special subjects
Garlic
What is garlic?
Garlicis an herb that has long been used in cooking and in medicine. When agarlicbulb is cut or crushed, an amino acid by-product called allicin is released. Allicin is responsible forgarlic’s strong odor and medicinal properties. Because the active ingredients are destroyed when thegarlicis crushed, the amount of active ingredient in the various forms ofgarlicvaries greatly. Agedgarlicextract (AGE), made fromgarlicallowed to age for at least 20 months, has more stable active compounds than most forms. Consuminggarlicsupplements in this form appears to provide the greatest health benefits and with fewer adverse effects. (See also Overview of Dietary Supplements .) 