Written by Dr. Elliot Lysyk, DC ~ Vernon Chiropractor

I know it’s strange to proclaim a perennial plant from the amaryllis family the love of my life, but judging by how much these tasty cloves make their way into my cooking, that’s really the best way to put it!

As a child, I remember watching in mild horror as my great-uncle Bill wrapped 3 raw cloves in a piece of white bread with his thick, calloused fingers and slowly chewed it down. Apparently he ate this every day, and hey -- the guy was one tough farmer who lived a long, healthy life. He also only sired two children at a time when most farm families were far larger, which highlights garlic's primary role as effective birth control (from repugnant halitosis). At least that's what my great-aunt might say. And my wife. Yes, I only have one child.

I started consuming garlic myself a few years back (a bit obsessively) when I came across its extensively researched benefits:

• Reduces blood cholesterol
• Reduces atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)
• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers blood clotting
• Reduces blood sugar
• May help fight or prevent certain types of cancer (anti-tumor effects)
• Contains an antioxidant called allicin which is responsible for its antimicrobial properties—helping fight colds and the flu. Yup, not only does garlic’s stench repulse your fellow man, but it also fends off infectious contagion!

C’mon. With a list like that, why wouldn’t you include garlic in, well, everything?

Given that I easily consume the equivalent of several cloves a day in my famous salsa alone, it’s a wonder that my patients put up with me!

Garlic, you complete me!

Reference: Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects from Journal of Phytomedicine, 2014 Jan-Feb; 4(1): 1–14.