Does garlic help combat common colds?
In the ongoing quest for natural remedies, garlic has emerged as a potential ally in the fight against common colds. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, research suggests that garlic could play a role in reducing the frequency of colds and offering some antiviral benefits.
One of the key compounds in garlic, allicin, has been found to exhibit antiviral properties. This suggests that garlic could potentially help reduce the risk of viral infections, including the common cold and flu. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is not yet conclusive.
Regarding the frequency of colds, studies indicate that regular garlic consumption may decrease their occurrence in adults. Yet, it does not appear to affect the duration of symptoms once a cold has set in.
The activation of allicin is a crucial process. This happens when garlic is crushed, and it's beneficial to let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the enzyme alliinase to convert alliin into allicin. Garlic also demonstrates antibiotic properties, which can be beneficial in preventing secondary infections during colds.
Despite the promising findings, it's essential to approach garlic as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, rather than relying on it as a standalone treatment or preventive measure. The current evidence is not strong enough to recommend garlic as a replacement for established treatments or preventive measures like vaccinations.
In recent years, aged garlic extract (AGE) has gained attention for its potential to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. A study exploring the effects of AGE on the immune system showed promising results, with participants who took AGE reporting fewer and less severe symptoms if they did catch a cold.
While garlic shows promise, it's crucial to remember that more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations. In the meantime, other proven methods for preventing and treating colds remain vital, such as vigorous, consistent hand washing, staying at home when sick, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated.
Sources: [1] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2021). Garlic. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic [2] Linus Pauling Institute (2021). Garlic. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/allium-compounds-allium-sativum-garlic [3] National Library of Medicine (2021). Garlic. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/977.html [4] Mayo Clinic (2021). Cold remedies: Fact and fiction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20045081
- Aq (allicin), a key compound in garlic, exhibits predictive antiviral properties, suggesting potential benefits for viral infections like COPD, obesity, and the common cold and flu.
- While garlic consumption may decrease the frequency of colds in adults, its impact on the duration of symptoms remains uncertain.
- The activation of allicin in garlic occurs during the crushing process, with a necessary 10-minute wait to allow alliinase to transform alliin into allicin.
- Besides antibiotic properties helpful against secondary infections during colds, garlic supplements like aged garlic extract (vitamins zinc) are being explored for their ability to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
- Garlic should be considered alongside other vitamins, nutrition, mental-health measures, fitness-and-exercise, and medical-conditions like respiratory-conditions as part of a balanced health-and-wellness approach.
- Established treatments and vaccinations for common cold prevention and treatment still remain more scientifically supported than reliance on garlic.
- More science is required to understand the full extent of garlic's potential benefits and limitations in treating and preventing a variety of medical-conditions.
- Beyond garlic, practices like vigorous hand washing, staying home when sick, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated are important in preventing and treating common colds.
