Garlic: The Miracle Clove (Guest Blog Post by Katrina Evans)

Below is a guest blog post written by Kelly's Pantry fan Katrina Evans:

People have been using chopped up garlic for hundreds of years and it turns out to be our best kept weapon against cancer today. While most people are aware of the value of garlic's flavor, many do not realize the benefits of garlic when it comes to cancer.      

Recent population studies that were conducted in different parts of the world have shown a significant link between an increased intake of garlic and reduction of various cancers. Ongoing studies in Europe have shown that higher intakes of onions and garlic significantly reduce the risk of intestinal cancers. In China, researchers have not only shown an association with garlic intake and reduced risk of esophageal, stomach, and prostate cancers; but have indicated that the more garlic that is eaten, the lower the risk of other aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer or mesothelioma.

It’s hardly new news to naturopaths, but the real news here is that allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, is able to be attached to antibodies that bind with tumor cells by researchers delivering a cancer-busting payload directly to the source. In reality though, you don’t need to target tumors at all: just eat raw garlic.

Every well-rounded chef should know that garlic is an ingredient that everyone should have in their pantry. If you can handle it, try juicing raw garlic with lemon, water and a bit of sweetener, and chug it down. Yes, it may stink a bit, but it’s one of the most potent anti-cancer concoctions you can consume.

Eating the right kinds of foods is absolutely essential for keeping the body at a healthy weight, strengthening tissues, and fighting infection which leads to a greater sense of well-being. Finding the right kinds of foods, containing high amounts of cancer-fighting ingredients, is key to prevention and treatment.

References:

http://www.kean.edu/~jfasick/docs/Fall%2009%20Senior%20Seminar/Dave_Carlos_Oommen%20et%20al%202003.pdf

http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/what-mesothelioma

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050503104540.htm

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/garlic-and-cancer-prevention

Edited by: Kelly Strogen, MS, RD, LDN

Katrina Evans is a recent college graduate aspiring to write for health and wellness foodies all over the web. She enjoys making a difference in people’s lives seeing how devastating cancer can be for people and their families. Katrina also is a fruit junkie who reads all the time, works to stay fit, and listens to cool podcasts.


For questions about this post, contact Katrina: nutritiondiva.katrina@gmail.com