Related article: Garlic Smelly herbs such as garlic are high in the antioxidant minerals sulphur (S) and/or its cousin selenium (Se) -- giving rise to the odor. The stronger the odor, the higher the concentrations. (Cf. sulphur and selenium.) There have been concerted efforts to enhance the uptake of selenium in garlic crops. Garlic's other active ingredient is allicin. However, it is likely that most of garlic's many health benefits derive from its S/Se minerals.[Dr Jeff] Garlic may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, prevent hardening of the arteries, boost immune system, and fend off heart disease and cancer. Garlic has impressive antiviral and antibacterial abilities (in the lab). [LA Times] The sulfur compounds in garlic and onions, called allyl sulfides, are thought to help detoxify some carcinogenic compounds. They have been shown Himalaya Speman Price to trigger enzymes that may act to excrete carcinogens from the body. Food sources include onions, garlic, chives and scallions (green onions). [LifeScript] Arthritis-fighting Allium: A study showed eating lots of allium herbs correlated with less arthritis in the hip. And in a separate lab analysis, researchers also found that diallyl disulphide -- a substance found in the allium family -- appeared to help inhibit enzymes that can cause damage to joint-protective cartilage. Garlic and onions are probably the widest known allium produce. But there are also leeks, shallots, scallions, and chives. [RealAge] A form of high blood pressure than can cripple the function of the arteries that supply blood to the lungs, pulmonary hypertension, has been the subject of intense medical investigation for some years. Now, researchers are able to report a breakthrough in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension from a most common source: garlic. A study out of the University of Alabama finds that allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, can help relax and prevent damage to constricted blood vessels. Though researchers also tested the effects of allicin-rich garlic on other forms of hypertension, they found few significant benefits, noting that the blood vessels of the lungs appear to be especially responsive to allicin's benefits. Researchers hope that future studies will help uncover why garlic benefits some high blood pressures and not others. [LifeScript] Over 1,000 published studies have investigated the properties of garlic. And today in the U.S., garlic ranks among the top five best selling herbs. A component in garlic called allicin is thought to be responsible for many of the reported health benefits. Allicin is created in raw garlic when it is crushed or chewed. In fact, it's estimated that a single clove of fresh garlic makes about 4,000 to 12,000 micrograms of allicin. Freshness counts so make sure you use fresh garlic and supplements made with optimum ingredients. Experts have recommended eating one clove of garlic a day for various health benefits. Garlic, which is a cousin to chives, leeks, onions and shallots, has shown promise in heart disease management. Although drugs give larger reductions in blood cholesterol levels, garlic has shown a 4% to 6% cholesterol reduction in some studies. The research results on garlic vary depending on the types of garlic studied, such as raw garlic, powdered garlic, aged garlic extract and garlic oil. [LifeScript] A compound in garlic called ajoene has been shown to slow down blood clotting, which protects against heart attack and stroke. However, it's not known how much garlic is needed to reduce cancer risk. The research has shown that those who ate the most garlic had only two-thirds the risk of colon cancer and half the risk of stomach cancer of those people Buy Speman who ate little or no garlic. Finally, you need to realize that garlic is a blood thinner so should not be used by anyone 2 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding. [LifeScript] Ginger Ginger has long been known to relieve nausea and improve stomach health, and it is eaten to reduce motion sickness. [Dr Jeff]