What Can Garlic Supplements Do For Your Health?

Whether it’s fresh garlic in your cooking or garlic capsules as part of your vitamin plan, this amazing substance is a great addition to most diets…to the point where some dieticians classify this herb as a “superfood.”

Garlic breath, however, isn’t necessarily someone everyone is fond of!  Additionally, fresh garlic can have a taste and scent that is simply too strong for certain people to feature in their daily menu choices.  For those who want the benefits of garlic without the challenge of adding it in their diet, garlic supplements are generally a viable option.  Garlic capsules often contain a concentrated garlic powder, garlic oil or a garlic powder mixture.

There are many health claims regarding the benefits of garlic.  Herbalists credit this bulb plant with everything from having the ability to lower cholesterol to being effective in the treatment of infections like the common cold.  Claims are also routinely made that garlic is a natural remedy for lung congestion and respiratory infections.  In addition, researchers are testing theories to see if garlic cloves can be statistically notable in the treatment of select heart problems, assist in diabetes treatments and/or prove helpful in the fight against certain cancers.

Many experts consider the sulphur compound “allicin” one of the most important factors making garlic a health benefit.  This substance is what causes the “heat” flavor and is released when fresh garlic is crushed.  The challenge with this substance is that allicin is only seemingly easily acquired with fresh and uncooked garlic.  Heat will destroy this precious substance.  Garlic pills are often touted as the answer.   Capsules alleviate some of the challenges with fresh garlic smell and will often explain their allicin release capabilities on their packaging.  This factor is generally one of the key elements savvy customers and dieticians use to compare the quality of various garlic supplement options. 

Garlic servings also contain two trace minerals -- germanium and selenium – adding to the list of health benefits of featuring garlic in some way in your diet.  As with all herbal supplement products, it is best to consult a medical professional when adding garlic supplements into a personal health regimen.  In many cases, doctors will advise patients who are about to have a surgical procedure to avoid garlic supplements for a designated time as it can affect the performance of anti-coagulants.  Patients combining garlic with certain types of HIV/AIDS medications may also have complications, as well.