Does Garlic Have the Healing Power to Cure Cancer?

"Garlic is divine. Treat it with respect." - Anthony Bourdain

Can garlic cure cancer? People ask us this question often. And our short answer to that is “No.”

Cancer is treated through any or a combination of these treatments: surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, Immunotherapy, targeted therapy or hormone therapy may also be needed.

There are studies which show garlic has medicinal elements that may prevent (take note: ‘prevent’ not ‘cure’) or hinder the development of cancer.

Garlic has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It is garlic’s antibacterial components that are instrumental in preventing cancer and its capacity to boost genetic repair, minimize cell proliferation, and prevent the formation of carcinogenic substances in the body.

According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, garlic’s sulfur components which give the distinct “garlicky” scent, have been reported to suppress induced tumor incidence in several organs in experimental studies. Studies in humans also suggest that dietary garlic components can reduce the risk of precancerous colorectal adenomatous polyps-precursors to colon cancer.

The following are the main cancer-fighting components of garlic: 

Allicin. This is the compound that makes garlic a healing powerhouse. This compound which actually protects garlic against pests is also an antibiotic and antifungal. Allicin is released when a garlic clove or the entire head – is crushed or chopped. Keep in mind that allicin is a volatile substance and cooking speeds the breakdown of allicin and destroys its health benefits.

Flavonoids. These are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. These are compounds responsible for the vivid colors in fruits and vegetables. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds fight cancer by preventing cell damage.

Allyl Sulfides. These are substances that hinder cancer by intercepting damage to cells’ DNA or triggering the body to repair damaged DNA.

There you have it! A garlic a day may keep cancer away!

In fact, The World Health Organization recommends 2 grams to 5 grams of fresh garlic, 0.4 gram to 1.2 grams of dried garlic powder, 2 milligrams to 5 milligrams of garlic oil, 300 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams of garlic extract, or some other formulation that yields the equivalent of 2 milligrams to 5 milligrams (2,000 to 5,000 micrograms) of allicin daily.

You may also check out the following for more valuable information about the beloved Garlic: 

Garlic: Proven Benefits
Garlic Fact Sheet

And as a fitting closing to this article, let us leave you this quote from K. B. Rainwater, Bite Me: “I can assure you, milady, that the sign of the cross does not deter me, and the worst I have suffered from garlic is bad breath.”