Garlic has been used for its healthy properties for thousands of years. The ancient Romans gave it to soldiers that needed to maintain their strength while on campaign. The ancient Indians wrote extensively about the use of garlic to cure ailments. Early botanical scientists grew and examined garlic in physic gardens. Garlic is known for its antioxidant, cardiovascular health, and digestive properties. If you were wondering why garlic is so potent, you have come to the right place. In this article, we run through some of the chemical compounds found in garlic and the effects that these compounds can have on the body.
Allicin
Allicin is a sulfur-containing compound that is found in garlic. It is formed when the enzyme alliinase reacts with alliin, another sulfur-containing compound found in garlic. Allicin is responsible for the characteristic odor and flavor of garlic and is also the primary active compound responsible for its various health benefits.
Allicin has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it effective in fighting infections. It also has antioxidant properties that help to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, allicin has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent the formation of blood clots. It has anti-cancer properties that can help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a type of plant compound that is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. They are responsible for the pigmentation of flowers, fruits, and leaves and have various biological functions in plants – including garlic. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are believed to play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. They are found in large quantities in garlic. Some urban legends have suggested that crushing garlic eliminates healthy compounds, but this is not entirely true. Whether you have raw garlic, bulk garlic powder or chopped garlic, you’ll still get the benefits of the healthy compounds contained within.
Ajoene
Garlic contains significant amounts of the sulfuric compound ajoene. While this compound is not as present as allicin, it is equally significant in terms of the health benefits that it can offer human beings that regularly consume garlic.
Ajoene has anti-thrombotic properties, which means that it can help to prevent blood clots from forming. This is because it inhibits the activity of platelets, which are small cells in the blood that clump together to form clots. Ajoene has also been shown to have antifungal properties, making it effective in treating various fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and candidiasis.
Additionally, ajoene has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, similar to other sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic. It can help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including stomach, colon, and prostate cancer.
