ASCLEPIUS and GARLIC HEALTHCARE!
Asclepius is the god of medicine in Greek mythology.
The scepter used as a symbol of medical science and the two snakes wrapped around the staff are the symbols of Asclepius. The scepter symbolizes the tree of life. The snake, on the other hand, symbolizes renewal and immortality as it constantly shedding its skin. At the same time, the snake guards the tree of life and feeds on it; It also symbolizes the ethical values of the art of medicine, being silent , not telling the secret, and working in patience and silence.
Asclepius was able to resurrect the dead as well as heal all the sicks with the prescriptions he wrote. With this aspect, he gave immortality to people. However, immortality was a divine condition, and what Asclepius did ,should be punished. The chief deity Zeus killed Asclepius with lightning. The last prescription written by Asklepios fall on a herb there. When it rains, the essence of the recipe was transferred to that herb, and GARLIC appears as a panacea.
Garlic, which is very beneficial for health thanks to its bioactive components (organic sulphides *allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, dilalyl disulfide, dilalyl trisulfide, ajoene, s-allyl-cysteine*, saponins, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, etc.) is a widely used spice. Many studies prove that it has antioxidant, cardiovascular health protective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory (immune supporting), anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and antibacterial effects.
• The antioxidant effect of black garlic is higher than that of fresh garlic.
• Raw garlic can be digested better than cooked garlic.
• Different processes change the bioactive components of garlic.
Effects of Garlic on Health;
1. Antioxidant Activity
Garlic is a powerful antioxidant.
• The antioxidant effect of raw garlic is higher than that of cooked garlic.
• The antioxidant effect of fermented garlic is higher than that of fresh garlic.
• Applying pressure to garlic increases antioxidant activity as a result of crushing it.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Activity
It can prevent inflammation by inhibiting the factors that cause an inflammatory reaction. It can be a supplement to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
3. Anti-Microbial Activity
Fights against bacterial and fungal infections. A clinical study has shown that raw garlic can suppress H. Pylori infection in the stomach. This anti-microbial effect varies according to the types of garlic and the processes applied.
4. Supporting the Immune System
Contains a healthy bioactive compound for the immune system. Improves immune system functions. It is known that it reduces the incidence of diseases such as colds and flu, and even if it is caught, it reduces the severity.
Fresh garlic has stronger activity in the immune system than black garlic.
5. Cardiovascular Diseases
It is known to improve peripheral blood circulation and reduce systolic blood pressure (peak blood pressure reached) in patients with hypertension.
It lowers blood lipids. A study has shown that total cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol and triglycerides decrease and HDL cholesterol increases in people who consume 300 mg of garlic a day, but it has no effect on triglycerides in diabetic dyslipidemia patients. Garlic treated with high temperature and pressure is less pungent and has a greater effect on lowering blood lipids. Dried garlic is more effective than raw garlic.
With its antioxidant activity and antioxidant compounds, it prevents blood clotting in the vein.
6. Anti-Cancer Activity
Recent studies indicate that garlic can protect against many cancers such as colon, lung, stomach, bladder.
• It can prevent the formation of carcinogenic substances that occur during processes such as cooking and storing food.
• It can be supportive to regulate carcinogen metabolism, suppress the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, kill cancer cells and prevent metastasis.
• It can also help reduce the negative effects of cancer treatment.
7. Liver Protection
It is protective against liver damage as it increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is known to reduce non-alcoholic liver disease.
• Fermented garlic reduced liver fat levels more effectively than unfermented garlic.
• More research should be done on the safe dosage and frequency of consumption of garlic. Excessive consumption of garlic has side effects.
8. Protection of the Digestive System
It reduces oxidative stress, suppresses inflammation and thus reduces infections such as H.Pylori, improves gastrointestinal functions and alleviates other gastrointestinal system diseases such as colitis and stomach ulcers.
• Raw garlic reduces H. Pylori by relieving intense bacterial activity in the stomach.
9. Anti-Diabetic Activity
Helps in the treatment of Diabetes and Diabetic Complications
• A meta-analysis of 768 patients with Type-2 Diabetes found a significant reduction in hemoglobin levels.
• It reduces the pathological changes that develop in Type-1 Diabetes. Protects from diabetic retinopathy.
10. Anti-Obesity Activity
It is known that fermented garlic products regulate fat metabolism and have positive effects on obesity.
11. Kidney Protection
Protects kidneys from toxic effects
REFERENCES
1. Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.), Foods 2019, 8(7), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8070246
2. Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview, Antioxidants 2020, 9(7), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9070619
3. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Bioactives and Its Role in Alleviating Oral Pathologies, Antioxidants 2021, 10(11), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10111847
