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Many cultures around the world hold garlic in high regard, both as a food and as a medicine. But does it really have any medical value besides tasting good?

When we look at the scientific data and clinical evidence on garlic, we find it to be quite a remarkable herb. It is known to be an antibiotic against a very large group of organisms, killing numerous bacterial (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative) fungi (stronger than nystatin for candida), viruses (including influenza B and herpes simplex 1), worms, and larvae.

With such effectiveness, we can easily say that garlic is one of the most beneficial broad spectrum antibiotics that aids the body in keeping a healthy balance of good organisms.

There have been many studies showing that garlic can help the body prevent cancer, having an anti-mutagenic (cancer-preventing) activity. There is a significant increase in phagocyte activity (increased immune function) after the consumption of garlic. It is also known to increase T-lymphocyte activity, macrophage action, interleukin-1 levels, and natural killer cells action—all signs of increased immune function.

Garlic’s function doesn’t stop there. It has a profound effect on our circulatory system. It can prevent and control atherosclerosis (fatty deposits inside blood vessels), while lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides. It not only lowers total serum cholesterol (sometimes as much as 6-12% in three months), but it also lowers the LDL("bad cholesterol"). Much of the bad cholesterol is manufactured by our bodies and garlic lowers it by suppression of its biosynthesis. By having a more heal-thy ratio between the two cholesterols we can actually dissolve some of the plaque insider our arteries and still have good cholesterol (HDL and LDL) to build sex hormones and other bodily needs.

Garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol in the liver by as much as 30%, due to increasing bile production. Triglycerides have been reduced 17-35% in serum, while lowering the uptake from the diet.

With garlic consumption, blood pressure usually can be found to be lowered over a few months. Platelet aggregation, responsible for strokes, has been significantly reduced in as short a time as one-half to one hour after consumption, with permanent results after only one month. Cardiac arrhythmias have been shown to be significantly reduced with the use of garlic or onions.

Garlic is active in controlling blood sugar, for both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (diabetes). It does this by reducing the body’s requirement for insulin. It is most effective in mild cases, and should not be relied upon to replace insulin in diabetics; however, garlic can often help reduce the amount of insulin needed.

Garlic has also been getting good reports in counteracting respiratory ailments. Not only can it reduce viral and bacterial attacks due to its antibiotic action, but in addition it reduces congestion in bronchitis, asthma, and allergies.

Between one to two grams a day of dried garlic is an effective dose. Many patients prefer an odor-reduced product.

There is no evidence that garlic can keep away werewolves or vampires, but it certainly seems to have a beneficial effect in protecting the body from a wide variety of health problems.