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Garlic oil in capsules is a food supplement that serves mainly to reduce cholesterol, maintaining a good functioning of the heart, but also to strengthen the immune system, due to the presence of allicin and sulfur, which are the main bioactive compounds of garlic, so the higher the concentration of allicin, the more efficient the supplement will be in fighting cholesterol.
Garlic in capsules as a food supplement can be purchased at pharmacies and health food stores or over the internet, but it is important to check the raw material label because raw garlic is more potent than cooked garlic and fresh garlic is more potent than the old garlic. The ideal daily dose to lower cholesterol can be 20 mg of allicin which is the equivalent of 4g or a unit of raw garlic.
What is garlic oil for
Garlic oil in capsules is used to:
- Avoid heart disease and improve cardiovascular health: it contains allicin and other sulfur compounds that help to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL), contributing to the proper functioning of the heart;
- Control blood pressure: as it seems to be able to promote relaxation of blood vessels, strengthen vascular walls and improve blood flow. In addition, garlic compounds also appear to decrease platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombus;
- Prevent premature aging: due to the antioxidant action of the sulfur compounds of garlic, which reduce oxidative stress;
- Strengthen the immune system: garlic compounds appear to be able to regulate the body's immune response, increasing the defense cells that help fight infections;
- Improve memory and learning: garlic appears to be able to protect brain cells, and may even help prevent Alzheimer's;
- Decrease osteoarthritis: due to its anti-inflammatory effects, garlic may be able to reduce joint inflammation.
Studies of the effects of garlic capsules have been done mainly in animals and, for this reason, more scientific research is needed to more safely determine the benefits to human health.
How to take garlic oil
There is some controversy in studies on the recommended dose, however, it is common to recommend a dose between 600 to 1200 mg per day, which is equivalent to 2 to 4 capsules, depending on the concentration of the supplement, and should be taken 2 times a day before of meals, such as lunch and dinner.
In any case, it is important to read the label and follow the doctor's or nutritionist's instructions, which may suit each case.
Possible side effects
Garlic oil capsules usually do not cause side effects, however, in some cases, it can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upset.
Some animal studies indicate that eating more than 25 grams of raw garlic or more than 400 mg / kg of garlic oil can result in toxicity to testicular cells.
Contraindications for garlic oil
Intake of garlic oil capsules may not be suitable for women who are breastfeeding because it can alter the taste of breast milk, and children up to 3 years old. And it should not be taken with anticoagulant medication without the knowledge of the cardiologist.
In addition, they should not be used in the days before any type of surgery, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
Watch the following video and also learn how to enjoy the benefits of natural garlic: