Garlic has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. It’s known for its distinctive taste and strong aroma, and it’s used to add flavor to dishes all over the world.
What many people don’t know is that garlic is also packed with compounds that have potent cancer-fighting properties.
What Makes Garlic So Powerful Against Cancer?
There are a few compounds in garlic that are believed to have cancer-fighting properties. The most notable of these are allicin and diallyl sulfide.
These two compounds have been extensively studied and have been found to be effective against a wide range of cancers, including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer.
Allicin is released when garlic is chopped or crushed. It’s an organosulfur compound that has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It’s also been found to have powerful antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect against cellular damage that can lead to cancer.
Diallyl sulfide is another organosulfur compound found in garlic. Like allicin, it has potent antioxidant properties. It’s also been shown to have antiproliferative effects, which means it can slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Garlic and Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It’s estimated that about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Studies have shown that garlic may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
In a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, researchers found that women who ate raw garlic at least twice a week had a 44% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who never consumed garlic.
Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who ate more allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions, had a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Garlic and Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women in the United States. Studies have shown that garlic may help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
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A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research found that taking a garlic supplement for six months reduced the number and size of precancerous growths in the colon.
Another study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found that eating raw garlic was associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.
Garlic and Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Studies have shown that garlic may help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that people who ate raw garlic at least twice a week had a 44% lower risk of developing lung cancer compared to people who never consumed garlic.
Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that men who ate more allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions, had a lower risk of developing lung cancer.
Garlic and Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States. Studies have shown that garlic may help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who consumed garlic supplements had a 28% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who never consumed garlic.
Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that men who ate more allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions, had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
How to Incorporate Garlic into Your Diet
If you want to reap the cancer-fighting benefits of garlic, there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your diet. Here are a few ideas:.
- Add chopped garlic to your favorite soups, stews, and sauces.
- Roast whole garlic cloves and spread on bread or crackers.
- Sautee garlic with vegetables for a healthy side dish.
- Mince garlic and mix with olive oil and vinegar for a delicious salad dressing.
- Use garlic powder or garlic salt to season meats and vegetables.
Conclusion
Garlic is a powerful cancer-fighting food that should be a staple in any healthy diet. Its potent compounds have been shown to reduce the risk of developing a wide range of cancers, including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer.
So don’t be afraid to add some garlic to your next meal!.
