INTRODUCTION
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a herb commonly used in the kitchen to add flavor and aroma to the food. It belongs to the species of the onion genus called Allium.
This herb has a history of human use for more than 7,000 years. This wonderful spice is a native to central Asia and has been a common staple in the Mediterranean region. It is frequently used for seasoning in Asia, Europe, and Africa. It was also known to the Ancient Egyptians, where it was used for culinary as well as for medicinal purposes.
DESCRIPTION
Despite the small size of the vegetable, garlic surely has a well-deserved reputation. The cloves of Garlic are held together or arranged in a head called a “bulb,” the size of which averages to about one and a half to two inches in height and diameter. The cloves and thebulb are encased in sheaths that are off-white in color, with a pink-purple hue.
Though the texture of the garlic cloves is firm, they can be crushed or cut easily. The taste of raw garlic can be described as it hits the palate with a spicy and hot pungency shadowed by a subtle sweetness in the background. The fresh, powdered and dried garlic are available in the market for the entire year. However, the fresh varieties from California are available only in the season from June until December.
HISTORY
Garlic, which is a native to the Central Asia, is one of the oldest cultivated plants that have been grown for more than 5000 years. Ancient Egyptians are believed to be the first to cultivate this plant. It has played a major role in their culture. Garlic has been bestowed with sacred qualities and is also placed in the tomb of Pharaohs.
However, the fact is that it was given to the slaves who built the Pyramids for enhancing their strength and endurance. [1] This strength-enhancing quality was honored by the ancient Romans and Greeks also, the civilizations whose athletes consumed garlic before any sporting event and whose soldiers ate it before going off to war.
Later, Garlic was introduced in the other regions across the globe and migrated into several cultural tribes. By the 6th century BC, this herb was known in the Asian countries, China and India, when the latter country started using it for the therapeutic purposes. Over the last few decades, it has gained unprecedented popularity with researchers all over the world validating its numerous health benefits through scientific studies.
GARLIC AS A HEALTH SUPPLEMENT
Though the medicinal properties of garlic were known to the ancient humanity, it is only recently that it has been accepted widely as a great anti-cancer agent. For centuries, this herb was used for improving the functions of the heart and for boosting the immune power. Over the last few decades, the scope of the medicinal use of this herb was widened as an effective cholesterol-lowering agent.
Its widespread use for reducing cholesterol level began only a few decades ago, possibly because people in the ancient times didn’t suffer from cholesterol problems as much as today’s generation. The rising incidence of the disorders related to high cholesterol such as heart attacks, stroke and peripheral vascular disease can be largely attributed to a faulty diet that is comprised of junk food, lack of physical activities and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Garlic has been found to be as effective as some commonly used anti-cholesterol medications like the statins, but without the side effects. The effects of garlic in the management of high cholesterol-induced disorders lead to more research to unearth its other medicinal properties. The scientific research done within the past few decades have discovered that this herb also possesses strong properties that can help in the management of cancer. [2]
GARLIC FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CANCER
Cancer is a serious disorder that occurs due to an uninhibited multiplication and growth of some cells in the body. It originates in any particular organ or tissues and often spreads to the surrounding or distant structures. It can spread to the neighboring organs by direct extension of the cancer cells to the tissues of the surrounding organs. The spread of cancer to the distant organs occurs via the passage of the cells through the blood and lymphatic system. The abnormal cell growth and multiplication can erode the tissues of the organ resulting in destruction that severely affects the normal functioning of the organ. Hence, it is very important to stop this division of cells and the spread of cancer to the other organs. However, as in most cases, the immunity of the person is involved in the process; it becomes difficult to control the growth of cancer.
The exact action of garlic in the management of cancer is discussed in detail in the coming chapters.
Besides this, garlic also offers other health benefits like
Though we know today that garlic can not bring in good luck, ward off vampires or protect us against evil, the characteristics assigned to it in the traditional folk tales; it is guaranteed to be much beyond that in reality. It can transform a meal into a healthy and aromatic, culinary experience.
This book is meant to provide information about the uses of garlic in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Readers can also learn about what is cancer and the different types or stages of the disease. It will focus on providing information about the different cancers that can be managed well by using Garlic. It also includes chapters on the other health benefits of garlic and the different ways to consume it for availing its medicinal benefits. Hopefully, this book will help the cancer patients all over the world to manage their illness in a more effective and harmless way and help them survive cancer and lead a healthy and long life.
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