Garlic's healing powers are many - in fact, it has over 100 distinct therapeutic sulfur compounds including allin and allicin, which is responsible for garlic's odor and health benefits.

Garlic's health benefits include:

• Promoting a healthy heart
  Garlic can lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL ("good") cholesterol. It can also maintain the flexibility of blood vessels, particularly the aorta which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
  
  Garlic can also discourage the formation of blood clots, thus preventing artherosclerosis and heart disease.
  
  
• Boost the immune system and protect against infections
  The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of garlic, known since the medieval times, can help the body fight cold, flu, sore throat, and other infections.
  
  Scientists discovered that allicin, one of the main active ingredients in garlic, can block the ability of bacteria and viruses to damage cells.
  
  
• Prevent yeast infection
  Garlic extract can neutralize the yeast Candida albicans, the microorganism responsible for yeast infection. Studies have suggested that garlic can reduce the itching, inflammation, and discharge associated with yeast infections.
  
  

Select Scientific References

• Mindell E. Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century. 1985 Warner Books.
• Murray M. The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines. 2002 Bantam Books.
• Tattelman E. Health effects of garlic. Am Fam Physician 2005; 72(1):103-6.
• Khanum F, et al. Anticarcinogenic properties of garlic: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2004; 44(6):479-88.