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genitor-urinary diseases, lung and bronchial infections
and mucous conditions. Garlic lowers LDL cholesterol
(bad) while increasing HDL (Good) cholesterol. Garlic
also helps normalize systolic blood pressure levels and
can sustain them for up to 24 hours. Many cultures turn
to garlic to control mild diabetes. The “natural killer”
cells of the immune system are dramatically activated by
garlic. The fresher the garlic the better it works. Garlic oil
capsules work better than dried garlic powder.
When garlic is cut or crushed a sulphur-containing
compound called alliin comes into contact with an
enzyme called alliinase. Alliinase breaks down alliin to
allicin a sulfinic acid that’s responsible for garlic’s
pungent odor. Allicin is considered to be one of the most
important biologically active compounds in raw garlic.
It’s believed to be the source of garlic’s antibacterial,
antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. As
allicin sits it changes into other chemical compounds but
mostly diallyl disulphide, which is attributed to lowering
cholesterol. Allicin is available when garlic is raw.
Cooking or heating garlic destroys alliinase, the
compound necessary to convert alliin to allicin, so fresh
is best.
Culture:
Garlic thrives in rich well-drained composted soil. It
adapts to most climates and is bothered by few pests. In
the northwest garlic is best planted in October so it has
time to establish a good root system before the cold damp
weather sets in. When spring growth begins keep soil
moist and fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizer applied
every couple weeks until the bulbs form.
Decrease water as harvest time approaches. Remember
that garlic inter-planted with other crops will also help
repel insect pests. Plant garlic mid August to Sept in
colder climates.
REFERENCES:
http://www.crimson-sage.com/medicinal-herbs-profile.html (2 of 3) [5/17/2004 9:35:11 AM]
Herbalpedia - 2004 Herb Growing and Marketing
Network
The Goodness of Garlic by Susan Belsinger