The double-blind, randomized study involved 51 healthy adults. Their mean age was at 45.6 years while their mean body mass index (BMI) was at 36.1 – well within the obese range.
The subjects were matched according to BMI and divided into two groups. One group received aged garlic supplementation while the other was given a placebo. Capsules labeled either A or B were provided to the subjects who, along with the researchers, were not privy to the intervention assignments to ensure objectivity.
Both placebo and supplement groups were told to drink three capsules with food twice a day without changing their diet or workout routine. One capsule contained 0.6 grams of the product, which meant that in a day, members of the supplement group ingested 3.6 grams of aged garlic extract.
This regimen continued for six weeks, after which the participants' blood lipid and inflammatory markers were noted. To determine any changes in immune cell populations and the levels of cytokine secretion over the six-week period, the researches also looked at peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from the participants' blood.
Analysis revealed noticeably lower levels of inflammatory markers serum IL-6 and TNF-? in those who took the supplements compared to those who took the placebo. This proved aged garlic extract's ability to combat inflammations that can lead to serious health conditions.
“As obesity affects more than 600 million adults nationwide, identifying successful interventions to moderate the negative effects of obesity, like systemic inflammation and associated chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, are imperative,” the study's authors said.
Moreover, further examination indicated modulated immune cell distribution among the members of the supplement group compared to those in the placebo group.
“To our knowledge, this is the first report that evaluates the effect of aged garlic extract supplementation on immune cell populations in adults with obesity-induced inflammation,” the researchers remarked.
They added that because of the short duration of their study, further research needs to be performed on the long-term effects of aged garlic extract supplementation on inflammation and immune function of adults with obesity.
The study above, which was funded by pharmaceutical company Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd., was not the first to have demonstrated the health benefits of aged garlic extract. Several studies, including one conducted in China, linked the extract to improvements in cardiovascular health.
The health benefits of garlic
Garlic has long been valued as a natural remedy in many cultures. It offers a wide range of health benefits, such as:
- It boosts the immune system – The nutrients present in garlic are good for the immune system. In fact, garlic is known for its ability to reduce the incidence of common illnesses like colds and the flu.
- It's great for athletes – Garlic was given to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece because of its properties that enhance performance and ease fatigue. Modern studies indicate that it can improve the athletic performance of people with heart conditions.
- It keeps your brain healthy – Garlic contains plenty of antioxidants that help prevent the onset of diseases common to aging people. These include dementia and even Alzheimer's disease.
- It's great for female bones – The gradual decline in their body's ability to produce estrogen make women prone to bone density loss once they reach menopause. Garlic supplementation has been shown to reduce the markers for estrogen deficiency, indicating its ability to promote bone health.
For more stories on the benefits of garlic as a natural remedy, visit Remedies.news.
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