GARLIC
Benefits: (Allium sativum)- allicin appears to be the important precursor molecule in garlic.
Garlic has been shown to reduce cold symptoms, blood pressure and triglycerides.
Cold symptoms – garlic containing 180 mg of allicin taken daily over 3 months was associated with significantly fewer cold symptoms.
Blood pressure – Aged garlic (480 mg/day) after three months reduced systolic BP by almost 12 mm Hg.
Triglycerides – studies have shown up to 22% reduction in triglycerides.
Quality: all of the products listed below have been tested by independent labs for heavy metal contamination and accurate content.
How much should you take? Clinical trials showing garlic benefit have typically used products containing 3500-5000 mcg of allicin daily. One clove of fresh garlic contains approximately 4000 mcg.
Safety: garlic is generally well tolerated. GI side effects such as nausea/vomiting have been reported with higher doses. For people on potent blood thinners such as Eliquis, Xarelto or warfarin should limit garlic intake to no more than one clove/day (approx. 4000 mcg of allicin)