HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARLIC: PART 2

1. Vitamin C - Body's primary Antioxidant defender in the bloodstream, where it protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation. The oxidized form of LDL cholesterol initiates damage to blood vessel walls. 
2.  Vitamin B6 - helps in lowering homocysteine levels; an intermediate product of an important cellular biochemical process called the methylation cycle, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls, hence Vitamin B6 lowering homocysteine levels, helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. 
3. Selenium - An important part of the body's antioxidant system. It also works with vitamin E in a number of vital antioxidant systems. 
4. Manganese - A cofactor in a number of important antioxidant defense enzymes, for example, superoxide dismutase. Studies have found that in adults deficient in manganese, the level of HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) is decreased. 

For maximum health benefits, garlic has to be either crushed or chopped so as to activate the allicin. It’s recommended to use half - one full clove per day (around 3000-6000mcg of allicin). Please take note of this when purchasing allicin supplements. I do not recommend use of allicin supplements, unless they must be used. Garlic itself either the fresh garlic (which is the best) or powder form provides additional health benefits from other components other than allicin.

Potential Side Effects of Garlic

1. Indigestion
   
2. Intestinal gas/Bloating 
3. Diarrhea (when taking high doses of garlic)