Yes, that’s true! The key health benefits of garlic are significantly reduced when it is processed to become odorless. Here’s why:
1. Loss of Allicin
• Allicin is the primary active compound in garlic, responsible for many of its health benefits, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and heart-protective effects.
• Allicin is produced when garlic is crushed or chopped, but it is highly unstable and quickly breaks down.
• In odorless garlic supplements, the processing often destroys or diminishes allicin.
2. Reduced Antioxidant Properties
• The antioxidants in garlic that help combat oxidative stress are linked to its pungent compounds.
• Removing the odor means altering or removing these sulfur-based compounds, leading to reduced antioxidant effects.
3. Weakened Cardiovascular Benefits
• Studies show that fresh garlic is more effective at lowering blood pressure and cholesterol compared to processed garlic. The sulfur compounds play a crucial role in improving blood vessel function and circulation.
4. Decreased Immune Boosting Power
• Fresh garlic’s antimicrobial and immune-supportive properties are tied to its sulfur compounds, which are less potent in odorless forms.
Recommendation:
For maximum health benefits, use fresh garlic and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes after chopping or crushing. This resting period maximizes allicin formation before cooking or consuming.
Or choose Organic Garlic Capsules that smell like Garlic because they haven’t removed the good stuff! Garlic Capsules should smell like, well, Garlic!
Despite its odour, Garlic is a widely used herb and culinary ingredient, known for its strong flavor and numerous health benefits. It belongs to the Allium family, which also includes onions, shallots, and leeks. Here’s a quick overview:
Characteristics:
• Scientific name: Allium sativum
• Flavor: Pungent, spicy when raw; milder and sweeter when cooked.
• Forms: Fresh cloves, minced, powdered, roasted, or as oil.
Health Benefits:
• Heart health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Immune support: Contains compounds like allicin that boost immunity.
• Antioxidant properties: Helps reduce oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory: Can reduce inflammation in the body.
Uses:
• Cooking: Essential in many cuisines (e.g., Italian, Chinese, Indian).
• Medicinal: Often used in traditional remedies for colds, infections, and digestion.
So, when possible, yes, eat Garlic! When it’s not, or You want to get the benefits in a capsule, choose capsules that smell like Garlic!
Organic Garlic Capsules
With Everything They Should Have and Nothing They Shouldn’t!
Many other supplement brands use binders, fillers, sugar, preservatives and additives that just don’t need to be in a supplement. Herbal Roots take pride in the fact that all their supplements are 100% pure with none of the unnecessary added ingredients.
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