Garlic isn’t just a flavourful addition to your meals; it’s a powerful herb with many health benefits, especially when combined with Vitamin C. For centuries, garlic has been valued for its taste and medicinal properties. Ancient civilisations like Egypt and Greece used garlic to boost energy and well-being, and today it remains a popular remedy.
Modern research shows that garlic, when paired with Vitamin C, can offer even greater benefits. Garlic supports heart health and helps ease cold symptoms, while Vitamin C boosts the immune system. Together, they offer support for your health.
What Are the Benefits of Garlic?
Garlic for the Common Cold
Garlic has long been recognised for supporting the immune system, particularly its potential to prevent and reduce symptoms of the common cold. Research shows that people who take garlic tablets daily are less likely to catch colds.
In a study led by Peter Josling, director of the Garlic Centre in East Sussex, 146 participants were studied during the peak cold season. Half took garlic supplements containing allicin, while the other half took a placebo. The results showed that those taking garlic had fewer colds, and when they did get sick, the severity and duration of their symptoms were reduced.
This study highlights how garlic can be a natural tool for maintaining overall health and fighting off common infections like colds. Although studies suggest that garlic works, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Additional Health Benefits of Garlic
Heart Health
Garlic does more than just fight colds. It’s also great for heart health. Studies show that garlic helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which supports heart function and can help manage blood pressure. Some research even suggests that garlic supplements or garlic extract may reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Anti-Inflammatory
Garlic is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. People with arthritis may find that garlic helps reduce joint inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation recommends garlic oil for soothing sore joints and preventing cartilage damage.
Antioxidant
Garlic's antibacterial and antioxidant properties also make it a useful tool for skincare. Rubbing raw garlic on spots may help kill acne-causing bacteria, though it’s always good to consult a dermatologist before trying this.
Garlic may even support bone health. Some studies suggest that it improves calcium absorption, which is beneficial for conditions like osteoporosis. Whether consumed raw or through garlic tablets, garlic can help maintain strong bones.
With so many benefits, adding garlic to your daily routine, whether in food or as a supplement, offers a range of protective effects for your overall health.
Can Vitamin C Help with a Cold?
It’s a common belief that Vitamin C can cure a cold, but the reality is more complex. Vitamin C supports the immune system, but research shows its ability to prevent or shorten colds is limited. It’s most effective for people under intense physical stress, like athletes or those in very cold environments.
Despite this, Vitamin C is still vital for overall health. It helps the immune system by supporting immune cells and protecting them from damage caused by free radicals. In addition to supporting immunity, Vitamin C is essential for forming collagen, maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and repairing tissues like skin and muscles.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of Vitamin C, can help support immune health. If you’re not getting enough from your diet, a Vitamin C supplement can help you meet your daily needs. Sona's Vitamin C range helps to boost your immune system, including options like C 1000 Complex, C 500 Chewable, and Sona Revital C 1000 mg. Remember, getting enough Vitamin C is essential for keeping your immune system strong.
Why You Should Try Garlic Tablets
If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immune system and overall health, Sona Odourless Garlic Oil Capsules and Sona Garlic with Vitamin C Tablets (Odourless) are excellent choices. Sona Garlic with Vitamin C Tablets contains 2.4mg of allicin, a potent compound released when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. In these tablets, allicin is preserved in an odourless form, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of garlic without the strong smell.
These supplements not only help reduce cold symptoms but also provide additional health benefits, reducing inflammation, and strengthening your immune system, making it a versatile and effective addition to your daily routine.
References:
Yakoot M, Salem A. Efficacy and safety of a multiherbal formula with vitamin C and zinc (Immumax) in the management of the common cold. International Journal of General Medicine 2011;4:45-51
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/vitamin-c-for-common-cold
Bordia A, Bansal HC, Arora SK, Singh SV. Effect of the essential oils of garlic and onion on alimentary hyperlipemia. Atherosclerosis. 1975;21:15–9. doi: 10.1016/0021-9150(75)90091-x.
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8
Hemilä H. Vitamin C intake and susceptibility to the common cold [Discussion: 1998;78:857–866]. Br J Nutr. 1997;77(1):59–72.