You may not have heard of allicin, but you’ve probably smelled it! Allicin is actually a natural element of both garlic and onions – two of the most pungent foods on the planet. But despite its smell, allicin can actually have some positive benefits for your health.

What is Allicin?

Allicin is a natural compound that can be obtained from garlic or onions. When extracted and distilled to its essence, it is a clear, colorless liquid that emits a pungent smell. It plays a role in the distinctive smell of both garlic and onions. Scientists have long known about the medicinal properties of allicin, as it is an effective antibacterial and antifungal compound. Allicin is produced naturally by garlic as a defense against pests, and the garlic plant releases this compound into areas where tissue damage has occurred as a result of bacterial or fungal infections.

Health Benefits

More recent studies on the health benefits of allicin, however, have revealed that it may have other medicinal uses. One of the more common health problems that affects many people today is atherosclerosis, a condition in which hard plaques form on the inside walls of blood vessels, constricting the flow of blood through the vessels and contributing to elevated blood pressure levels. In severe cases of atherosclerosis, the formation of plaques within the blood vessels may also cause the vessel walls to rupture, leading to internal hemorrhaging. Allicin has been found to be effective in preventing the formation of such plaque, thus preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

Allicin also has great potential to become one of the next great antibacterial agents. As bacteria found in hospitals become increasingly resistant to common antibiotics such as methicillin, scientists and doctors are turning more and more to natural antibacterial solutions. A recent study found that the product, when extracted and processed into liquid form, becomes a very effective antibiotic. It is also effective when processed into a cream form, which can be used to treat patients infected with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Modern living has also led to more and more people falling prey to harmful substances found in the body known as free radicals. These free radicals are usually produced by unhealthy living habits, such as prolonged exposure to the sun. They are very reactive particles, and have been known to cause damage to healthy cells. Studies have shown that allicin is effective at trapping and removing radicals.

How to Obtain Allicin

If you want to take supplements containing allicin to take advantage of its medical benefits, then there are several options to consider. Many people who have heard about the medical benefits of allicin take extracts of garlic or garlic supplements on a regular basis. The problem with this, however, is that the formation of allicin requires the presence of an enzyme known as allinase. Without this enzyme, allicin will not form. The problem lies in the fact that the acidic environment found in the digestive system quickly destroys allinase, preventing the production of any significant amount of the substance.

The only effective alternative is to obtain a powdered extract of the compound. In this form, the allicin has already been formed and is in a state that the body can immediately use. This is the most effective form of a supplement that you may consider taking to experience the health benefits that it can bring.