PROVE IT
Garlic cure?
October 24, 2009
THE CLAIM
Garlic can help ward off a cold.
THE FACTS
For centuries, garlic has been extolled for its medicinal powers. Studies seem to support an effect. In one double-blind study, published in 2001, British scientists followed 146 healthy adults over 12 weeks from November to February. Those who had been randomly selected to receive a daily garlic supplement came down with 24 colds, compared with 65 colds in the placebo group. The garlic group experienced 111 days of sickness, versus 366 for those given a placebo. They also recovered faster.
One possible explanation is that a compound called allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic, blocks enzymes that play a role in bacterial and viral infections. Or perhaps garlic eaters simply repel others and thus steer clear of their germs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Research is limited but suggests garlic may indeed help ward off colds.
The New York Times
Toronto Star
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