Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

We all know garlic is tasty, but it also boasts several health benefits. The ancient Greek Olympians may have been mistaken in their belief that it enhanced performance, but researchers have linked garlic to improved health in non-Olympians like us.

Garlic is a rich vehicle for getting those valuable antioxidants. As noted previously, antioxidants are said to help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, cataracts and asthma, and may enhance immune function. One expert says that garlic “probably helps to stave off cancer and boost heart health,” in addition to boosting your defenses against common illnesses. And the Mayo Clinic suggests that garlic may reduce cholesterol.

But how? Researchers seemed to crack the code to some of the heart benefits last year. They found the key component in garlic is allicin, which breaks down into the smelly sulphur compounds that make your breath stink after consuming garlic. The compounds react with red blood cells to produce hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphide relaxes blood vessels significantly so that blood flows easily. Blood can then carry more oxygen to organs, and pressure on the heart drops.

Additional research indicates that fresh garlic is superior to preserved garlic because the allicin holds up better. So pick up some fresh garlic this weekend, and check out these suggestions for incorporating garlic in your diet.