Garlic may prevent more than successful social interaction.
Long considered of benefit in atherosclerosis, scientists now think they may know one reason why. Garlic contains a secret weapon in its phytochemical called allicin. It is an antimicrobial. It fights the formation of substances called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) which promotes the narrowing of arteries.
In this study, mice fed carnitine—a TMAO promoter– plus allicin showed less TMAO then mice fed carnitine alone.
The study appears as “Dietary allicin reduces transformation of L-carnitine to TMAO through impact on gut microbiota” in the Journal of Functional Foods in May of 2015.
Wei-Kai Wua and colleagues in Taiwan conclude: “Allicin and dietary fresh garlic containing allicin may be used as functional foods for the prevention of atherosclerosis.”
Fresh garlic–a prebiotic– can be prepared in many ways.
- Add to soups
- Drizzle salads and vegetables with olive oil and garlic
- Rub poultry and meats before cooking
- Bake whole and use as a savory paste on whole grain breads
- Use generously in pasta dishes
Just make sure you share the meal.