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09/30/2006: "The Stinking Rose"
So now that you know the importance of antioxidants, what are the best ones? You have to include garlic among the top. I still remember my colleague, Doc Prossinger, at the American International School in Vienna who ate garlic pills daily. A long time science teacher, he has a wealth of knowledge in so many subjects. Seems he was on to it.
Garlic has been prescribed over the past 6,000 years or since herbs have been used in medicine. Hippocrates used it as an antibiotic. It contains hundreds of compounds that defend cells from free radicals. When crushed or chewed, it releases enzymes that trigger chemical reactions inside the body. It’s antioxidants are the best for protecting against environmental toxins. It provides cardiovascular benefits, lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clotting (better than aspirin), reversing atherosclerosis, lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. It is even recommended to defend against the effects of stress.
There are tons of studies that confirm the health benefits of garlic. Several have discovered its value against cancer. It inhibits the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells and stimulates natural immune killer cells. It is also great against fungal infections such as yeast infections and athlete’s foot.
As recommended, I have started eating 2 to 4 cloves a day. Unlike my daughter who eats fresh crushed garlic by the spoonfuls, I find that a little too strong and alienating. Place cloves on a plate in the microwave and cook on high for about 5 seconds a clove. This softens them and makes them palatable enough to eat as is or spread on toast. If this is still too strong, opt for supplements such as Garlicin Pro or Kyolic garlic pills, taking two to eight 250-milligram capsules a day.
Garlic doth have power to save from death
Bear with it though it maketh unsavory breath,
And scorn not garlic like some that think
It only maketh men wink and drink and stink.
- Sir John Harington (1561-1612)
Had a friend on the Bay Farm Island (Alameda)who grew The Stinking Rose for a living .He swore by it's wonders !Rolled in it's hulls during winter months as he repaired equipment for next season and swore NEVER a cold . Last I heard he's still alive and he's my age ! OLD !