Garlic Extract: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage

by James Denlinger Digital Marketing Strategist

What is Garlic Extract?

The numerous applications of garlic have been used within medicine for centuries. With an impressive array of treatments, garlic extract continues to be one of the most helpful and natural supplements on the market. While ancient applications have benefited from this miracle worker, modern science has also been fast at work determining its exact ramifications and uses (x).

From immune health to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, garlic extract is worth its weight in gold. Typically growing in more mild climates, this short bulbous plant comes in various forms to reap its effects. As far back as ancient Egypt, garlic has been used both medicinally and as a stamina agent for those performing athletic activities. Almost every culture in the world uses garlic in some fashion to provide lasting health benefits and cures.

Modern times have reaped the convenience of direct and distilled utilizations of this herb. With powdered supplements now on the market, it is easier than ever to obtain the immune support and remedies it has to offer. In the powder form, many of the side effects are minimal. Additionally, the strong odor of garlic that lingers for hours afterward is also minute. Easily dissolvable in water, the best garlic supplement encapsulates the entire gamut of health benefits garlic has to offer.

Garlic Extract Benefits

Immune Support

One of the primary benefits that garlic has traditionally been used for is helping to build the immune system (x). With its natural antioxidative and free-radical limiting effect, garlic helps to create an environment that supports immune responses and healthy DNA.

This might be one of the leading uses of garlic in modern times. Those that use garlic on a regular basis tend to get sick less and bounce back faster from common colds (x).

Garlic Extract and Blood Pressure

Clinical studies have shown that various preparations of garlic also contribute to the reduction of risks for developing cardiovascular disease (x). Among the benefits associated with these studies are the lowering of blood pressure levels and the deterrence of atherosclerosis.

During animals studies of garlic ingestion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels decreased. This makes garlic extract not only a great way to treat hypertension, but an even better way to prevent it before it starts.

If a daily supplement of garlic can stave off the onset of hypertension, the face of modern medicine and our economy would take a dramatic shift. As one of the leading causes of medical visits and gateways to cardiovascular disease, hypertension is a modern epidemic that could benefit greatly from this simple remedy.

Cholesterol

In similar studies, animal testing revealed that serum cholesterol levels can subside with a garlic extract. Some animal studies have even shown up to a 50 percent decrease in atheromatous lesions. With human subjects, both serum cholesterol levels and triglyceride also dramatically decreased (x).

Impressively, scientists have come to the conclusion that garlic is a great alternative to traditional cholesterol lowering medications due to its modest rate of negative side effects. Many physicians would recommend this alternative approach to the more costly pharmaceuticals that people often use to treat this condition.

Anti-Tumor Results

One of the more impressive results of garlic in clinical trials has been its ability to reduce the growth rate of tumors. Garlic has been used for centuries in this capacity. Even in patients whose tumors have already enlarged, garlic can have a positive effect in reducing them. When used in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy, garlic can assist as well as rebuild healthy neighboring cells. This makes recovery faster and more complete than traditional hospital treatments.

The allylsulfide derivatives are largely responsible for this and work to battle cancer causing agents in general (x). Ultimately, garlic extract can block and inhibit the growth rate of cancer cells. What’s more, the Designer Food Program drafted by the National Cancer Institute marked garlic as the most important food to prevent cancer.

Though there is not yet a known cure for cancer, experts agree that its prevention is one of the most important steps in combating the disease. The daily ingestion of this simple extract could have revolutionary breakthroughs in the prevention of this disease.

Diabetes

Though additional research is still necessary in this area, garlic might prove to be an effective treatment for diabetes as well. With its natural hypoglycemic effect on blood sugar levels, garlic helps to maintain a healthy glucose level within the circulatory system (x).

The volatile sulfur compounds, such as alliin, of garlic are responsible for its reduction of blood sugar levels. In addition, garlic extracts also reduce a patient’s insulin resistance. This means diabetic patients might peripherally benefit from the effects of garlic extract even if it is not used as a primary course of treatment. Since many diabetic patients struggle with resistance to insulin, garlic can assist in keeping the desired effects of insulin efficacious.

For those who have not yet developed diabetes but are likely candidates for it, garlic can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Taken regularly, garlic extracts might help to prevent the onset of diabetes altogether (x, x).

Use for Treating Infectious Diseases

First described by Louis Pasteur for its antibacterial characteristics, garlic has been used to treat infectious diseases such as Salmo nella and Escherichia coli. The primary component at work here is called allicin (x).

Able to differentiate between healthy and harmful bacteria in the intestines, the allicin present in garlic and its extracts is quite effective. Though these diseases are considered medical emergencies and should be treated by professionals, garlic is a wall of defense against these ailments.

Used in conjunction with hospital treatments for these illnesses, garlic can boost the recovery time and help to limit toxicity levels. Furthermore, the daily regimen of garlic beforehand can help reduce the severity of the effects of these bacteria (x).

Garlic Extract Side Effects

Though minor in nature, there are some side effects of garlic that should be noted. As with all supplements, you should consult with a physician before beginning any dietary regimen. Food allergies and acid reflux can be navigated to minimize risk.

Heartburn

One of the complaints occasionally reported with garlic supplements is the experience of heartburn. This is a minor, but nevertheless annoying side effect. The symptoms of heartburn brought on by garlic extracts dissipate with discontinued use.

Those with acid reflux should consult with a physician before attempting a garlic regimen. There might be ways that your doctor can assist to alleviate symptoms while still maintaining your garlic doses (x).

Gastrointestinal Upset

The high level of fructans in garlic and its associated supplements can upset people’s stomachs. There have been reports of gastrointestinal problems with the supplemental use of garlic extract. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with gastrointestinal problems such as upset stomach, consult with your physician. A doctor can advise how to minimize these symptoms while still maintaining your garlic regimen (x).

Nausea

The acid contained within garlic can also lead to occasional nausea. An increase in garlic intake, especially suddenly, can cause nausea brought on by irritation lower in the digestive tract. Be sure to immediately consult with your physician to discuss options for alleviating this symptom.

Often times, taking the extract after a meal can alleviate the nausea brought on with garlic. Furthermore, a powder garlic extract helps to reduce the acidity levels from those found in traditional food preparation. Garlic in its raw form is the most acidic and is often the culprit for gastrointestinal irritation (x).

Garlic Extract Dosage and Instructions

As with any supplement, the accumulated effect of being taken daily for extended periods of time creates the most efficacious application. The continued building of desired effects becomes a barrier of strength against staving off the aforementioned illnesses. Therefore, it is best to take garlic on a daily basis to increase the benefits.

The recommended dose for garlic powder is 650 mg twice daily. Dissolve the powder solution in water or another beverage and drink with food.

The Bottom Line

As one of the leaders in supplement health, garlic extract can treat and help cure a gamut of ailments. With a diverse range of treatment applications ranging from immune support to anti-cancer properties, garlic is highly valuable when it comes to daily dietary supplements.

Dissolvable in water as a twice daily supplement, garlic powder packs a punch of added strength and energy. People report having extra energy levels and identify with an overall feeling of health and strength.

Garlic also has a strong backing in modern science with countless reports and studies proving its efficacy. From animal trials to human testing, garlic has proven its track record with amazing results. Doctors and clinicians both agree that garlic has similar potency and application as some of today’s pharmaceuticals. In fact, garlic might prove to be even more potent in its application to certain ailments.

As a cancer fighter, garlic seems to have a unique niche covered. With both anti-cancer and anti-tumor attributes, garlic fights with the best of them. When paired with other treatment options, garlic can help to rebuild the immune system and fight off cancer cells.

Regarding side effects, garlic is also preceded by a positive reputation. Though there are occasional reports of upset stomach with garlic, these complaints are typically minor and easily treatable. What’s more, the water soluble powder extract of garlic helps to stave off these side effects by limiting the amount of acid and its effect. If combined with food, this extract is especially gentle on the gastrointestinal tract. The powdered form of garlic also reduces the infamous unpleasant odor.