The Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic has an intriguing history as well as a wonderful flavor. In the past, this pungent herb was used to treat numerous ailments from hangovers to typhoid; and of course let’s not forget the occasional vampire. Garlic however, attracted much attention in the early 1980’s when it was linked to the ‘French Paradox’. The ‘French Paradox’ includes the consumption of garlic, olive oil and wine - a more relaxed approach to eating. It seems that many Europeans who consume diets high in fat and animal protein also enjoy low levels of heart disease.

Studies have shown that the consumption of garlic may lower high blood pressure. It appears that garlic may ‘thin’ the blood for a short time, which will reduce the risk of clotting. Blood thinning is not always good, but with many individuals’ blood, due to diet and lifestyle factors, prone toward clotting, may lead to cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and stroke.

Many studies have shown that garlic may:

• reduce cholesterol levels
• decrease LDL (bad cholesterol), yet improve HDL (good cholesterol) levels
• retard the body’s cholesterol making process and excrete fat
• prevent atherosclerosis ( plaque that builds up on the walls of the arteries that cause cardiovascular disease)
• be effective in fighting colds, infections - because garlic is a natural antibiotic
• help prevent high metal toxicity such as lead poisoning

Although garlic contains low amounts of antioxidants such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C, selenium and carotene, many researchers believe that the component allicin is responsible for most of garlic’s health boosting properties. It apparently is also responsible for the herb’s distinctive smell and profound taste.

Many ask how much garlic is enough? Generally recommended preventative doses for garlic are a half to two cloves, 4 to 7 days per week for men and post menopausal women. You can swallow the whole cloves or use theem in cooking. The usual dose for garlic capsules is 300 to 900 milligrams per day. Capsules are just as effective as the ‘real’ garlic. But they are only effective if they contain alliin, allicin or allicin’s active daughter compounds. Garlic tends to ’stay’ with people for varying amounts of time. They dissolve in your intestines and garlic capsules usually don’t produce the side effects that the herb intself may produce. One of the advantages of taking the capsules is the elimination of the ’smell’ that lingers when eating or consuming the natural herb.

Although many health-care professionals proclaim garlic free of any side effects, due to its anti-clotting properties, it is wise to take caution if you have an increased tendency toward bleeding or any other medical conditions. If you have a bleeding disorder, which include hemophilia, avoid large doses of garlic. If you suffer from migraines, you may limit your intake of garlic as well. Garlic may have a vasodilatory effect that some believe could prompt a migraine attack.

Enjoy your garlic it is a wonderful herb, but take caution with the intake amount if you suffer from any of the conditons mentioned.

Heart-Smart Salad Dressing

2/3 parts cold-pressed olive oil, walnut oil or flaxseed oil

1/6 part red wine or balsamic vinegar

1/6 part organic lemon or lime juice

dash of black pepper

dash powdered mustard

3 slightly crushed garlic cloves

Mix and let stand for at least 2 hours. Remove the cloves or eat them and enjoy. May be also used as a marinade. This is very potent, so a little will go a long way.

Until next time,

Dr.  Mommy

Are There Benefits to Purchasing Organic Foods?

This a question that is always brought up when deciding between organic and regular store bought produce and food in general. The questions are based around the unnatural ingredients and the way our food is produced. The use of pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones makes people leary and start to question and with good reason. Many of the pesticides and hormones used have been linked to illnesses and unfortunate reactions. Because of the pesticides more people are purchasing organic products.

Organic products are generally produced without the use of pesticides.

Many of the usual pesticides used are:

• synthetic fertilizers
• sewage sludge fertilizers
• radiation
• bioengineering
• growth hormones injected into animals

Organic products such as meats, poultry, and dairy products are not injected with the growth hormones and the produce is not laden with pesticides. But because of this, these products tend to be more costly too.

Unfortunately, the cost factor is one to deter many. Organic food costs 50 to 100 percent more than similar brands in the market today. Organic foods are certified and inspected and will have the USDA seal on them. This is a way to distinguish true organic foods in the local markets or supermarkets.

There are ways to purchase produce from your local farmers as well. But be sure to ask the type of pesticides they use if any. Some may complain of the cost but it is worth it when it comes to your health.

So is it worth purchasing organic products? If you are concerned about your health and what your foods may or may not be injected with or what your produce may be laced with, it is wise to look into purchasing organic or from your local farmers.

Until next time,

Dr. Mommy

Kid-Friendly Home Tips

Our homes are naturally filled with toxins. Here are 5 tips to keep your home kid-friendly.

1. Choose as many organic foods as possibly. Many of the produce you purchase is filled with toxins and sprays and choosing organic can eliminate that exposure. Also pass up on fast foods and highly processed foods.
2. Use natural cleaners and personal care products. Try to purchase ones that are labeled chlorine-free, biodegradable, petroleum-free and organic.
3. Keep those pesty bugs and weeds away with natural insecticides and weed killers. Use natural fertilizers on your lawn and be sure to have your children wash their hand with soap and water after playing outdoors.
4. Open you windows to air out your house. Change the filters in your air conditioners monthly. Purchase air filters or indoor plants. Don’t forget to empty out your vacuum filters as well.
5. Replace your children’s plastic toys. Many of these toys are made from certain types of plastic which can leach toxic chemicals with repeated use. Try wooden or metals toys instead.

Until next time,

Dr. Mommy