Healing properties

Skorda Delichristos | Production - Processing - Standardization Garlic Platykampos Larissa

---

The healing properties of garlic are known since antiquity. The ancient Greeks chewed garlic athletes at the Olympics because it was believed that it protected them and that would improve their yields.

 

Today, scientific research is gradually discovering the multiple beneficial to humans properties of garlic. For many years the garlic is used as a means of treating various diseases, and has recently found to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and neoplastic, and have potent antimicrobial activity. The sulfur compounds and in particular substance allisini, appears to be the active ingredients of garlic. Available data apolyptoun that garlic is used for about 5000 years, and for 3000 years in China is used in medicine. Historically, garlic has been used worldwide to address a variety of diseases, including hypertension, infections and bites from poisonous snakes.

 

Several randomized clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of garlic lowering blood lipid. Results from two analyzes performed in 1993 and 1994, on the effect of garlic on overall blood cholesterol showed a significant reduction in the level of total cholesterol (12.9%) compared with placebo control. However, additional tests conducted later and was better designed, they showed conflicting results. Analysis was performed in 2000 and reviewed these trials resulted in the fact that garlic reduces cholesterol levels, in more than the placebo - the preparations but the overall effect is moderate (4-6%).

 

A recent analysis tests used garlic powder standardized form, showed significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, in 8 to 12 weeks.

 

The discrepancy in the percentage of reduction may be due to differences between studies. A European trial comparing garlic with drug trade, to reduce the level of lipoproteins in the blood, found to be as effective.

Skorda Delichristos | Production - Processing - Standardization Garlic