of time, chronic inflammation is caused by the extensive and ongoing release of pro-inflammatory molecules from the immune response. Studies have revealed how this condition has been linked to several persisting diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
The Link Between Garlic and Inflammation
Throughout history, garlic has long been extolled for its medicinal properties – particularly in treating respiratory and digestive issues. Recent studies have further highlighted garlic’s anti-inflammatory benefits as well, due largely to allicin – a sulfur-based compound that lends it its characteristic aroma. Thus, this rustic root provides more than just flavor; it also possesses the power to heal!
Scientific research has demonstrated that allicin, a compound found in garlic, can reduce the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions. Garlic also lessens iNOS levels – an enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide – one of the molecules involved with inflammation.
Aged Garlic Extract for Managing Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Aged garlic extract (AGE) has earned its noteworthy reputation as a supplement that contains several compounds from garlic. Research indicates that AGE may reduce inflammation, particularly in individuals enduring chronic inflammatory diseases.
Results from the Journal of Nutrition revealed that when healthy adults were given AGE supplementation, their levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines lessened and their production of anti-inflammatory cytokines surged. In addition, a separate study in the International Journal of Cardiology demonstrated that people with metabolic syndrome who received AGE supplementation experienced lower levels in inflammatory markers – an array comprising high blood pressure and insulin resistance included among many other factors.
Raw Garlic and its Health Benefits
Numerous health advantages are linked to eating garlic raw, including its anti-inflammatory properties. Raw garlic contains organosulfur compounds that have been demonstrated to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These natural compounds help reduce inflammation in the body which can lead to improved overall wellbeing.
An impressive study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that grated raw garlic contains more organosulfur compounds than chopped or crushed garlic. Furthermore, a research conducted by the International journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that consuming raw garlic may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in healthy grownups.
Garlic Supplements for Managing Inflammatory Diseases
Beyond simple health benefits, garlic supplements have been identified as having anti-inflammatory properties and can act to reduce inflammation. For instance, a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food reported that rats given garlic oil saw reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines when dealing with ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, research from the Journal of Nutrition recorded that those with rheumatoid arthritis experienced diminished inflammatory markers through regular supplementation with garlic extracts.
Garlic Extracts and Cancer Treatment
Recent scientific studies have been conducted to explore the cancer-fighting properties of garlic extracts. Diallyl disulfide, a compound in garlic extracts, has displayed its ability to induce apoptosis – or programmed cell death – within cancer cells. What’s more, S-allyl mercapto cysteine has demonstrated it can impede the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro experiments.
According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, garlic extract was shown to be effective at initiating apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Additionally, another research paper revealed that garlic extract may thwart the growth of colorectal cancer cells when applied in vitro as reported by findings from the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer.
Garlic and Cardiovascular Health
Garlic has long been studied for its potential advantages when it comes to managing cardiovascular disease, a condition which involves the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels. One mechanism responsible for garlic’s excellent heart health benefits is its capacity to fight inflammation.
The American Journal of Hypertension revealed that garlic supplementation could minimize systolic blood pressure in individuals suffering from high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism highlighted how taking garlic supplements raised antioxidant enzyme levels among those with elevated cholesterol levels.
Garlic and Brain Health
Garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties have been studied for its potential to sustain brain health. Inflammation can increase the chance of developing neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, garlic may contribute to reducing the risk of these diseases and improving cognitive functioning over time.
The Journal of Neurochemistry showcased research which revealed garlic extract can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thus leading to improved cognitive function in rats. Subsequently, the Journal of Nutrition and Aging reported that aged garlic extract supplementation could heighten activity of glutathione peroxidase – an antioxidant enzyme with a role in reducing oxidative stress – amongst healthy adults.
The Bottom Line
Garlic has long been celebrated for its medicinal attributes, especially in treating respiratory and digestive illnesses. Research has revealed that garlic contains many compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, such as allicin, sulfur-containing compounds and organosulfur products. Thanks to this amazing array of beneficial components—garlic is a powerful natural remedy!
Through numerous studies, it has been proven that garlic supplementation, including aged garlic extract and supplements, can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in all populations: healthy adults, those with chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer patients. In addition to these findings, this supplement also lowers levels of inflammation markers as well as oxidative stress.
Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that how much and which form of garlic you consume can be an instrumental factor in its health benefits. Studies have demonstrated that raw garlic contains higher levels of organosulfur compounds than cooked or powdered garlic does. Additionally, the potency and components contained within supplements vary greatly from product to product as well.
To sum up, garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties and health advantages are impressive. Nonetheless, we require more research to accurately recognize its mechanisms and how it can be used to treat persistent inflammatory diseases and other medical issues.