Researchers have widely believed that the organic compound, allicin – which gives garlic its aroma and flavour – acts as the world's most powerful antioxidant.
 But until now it hasn't been clear how allicin works, or how it stacks up compared to more common antioxidants such as Vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, which stop the damaging effects of radicals.
     
Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and it's been credited with fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.

The therapeutic qualities of garlic are nothing new. Sanskrit records reveal that garlic remedies were pressed into service in India 5,000 years ago,
while Chinese medicine has recognised garlic's powers for over 3,000 years.
So, what is it about garlic that makes it such a boon to our health? When cloves are chewed, crushed or cut,
they release a sulphur-bearing compound called allicin - the chemical that gives garlic its pungent taste and smell.
And it's the allicin that scientists have discovered is the magic ingredient thought to be responsible for garlic's therapeutic qualities.


Garlic helps lower blood sugar and may be used (under a doctor’s supervision) by people with diabetes in addition to their regular regime of
 insulin and special diets.  Researchers have found that certain compounds in garlic such as allicin, allyl propyl disulfide and
 S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide work by increasing the amount of insulin in the blood by blocking the liver’s inactivation of insulin, making more insulin available to the body
 Among the complications of diabetes may include high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, arteriosclerosis,
kidney disease and kidney failure (requiring dialysis or kidney transplant), nervous system damage, amputations and blindness. The following is a partial list of the health benefits of garlic or its constituents for diabetics:
 ■Lowers glucose levels in the blood
 ■Combats or prevents arteriosclerosis
 ■Fights infections
 ■Strengthens the immune system
 ■Lowers bad cholesterol
 ■Regulates blood pressure
 ■Fights or prevents heart disease
 ■Promotes blood flow
 ■Fights respiratory diseases
 ■Inhibits cancer
 ■Kills herpes on contact
 ■Thins blood
 ■Is an anti-oxidant
 ■Detoxifies
 ■Treats HIV/AIDS infections