[Retired Tech]

Much of the research into the pharmacological benefits of garlic has focused on the organic polysulphides that the clove is rich in -- the best known of which is Allicin.

But the new research suggests that Allicin and similar biologically active compounds are only a piece of the puzzle, and that it's the chemical messenger that is produced when these compounds are metabolized that is important.

In laboratory tests, the researchers at the University of Alabama found that it was this chemical messenger -- hydrogen sulphide (H2S) -- which is essential at low levels for cellular signaling, that appears to relax blood vessels, enhancing blood flow.

The finding may explain why some studies showed there were no cardiovascular benefits to be gained from taking garlic supplements while many others showed that such supplements could halt the progress of cardiovascular disease, the authors said.

"In addition, our results suggest that the capacity to produce H2S can be used to standardize garlic dietary supplements," the authors wrote.

http://uk.news.yahoo...-0b0437e_1.html

[Advertisements]

Mmmm... garlic... wait, I'll be right back

[Chopin]

Mmmm... garlic... wait, I'll be right back

[Troy]

I like cheese and garlic grilled on toast... Yummy!

[Tal]

Ah, garlic is good, but not when it comes to bad breath

[Chopin]

Eww... cheese... mmm... garlic. I like my garlic in my soy sauce with onions and wasabi, and I dip steamed (?) beef in it. It's good

[Tal]

Give me a plateful of Italian Pasta with freshly cut mushrooms with a tiny bit of white wine and I'd easily pass meat

Edited by landlord, 16 October 2007 - 06:23 PM.

[Troy]

Give me a plateful of Italian Pasta with freshly cut mushrooms with a tiny bit of white wine and I'd easily pass lots of meat

Fixed!

[Tal]

Hehe, unfortunately I am not a fan of meat in my pasta I'd rather have it with some cheese