Can GARLIC fight cancer?

Since ancient times, garlic has been used for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory curative properties before the arrival of antibiotics.

 

Garlic is a vegetable belonging to the Allium class of bulb-shaped plants, including onions, chives, leeks and scallions. It is commonly used for flavoring in cooking and is unique because of its high sulfur content. Other components found include arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids and selenium - all of which are beneficial to health.

The characteristic odor and flavor of garlic comes from sulfur compounds formed from allicin, the major precursor of garlic’s bioactive compounds, which are formed when garlic bulbs are chopped, crushed or damaged. Present in it are 33 different type of sulphur compounds (including Ajoene, allicin), 17 types of amino acids (all essential acids), germanium, selenium, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and vitamin A, B1, C.

Many conclusive studies have shown that garlic extracts are effective in resisting bacteria (staphylococcus, salmonella etc), fungus (candida ablicans, aspergilllus, niger), virus and other pathogens. This is very useful against prevention and treatment of cold and flu too. In fact, a 100mg of garlic extract (Allicin) has the same effect as 10 mg penicillin of anti-bacterial action.

Types of garlic preparations

Garlic fried in oil to add flavor to some main dishes loses much of its medicinal properties that can reduce blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure.

Garlic supplements come in different forms:

• Garlic essential oil is obtained by passing steam through garlic. Commercially available garlic oil capsules generally contain vegetable oil, but only have a small amount of garlic essential oil because of its strong odor.
• Garlic oil macerate products are made from encapsulated mixtures of whole garlic cloves ground into vegetable oil.
• Garlic powder is produced by slicing or crushing garlic cloves, then drying and grinding them into powder. This is used as a flavoring agent for condiments and food and is thought to retain the same ingredients as raw garlic.
• Garlic extract is made from whole or sliced garlic cloves that are soaked in an alcohol solution for varying amounts of time. Also available in powdered form.

Health benefits

+ For cardiovascular disease, garlic is effective in preventing thrombus (a blood clot formed inside an intact blood vessel) and helps to regulate irregular heartbeat. Its Ajoene content has been clinically tested and proven to be able to inhibit the formation of blood clots and regulate fibrinolytic activity, resulting in lowering of triglyceride and LDL cholesterol.

+ Garlic contains plenty of nutrients which as a detoxifying agent and helps to boost the immune system. The sulfur compounds in it can bind with plumbum, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other heavy metals, to be expelled from the body.  As most of the processed foods is laced with harmful substances such as additives, coloring, preservative and flavoring, clearing them is crucial before any major damage occurs to the body.

+ Its vital components - Allicin, germanium, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, B1 and C can strengthen T cell and Macrophage, thus enhancing the bioactivity of natural killer cells to boost the immune system quickly.

+  Loaded with antioxidants essential to delay aging, improve rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and other chronic diseases.

Can garlic prevent cancer?

Several population studies show an association between high intake of garlic and allium vegetables, and reduced risk of certain cancers, especially cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, intestines and breast.

However, few clinical trials have been done on humans to examine the potential anticancer effects of garlic to-date. 

 

Allicin, selenium and germanium in garlic have been found to be effective anti-cancerous components. Basically, they block the formation of cancer-causing substances, halt the activation of cancer-causing substances, enhance DNA repair, reduce cell proliferation or induce cell death.

Even for patients who have undergone chemotherapy, garlic helps to inhibit the duplication and biosynthesis reaction of DNA in cancer cell. Since allicin works synergistically with chemo drugs, it may reduce the dosage required, thus minimising their side effects.

 

As all garlic preparations are not the same, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of garlic that may be needed to reduce cancer risk. Also, the active compounds present in garlic may lose their effectiveness with time, handling and processing.

In summary, the benefits are:

+  Anti-oxidation properties prevent active oxygen from damaging cells
+  Suppresses the cancer cell signal transmission function
+  Promotes apoptosis (death) of cancer cells
+  Enhances immunity to destroy cancer cells

Daily dosage

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for general health promotion for adults is a daily dose of 2 to 5 g of fresh garlic (approximately one clove), 0.4 to 1.2 g of dried garlic powder, 2 to 5 mg of garlic oil, 300 to 1,000 mg of garlic extract, or other formulations that are equal to 2 to 5 mg of allicin.

Safety considerations

Although garlic has been used safely in cooking, excessive consumption can cause some side effects, other than strong breath and body odors.

+ Garlic occasionally causes allergies that can range from mild irritation to potentially life-threatening problems. Consuming fresh garlic bulbs, extracts or oil on an empty stomach may occasionally cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

+ In some animal and human studies, garlic can lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin. Diabetic patients have to be careful with its usage.

 + Garlic has been shown to interfere with several prescription drugs, especially the HIV medication saquinavir (brand names Invirase® and Fortovase®). In some instances, it can lower the serum levels of saquinavir by almost half.

+ Garlic also acts as a natural blood thinner to be avoided by pregnant women, patients undergoing surgery, and those taking blood thinners, such as warfarin.

+ Garlic bulbs are sometimes contaminated with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which can grow and produce botulinum toxin in garlic-in-oil products that are not refrigerated and do not contain antibacterial agents.

+ Chemical burns, contact dermatitis, and bronchial asthma can occur when garlic is applied to the skin.

+ Garlic should be avoided by people who are prone to stomach conditions like ulcers, as it can worsen the condition or cause new ones.

 

+  As garlic wipes off our intestinal bacteria like antibiotics, replenishing friendly bacteria is much encouraged.

VIVA corner

VIVA Biogarlic is highly concentrated under low temperature to retain the bioactivity of Allicin and Ajoene. It contains capsicum, rutin, phytochemicals and other bioflavonoids, which are added to enhance absorption. The strong combination is beneficial for maintaining the cardiovascular system health and immune system health.

VIVA LIPOGUARD is the first product around that combines the goodness of fish oil and garlic with other proprietary ingredients such as antioxidants, phytochemicals and lecithin. The high concentration of EPA (30%) and DHA (20%) enables its efficacy to better many other fish oil products available in the market. The Garlic juice contained therein is in a concentrated form using high technology processing techniques under a low temperature to maintain the potency of Allicin in the garlic can help to lower triglycerides and cholesterol. An FDA report reviewing clinical studies on the effects of fish oil on LDL cholesterol also showed that VIVA LIPOGUARD was the only study out of 24 comparisons that can work effectively.

Old trick: For fungi infection within the ears, try putting slice of garlic into the eardrum to rid the bacteria.

To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

The SILENT killer - HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Every minute the human heart pumps 5 litres of blood into 100,000 of blood vessels running into over 70000 miles, to supply every living cell with nourishment and oxygen. In our lifetime, this is equivalent to 7 billion times.

The exerted force applies to arterial walls creates pressure termed blood pressure. In instances where the blood vessels are too narrowed, the pressure becomes very high, resulting in hypertension.

On the other hand, very low blood pressure or hypotension is not any better. It signifies a weak heart pumping too little blood around with the vital organs like the brain, heart and kidneys not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. This can result in the organs not functioning normally and may end up permanently damaged.

Checking Your Blood Pressure

A heartbeat is a contraction of the heart muscle, forcing blood to move through arteries. It averages 60-80 per minute for adults. Highest number is registered when exercising. However, lower rate under normal circumstances indicates a stronger heart muscle, as the organ is more efficient in its performance.

The blood pressure is measured with an instrument called sphygmomanometer in millimeters of mercury. The highest pressure is attained during each heart beat which is called systolic pressure (contraction) and lowest between two beats is known as diastolic pressure (relaxation). A raised diastolic pressure is considered more serious than raised systolic pressure as it indicates the heart is not coping well even in a resting mode.

Studies conducted by scientists showed that blood pressure measurements taken at home were more accurate than those taken in a clinic or at other time of the day. This is because morning blood pressure is unbiased by stress or diet, so it provides a clear picture of what is going on inside the arteries.

+ It is usually higher when you are at work

+ It drops slightly when you are at rest (if remains high is unhealthy)

+ It is usually lowest when you are sleeping

+ It is normal for your blood pressure to increase suddenly when you wake up. For people with hypertension, this is the moment most at risk for heart attack and stroke. During this time, rushing adrenaline can cause plaque to rupture easily.

Range

For accurate assessment, take both readings of the left and right arm.

+ 120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure

+ 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure

+ 120 - 159/ 80 - 89 is pre-hypertension

+ 160 - 180/96 - 114, is moderate hypertension

+ 180/115 and upwards is considered severe

-- Having big variance of systolic and diastolic pressure is an indicator the heart is not functioning well.

Symptoms

Mild and moderate hypertension may not produce any symptoms for years until complications develop and is well-regarded as a silent killer.

The first symptoms may appear in the form of pain towards the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning, but soon disappears.

Other symptoms includes lack of concentration, dizziness, aches and pains in the arms, shoulder region, back, leg etc. Heart palpitation and pain, breathlessness, frequent urination, nervous tension and fatigue, emotional upset and wakefulness are other possible signs.

In serious cases, heart attacks or strokes and other disability conditions such as detachment of the retina.

Causes

+  Higher blood pressure is expected as one gets older because the blood vessels become stiffer. The heart has to work harder to pump an adequate amount of blood to all the tissues of the body. This condition often leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and premature death. Doctor may want the patient to reduce the blood pressure more than others who do not have this condition.

+ Stress, worry and mental tension increase the adrenaline in the bloodstream and cause the pressure of the blood to rise. It is observed that people who are easily tense suffer high blood pressure, especially when under stress. If the stress continued for a prolonged period, the pressure may become permanently raised even after the removal of stress.

+  Impatient, aggressive and hot-tempered people are found to be 6-8 times more vulnerable to the disease.

+ An irregular lifestyle - smoking and excessive intake of stimulants such as tea, coffee, cola drinks, refined foods destroy the natural pace of life. The passage of arteries and veins are easily blocked by toxins and can become hardened.

+ Obesity, diabetes and severe constipation also lead to hypertension.

+ Excessive intake of pain killers, common table salt (no more than 1,500 mg per day) and food additives.

+ Eating a high fat and low fibre diet, and processed foods deficient in essential nutrients.

+ Excessive drinking. Try to limit alcohol intake to a drink per day for women and 2 for men.

+ Family history of hypertension

+ The kidneys play an important role in controlling blood pressure through secretion of renin, a natural chemical. If the increased renin is secreted by the kidneys, more salts are retained in the body, which leads to an increase in the volume of circulating blood and thus higher blood pressure. Frequent infections and inflammation in the kidneys can also give rise to higher blood pressure.

Cures

All drugs against high blood pressure are toxic in nature and have distressing side effects. A person suffering from high blood pressure should always follow a well balanced routine of proper diet, exercise and rest.

+ Diet containing higher content of fruits and vegetables is preferred. Pointers to note:

- Garlic is able to relieve the pressure and tension within the small arteries, along with symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath and formation of gas within the digestive tract.

- Apple pectin aids in reducing blood pressure.

- Lemon juice and its peel contains vitamin P which is essential for preventing capillary fragility.

- Like lemon, watermelon is highly alkaline and has a definite action in dilating the blood vessels.

- Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot, celery and spinach, taken separately or in combination, can help to treat the problem.


- Cut down on salt, fat, caffeinated beverages and alcohol intake.

- An amino acid, L-arginine found in plants like soy and beetroot, can boost the production of nitric oxide which helps to keep the blood vessels wide open. Lacking which, the blood vessels are constricted, thus increasing the resistance to blood flow and thus causing the blood pressure to rise.

- Some minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium can help to lower blood pressure by throwing out excess sodium out of the body. They can be found abundantly in dairy products, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruits and dark chocolate.

+ Exercise plays an important role in fighting high blood pressure. Walking, jogging, swimming and cycling can help to de-stress, build up muscles and useful in circulation of blood. Stick to at least 30 minutes a day of moderate aerobic exercise. 

+ Positive thinking is important for well-being. Avoid overstraining, worries, tension, anger and haste.

+ Having eight hours of restful sleep is crucial for those highly-stressed individuals.

Side effects of diuretic drugs

+ The use of diuretic drugs causes increased urinary excretion of magnesium especially in elderly people. Magnesium works together with calcium to prevent bone deterioration and maintain a normal heart rhythm and muscular contraction. This is confirmed by research that showed that lower level of magnesium is associated with higher blood pressure.

+ Losses of potassium due to diuretics can cause muscle weakness and heart problem. Worse are patients who are consuming too much sodium but not increasing the intake of potassium correspondingly as a balance is required to achieve good health.

+ Those who take diuretics for high blood pressure and controlling sodium intake at the same time are more at risk when sodium runs low in the blood to cause excessive water retention, heart failure or kidney failure.

+ Note that taking medication to reduce high blood pressure can also result in hypotension (low blood pressure) with symptoms like fainting, fatigue, general weakness, nausea, sweating and restlessness preceding a loss of consciousness. It occurs when the patient stands up too suddenly.

+ To compensate for the loss of minerals, go for sea salt with slightly highly magnesium and calcium content whilst table salt has little due to heavy processing. Salt substitutes are not preferred because they tend to contain high potassium and low sodium, which can be a burden to the kidneys in removing the excessive potassium, especially for renal failure patients.

Patients have to weigh the benefits and risk of side effects to determine if taking the prescribed drug should be an on-going affair. Natural therapy and change of lifestyle should be the long-term solution as advocated in the above text.

VIVA Corner

+ VIVA Lipoguard is the first product in the market to combine the goodness of fish oil and garlic. Fish oil has been proven to prevent blood clot, reduce the thickness of blood, relax blood vessels and inflammation. Garlic extract has the effect of preventing blood clot, palpitation of the heart and reducing excessive excitement of the nerves. Hence, both are beneficial for reducing high blood pressure and preventing atherosclerosis.

+ VIVA Calmag + D is formulated to protect and maintain the musco-skeletal structure. It also helps to maintain the stability of the blood vessels and increase its contracting elasticity, essential for people suffering from high blood pressure.