Garlic: Anti-Aging Wonder
Recent studies on mice are revealing the secret health benefits of garlic. A common bulb vegetable used in almost every cuisine on Earth, garlic packs a punch when it comes to slowing aging.
Garlic: Anti-Aging Wonder
Recent studies on mice are revealing the secret health benefits of garlic. A common bulb vegetable used in almost every cuisine on Earth, garlic packs a punch when it comes to slowing aging.
Let’s unpack what makes it a superfood.
Diallyl sulfonated compounds
Diallyl sulfonated compounds (DAS) are the main compounds responsible for garlic’s health benefits. Studies on mice found that it prolonged lifespan by 11.4%.
DAS has been shown to improve memory in older adults, and was found to enhance the metabolic functions of mice in the study.
Protein Persulfidation
Proteins are like tiny machines that perform various functions in the body. From memory to building muscle, adequate protein is important for a good, long life.
Protein persulfidation is a process where sulfur atoms change the structure and function of that protein. This process can be naturally triggered by the presence of DAS.
Strength and Memory
Spanish scientists discovered upon examining 288 older adults that protein persulfidation is tied to stronger grip strength, a similar finding on the mice.
On top of that, higher protein persulfidation correlates with lower rates of depression, delirium and overall muscle weakness.
In a Nutshell
Garlic has been valued for its medicinal properties for thousands of years across different cultures, and modern science is now beginning to understand why. Whether you're adding it to your pasta sauce, roasting it with vegetables, or taking it as a supplement, adding garlic into your diet appears to be a simple, accessible way to potentially support healthy aging.
The next time you're cooking with garlic, remember: that humble bulb in your kitchen might be doing more than just adding kick to your food, it could be helping you build a healthier, longer life.
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