Move over chicken soup. It looks like Mother Nature has
decided to one up you in the cold fighting department. In a recent study
published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers have found that
individuals taking an Aged Garlic Supplement were able to effectively fight off cold and flu symptoms better than those who were taking a placebo.
After taking an aged garlic supplement for 90 days, the
garlic group wound up having more immune system cells (gamma-delta T cells and
NK Cells) in their system than the placebo group. They also displayed a 21%
reduction in cold and flu symptoms and were found to recover from their
ailments 61% faster. This translated into less work days missed due to sickness
(with the exception of “nicedayitis”) and more overall productivity due to
milder symptoms.
Aged Garlic Extract, also known as AGE, is a dietary garlic
supplement that has been aged for over 20 months. Unlike fresh garlic (which is
still good for you) Aged garlic goes through some molecular changes that not
only mellows its garlic taste but also allows for the development of certain
sulphur containing substances which are thought to be responsible for the
supplements unique health benefits. These sulphuric compounds are thought to
increase the glutathione levels in the
immune system cells thus making them more effective at patrolling the
body and rooting out cold and flu bugs before they can start any serious
trouble.
On top of helping people make it through the cold and flu
season, taking aged garlic supplements is also believed to be very beneficial
to overall heart health. It has been shown to slow the clogging process and
improve overall circulation. The antioxidant power of the garlic is also
believed to help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals,
slowing down the aging process and cancerous cell growth.
You can find aged garlic at most health food stores and you
can either take it as a supplement or even cook with it.
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