Garlic may help ward off cancer--study

Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found the potential risk of cancer development was directly proportionate to the amount of garlic intake. In other words, the more garlic consumed the lower the risk of the lethal disease.

The study’s lead author, Dr Earl Harrison of Human Nutrition at Ohio State said, "So if you like garlic and you like garlic-containing foods, go out and have as much as you want. There’s no indication it’s going to hurt you, and it may well help you."

Urine test to measure toxins and garlic consumption
The researchers focused on bodily processes related to nitrogen-containing toxins found in food or contaminated water that convert into carcinogens (substances that trigger the development of cancer).

They developed a urine test that simultaneously measures cancer risk from toxin with garlic intake.

The researchers found participants who ate the most garlic, around 5 grams daily, had the lowest levels of toxins in their urine.

The investigators concluded that garlic may be responsible for inhibiting the formation of toxins and could have anti-cancer properties.

Harrison stated, "What we were after was developing a method where we could measure in urine two different compounds, one related to the risk for cancer, and the other, which indicates the extent of consumption of garlic.

“Our results showed that those were inversely related to one another - meaning that the more we had the marker for garlic consumption, the less there was of the marker for the risk of cancer"

The details of the study appear in the latest issue of the Journal Analytical Biochemistry.

Health benefits of garlic
Garlic not makes food tasty but can significantly aid in the healing and even prevention of certain medical conditions.

The wonder food has been known to treat high cholesterol, parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy.

Regular consumption of garlic helps lower blood pressure, controls blood sugar, and boosts the immune system. It has also been found to reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer.

Garlic is a natural antiseptic, and has the ability to fight infections, bacteria and is an effective cure for warts and other skin problems.

Though garlic does not cause any serious side effects but people who are allergic to it or who consume it in large quantities may suffer from stomach irritation, heartburn, or flatulence.

Due to garlic’s blood thinning properties people scheduled for surgery should consult their doctor before taking garlic supplements.