It can be beneficial to include garlic in one’s diet, but it is not the most effective, potent, or pleasant way to receive the benefits of garlic. Aged garlic and aged garlic extract supplements have much higher antioxidant activity than fresh garlic or other garlic supplements. The basic method of aging garlic entails slicing the garlic and storing it at room temperature. The aging process removes garlic’s strong odor and taste while increasing the antioxidant potential. (2)
There was a lot of hype about the health benefits of allicin, a compound found in raw garlic once it has been chopped or crushed. While allicin showed antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant benefits in test-tube experiments, further research has shown that allicin is not found in the bloodstream shortly after the consumption of garlic. (1)(2) Allicin is unstable and transient; it oxidizes and decomposes quickly before it can benefit the body.
Compounds found in aged garlic are stable and bioavailable. The primary organosulfur compounds produced during the aging process are S-allylcysteine (SAC) and S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), both of which have potent antioxidant activity. (1) Studies show that the compound SAC is easily absorbed in the GI tract and distributed in plasma and organs with a bioavailability of 98% in rats. (1)
The makers of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract conduct 250 quality tests during the aging and manufacturing process to ensure the product meets nutrient compound standards for purity, potency, and quality. (2) This consistency in product has made it easier to test the benefits of aged garlic extract.
Aged garlic extract contains a wide range of antioxidants. It has both water soluble and fat-soluble compounds, flavonoids, saponins and essential macro and micronutrients. The different antioxidants can work together synergistically to protect cells against oxidative damage. (1) Basically, the antioxidants work well together! This may contribute to some of aged garlic extract’s health benefits.
The main benefits of aged garlic are immune system support and cardiovascular health. (2) Aged garlic extract (AGE) can be helpful in lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, or reducing the effects of stress or inflammation. (2) AGE can help to lower risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease and protect against toxic, tissue-damaging effects of ROS-producing radiation. (1) In a University of Florida study, participants taking AGE has a significant increase of immune cells compared to the placebo group. The supplement also appeared to enhance the performance of Natural Killer and gamma delta T cells. (2) Clinical trials show that AGE can reverse plaque and coronary artery calcification. (2) These are just some of the research findings on aged garlic extract!
Sources
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Borek, C. (2001) Antioxidant Health Effects of Aged Garlic Extract. The Journal of Nutrition. 131(3): 1010S-1015S. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/3/1010S/4687113?login=true
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Garlic Supplements: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Aged Garlic Extract. (2022). Kyolic. Retrieved from https://kyolic.com/garlic-supplements-guide/
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