### Chemistry & Compounds
The beneficial effects of garlic mostly come from the compounds of organosulfuric nature found in it. The most critical representative of this group is allicin, which is formed from alliin by an enzyme called alliinase when garlic is crushed or chopped. In turn, allicin is unstable, and it is breakdown products, including ajoene, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), and diallyl disulfide, which are responsible for the beneficial effects of garlic on the health of humans and animals. Individual sulfur-containing amino acids, in turn, are relatively stable compounds. For example, alliin and SAC, which are antioxidants, reduce levels of reactive oxygen species in the body. At the same time, various sulfur-containing derivatives affect the relaxation of the smooth muscles of blood vessels, increasing the amount of nitric oxide in them, which reduces blood pressure. The overall contribution of these compounds to health is what makes garlic a beneficial product.
### Health Benefits & Effects
Garlic is famous for its benefits for the cardiovascular system, in particular for reducing blood pressure. However, this spice is also beneficial for the immune system, strengthening its protective functions, such as the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages. Notably, garlic is thought to lower cholesterol levels, normalizing the ”bad” LDL and increasing the ”good” HDL. Thus, this product is useful for the cardiovascular system, normalizing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, garlic has positive effects on metabolic processes and circadian rhythms, being a potent antioxidant and possessing anti-aging properties.
### Practical Use & Preparation
Garlic is so versatile that there are many different ways to use it. First of all, it is necessary to understand that the most beneficial form of garlic is raw garlic, which contains the highest levels of allicin. To obtain the maximum amount of this substance, it is recommended to chop cloves of garlic and leave them at room temperature for 10 minutes. The reason for this is that allicin is formed when alliin interacts with alliinase. However, if a person cannot tolerate raw garlic, it is possible to use aged garlic extract, which contains SAC, a biologically active substance useful for the human body. Garlic can also be used in the form of oil or minced during cooking. It is important to note, however, that cooking destroys most of the allicin, because high temperatures break down this substance. Nevertheless, even when subjected to high temperatures, garlic remains beneficial for health, containing ajoene, which is a useful antioxidant. Garlic can be added to food during cooking, but it should be noted that it is better to add it at the end of the cooking process in order to preserve the beneficial substances contained in it. On average, it is recommended to consume one or two cloves of garlic per day, or take garlic supplements.
### Safety, Interactions & Cautions
Despite the positive effects of garlic on human health, this product is not suitable for everyone. In particular, people taking anti-coagulant drugs should be careful when consuming this product, as garlic can increase the risk of bleeding. This is also a reason for not using garlic supplements before surgery, as coagulability decreases for 7-10 days after the procedure. At the same time, people taking HIV treatments should know that garlic can inactivate HIV protease inhibitors. In addition, people suffering from GERD, IBS, gastritis, or duodenitis should be careful when consuming garlic, so it is important not to abuse it. If a person is taking other drugs and is thinking about adding garlic to their daily diet, it is necessary to consult with a healthcare provider.
### Species & Alternatives
Garlic is not the only member of the allium family, whose representatives include onions, leeks, and chives. These products are somewhat similar in composition to garlic, although the concentration of biologically active substances is lower. Thus, onions are also beneficial for the cardiovascular system, reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and platelet aggregation. However, despite the similarity of the beneficial effects, these products cannot be used as a substitute for garlic, since they lack allicin. In addition, it is possible to use aged garlic extract, which contains SAC, a biologically active substance beneficial for the human body. However, it should be noted that it is not the only useful substance that can be obtained by subjecting garlic cloves to special processing. However, using other allium products may be a good alternative for those who do not like the taste and aroma of garlic.
### History & Traditional Use
Garlic has been used for centuries, not only as a spice but also as traditional medicine. This product was popular in Egypt and Greece thousands of years ago and was used to strengthen health, improve working capacity, and protect against various diseases. However, even though garlic has been known and used for a long time, the mechanism of its beneficial effects was studied only recently. Nevertheless, the long history of garlic is another argument for the high popularity of this product.
### Myths vs. Evidence
Garlic is indeed a beneficial product that strengthens the whole body, particularly the cardiovascular system, and protects against various diseases. However, some myths go far ahead of reality, proclaiming that this product can cure almost all diseases, including cancer. Nevertheless, scientists have managed to find quite convincing evidence of the beneficial effects of garlic on the human body. However, it should be noted that garlic is not a panacea, and myths about it should be separated from reality. Although this product does strengthen the body, it cannot cure diseases such as cancer. However, scientists note that the daily use of garlic can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain pathological conditions. In other words, garlic is indeed beneficial for the body, but it must be used regularly and systematically, which is probably where the truth lies.