For centuries, cooks have known that garlic appears to have preservative properties. Now, researchers at Washington State University, Pullman, discovered exactly what compounds found in the bulb give it its protective nature.Scientists had previously believed that garlic's phenolic compounds were responsible for its bacteria-killing properties. However, using a combination of spectroscopy technologies, the team found that organosulfur is able to penetrate bacteria membranes.
"Our result demonstrated that the garlic-derived organosulfur compounds have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents," said co-author Xiaonan Lu.
In the trial, the researchers used the microbe campylobacter jejun because it's a common cause of bacterial food poisoning, leading to abdominal cramps, fever, diarrhea and blood problems.
The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that garlic is a safe complementary and alternative medicine to help boost cardiovascular health, and has been shown in some studies to lower cholesterol levels and boost antiplatelet activity.
Garlic can be found fresh, dried or in natural nutritional supplements, so individuals have a number of ways to obtain the bulb's healthy benefits.
Easy Health Options Staff – August 24, 2011
http://www.easyhealthoptions.com/alternative-medicine/scientists-uncover-garlics-bacteria-killing-abilities/
