Research shows that garlic can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, help in preventing some sorts of heart disease and stroke, and even lower cancer risk. Garlinex by Survival Spices c/o Longevinex is recommended by the leading pharmacists as the most effective supplement of garlic on the market today.
Table of Content
- How Garlic Positively Affects Our Health
- In What Form Is It Best to Take Garlic?
- The Best Garlic Supplements on the Market
- Garlinex of Survival Spices c/o Longevinex
- Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract
- Nature’s Truth Odorless Garlic
- Allimax Allicin Powder Capsules
- Sports Research Vegan Garlic Oil
- OTC Garlic Supplements
- Precautions for OTC Garlic Supplements
- Facts about Garlic and Its Benefits For Your Health
How Garlic Positively Affects Our Health
The garlic is known for its moderate decrease of cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, and blood pressure. It also may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and help prevent colds, but in the case of active colds — garlic isn’t that effective. Some studies have also suggested that it may have protective effects against the circumstances of getting gastric cancer.
In What Form Is It Best to Take Garlic?
The clinical studies have proven a garlic extract with allicin or a substance that produces allicin to be the most effective type of garlic consumption. The aged garlic is the second on the list — it includes a derivative of allicin known as S-allylcysteine (SAC).
Others use fresh or dried garlic powder — which proves to be effective in the long term only. A black garlic is also mentioned as a good alternative quite often. However, it contains very little allicin — it can’t do much for reducing cholesterol, but possibly it could be of use for chronic heart failure.
The Best Garlic Supplements on the Market
We selected five top-rated garlic supplements measuring the amount of the total allicin and/or S-allyl cysteine (SAC) they contain, putting overall quality and value into consideration.
We selected each of these supplements with one primary mission in mind: to deliver key health benefits based on high concentrations of their key compounds, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits.
We also decided to base our criteria on the purity of the ingredients, cost-effectiveness, and the commitment of brands in continuing to set high standards when it comes to producing supplements.
#1. Garlinex of Survival Spices c/o Longevinex
Garlinex is the only enzyme-activated garlic capsules with allicin existing today. The proprietary and patented ALKEMY alkaline mineral base of Garlinex is able to protect the key allicin-activating enzyme — alliinase — from stomach acid. Unlike a great number of the other garlic pills tested under neutral pH conditions, Garlinex is designed to perform in the acid environment of the digestive tract — providing mimicked natural activation similar to fresh garlic.
Garlinex provides a standard-sized clove of fresh, crushed garlic’s allicin content (2400-3800 mcg) in each capsule without that irritating stomach discomfort from excessive stomach acid. This makes Garlinex both effective and friendly to the stomach, ensuring you reap all the garlic benefits without some of the common adverse effects — the best garlic extract pills in our top deserved.
Main Features
- Amount of Garlic: 2400-2800 milligrams of enzyme-activated alkaline-buffered garlic
- Cost per Serving: $0.39
- Ideal for: Health-conscious adults seeking cardiovascular, immune, and overall wellness; Individuals with sensitive stomachs; People concerned about odor; Those avoiding allergens and artificial ingredients
- Certifications: Non-GMO, Vegetarian, Organic
Pros
- Enzyme Activated — ensures maximum potency of allicin.
- Alkalinized Garlic Powder — a unique formula that counters the effects of stomach acid.
- All-Natural Ingredients — contains a mineral base and herbal blend, free from gluten, wheat, lactose, milk, yeast, GMOs, artificial colorants, sweeteners, sugars, and flavors.
- Odorless and Vegetarian — suitable for vegetarians and free from any garlic odor.
- Eco-friendly Packaging — comes in stand-up pouches that are both convenient and environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Not always in stock
- Not the cheapest option
#2. Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract
The 2016 research published in Integrated Blood Pressure Control found that aged garlic extract brought quite a few benefits to heart health, such as maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease.
The Kyolic garlic supplement offers 600 milligrams of aged garlic extract per Serving, is organic, and has no odor. Most reviewers appreciate the fact that it does not give garlic breath. Kyolic suggests two or more capsules to be taken with meals, twice daily.
Main Features
- Amount of Garlic: 600 milligrams of aged garlic extract per Serving
- Cost per Serving: $0.18
- Ideal for: Those who favor organic products and anyone interested in maintaining heart health
- Certifications: Certified Organic
Pros
- Affordable
- No garlic smell
- Potential heart health benefits
Cons
- Includes magnesium stearate as a filler
#3. Nature’s Truth Odorless Garlic
Nature’s Truth Garlic Supplement is the most per serving in soft gels of any we carry, a great choice for any customer who wants to take a high amount every day. Every softgel provides 12 milligrams of odorless garlic concentrate — which is equal to 1,200 milligrams of fresh garlic. Take up to 4 soft gels a day with meals for a total of 4,800 milligrams of fresh garlic.
This product is also non-GMO and gluten-free, which is a real value for this formula. However, some reviews note that it is a little garlicky in taste and smell. It’s also made with the pro-inflammatory soybean oil.
Main Features
- Amount of Garlic: 1200 milligrams of odorless garlic extract per Serving
- Cost per Serving: $0.08
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious consumers; People seeking a high-dose garlic supplement
- Certifications: Gluten-free, Non-GMO
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Offers the highest dose of garlic per softgel
- Free from GMOs and gluten
Cons
- Contains soybean oil, which can be pro-inflammatory
#4. Allimax Allicin Powder Capsules
What sets Allimax apart is the higher dose of purified allicin extract from garlic than is typically found in other garlic products. Allicin is a substance in garlic that underlies much of its health-promoting activity. The allicin, in turn, comes from garlic powder but does not have to undergo the breakdown or separation from other allicin-forming compounds because it is already synthesized.
Reviews indicate that it has helped them get through different health issues, but some say that it has a potent garlic odor and aftertaste. One capsule of Allimax per day is recommended to be taken at any time of the day.
Main Features
- Amount of Garlic: 450 milligrams of Allisure powder
- Cost per Serving: $0.84
- Ideal for: Individuals who prefer allicin for its concentrated benefits over standard garlic; Those aiming to enhance their immune system
- Certifications: N/A
Pros
- Contains allicin
- Highly praised by customers for effectiveness
- Convenient dosing with only one capsule needed per day
Cons
- Priced higher than some other garlic supplements available on the market
#5. Sports Research Vegan Garlic Oil
Although this one is a bit expensive, this garlic oil supplement by Sports Research is of superior quality because it contains the following factors: it contains one gram of fresh garlic per serving; it is vegan certified and non-GMO and does not contain fillers but contains organic extra-virgin olive oil.
The uniqueness of this product lies in its being packaged as soft gels and green in color due to the parsley seed and chlorophyll. The following health issues have been noted to improve with the use of Sports Research by reviewers: two softgel capsules daily are the recommended dosage of these fatty acid-containing supplements.
Main Features
- Amount of Garlic: 10 milligrams of garlic oil
- Cost per Serving: $0.19
- Ideal for: People who want to avoid soybean oil and fillers; people who prefer non-GMO or vegan products
- Certifications: Non-GMO, Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free
Pros
- Free from fillers and soybean oil
- Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free
- Odorless, making it easier to incorporate into your daily routine without the typical garlic smell
Cons
- Possible strong garlic aftertaste, as noted by some users
OTC Garlic Supplements
Fresh garlic is great to make your food spicier, but it can bring some complications to the people around you — and I mean all-pervasive odor.
Modern supplements have no such disadvantage — сertain manufacturers use deodorized garlic or aged garlic extract in order to reduce side effects like bad breath or digestive upset.
Overall, garlic supplements are easy to take; they are much more potent than raw garlic, and some of them include substances that improve allicin digestibility.
OTC garlic supplements usually come in capsule or tablet form and are consumed on a daily basis.
Advantages of Garlic Pills:
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Decrease blood sugar levels
- Improve inflammation responses
- Protect the liver
- Enhance immune function
- Combat infections
For patients working to control high blood pressure, the problems of multiple medications and the effects of such are simply too much. The use of garlic supplements would offer a method of controlling high blood pressure with fewer side effects.
Disclaimer: Do not change your treatment plan on your own! You should always consult your doctor about any substitution, addition or discontinuation of medications.
Side Effects of OTC Garlic Supplements
Generally, garlic supplements are well tolerated. In rare cases, they can produce some side effects. The most common problems are gastrointestinal upset and breath odor. This is usually minimized in aged garlic products and in odor-controlled supplements.
Possible side effects include:
- Bad breath
- Digestive discomfort
- Gas or bloating
- Acid reflux
These side effects are typically mild and do not deter most people from continuing with the supplements. If you experience any of these symptoms, consider switching to aged garlic extract or black garlic, or take your garlic pills with food to reduce discomfort.
Precautions for OTC Garlic Supplements
Don’t take garlic supplements if you’re allergic to allicin. Use the labeled dosing guidelines, and do not take more than recommended. Some people may have GI upsets from it, including bloating. If you have conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease or irritable bowel syndrome, you may want to be more careful.
Aged garlic extract may be safer for those on blood thinners than fresh or powdered garlic, which can otherwise further thin the blood and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. But in the case of injuries, either fresh or powdered garlic is likely to raise the risks of bleeding. Studies have, however, demonstrated that aged garlic extract does not have an effect on the performance of blood-thinning medicines.
Facts about Garlic and Its Benefits For Your Health
Garlic has been unique in taste but more so known for its invaluable health benefits. Some of the most potent health benefits of garlic are outlined below — which range from cardiovascular health and detoxification to immune support and longevity.
Garlic and Your Heart
Garlic has a well-studied impact on cardiovascular health — particularly in lowering blood pressure. The active compound allicin contributes to blood pressure management in two significant ways:
- Vasodilation. Allicin contributes to the dilation of blood vessels, which widens them for more effective blood circulation.
- Diuretic Effect. The substances in garlic stimulate the excretion of water and sodium. It acts as a natural diuretic — reducing blood pressure.
Research has shown that chronic garlic administration reduces SBP by 8–10 mmHg and DBP by 5–6 mmHg. This would be an effect equivalent to a shift of individuals with elevated blood pressure from 140/90 mmHg to levels that correlate with the effect of prescription medications — which may potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes by as much as 40%.
The efficacy of garlic generally is evident after six to eight weeks — and it may take as long as three months to experience full effects. Daily doses administered by researchers have ranged greatly from 500 mg to 6,000 mg; the typical daily doses range from 1,200 mg to 2,400 mg daily.
A specific study involving the Kyolic — garlic capsules with allicin — over 12 weeks demonstrated that a daily dose of 1,200 mg significantly lowered blood pressure with minimal side effects. However, a dosage of four capsules per day did not have a superior effect in reducing blood pressure and resulted in the intensification of the side effects.
Garlic is most effective if there is adequate vitamin B present in the body to activate it. Most diets are balanced enough to have an adequate supply of vitamin B. If garlic supplements make no difference to your blood pressure, then you might be better advised to take a vitamin B complex supplement. Consult with your health provider to check for potential deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate and to discuss the best treatment approach for your specific needs.
Garlic Helps Detoxify Heavy Metals in Your Body
Garlic has been effective in detoxifying the human body from heavy metals — particularly through the presence of a sulfide compound. In studies, it has been proved that it prevents organ damage induced by heavy metal toxicity. The main ingredient of garlic, allicin, was also proven to reduce the blood lead and its levels in vital organs to a great extent.
A critical study of car battery factory workers overexposed to lead found that garlic supplementation reduced blood lead levels by 19% and alleviated some clinical signs of toxicity — including headache and high blood pressure.
It is notable that three times a day of garlic was more effective than D-penicillamine — a clinically used drug to treat the effects of lead poisoning — in reducing the symptoms.
Garlic May Prevent the Common Cold
Garlic is effective in guarding against illnesses, including the common cold. A 2016 study, published in the ScienceDirect, found that taking aged garlic extract was associated with a significant increase in immune performance. The study population — some of whom took the supplement for 3 months during cold and flu season — had fewer signs and symptoms and took less sick days.
Additional studies confirm that garlic compounds do have antiviral activity; the activity might either restrict the entry of the virus into host cells or prevent the replication within the host cell.
Garlic Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease, Improving Cholesterol Levels
Garlic can help improve cholesterol levels, which can possibly lower the risk of acquiring heart disease. A 2018 review of research stated that garlic can reduce total and LDL cholesterol, which, in layman’s terms, is the “bad” cholesterol. Thus, the researchers concluded that even people who have high cholesterol can derive its advantages from enhanced garlic consumption.
However, they highlight that the same is to be explored and established. This has been proved by a research study in 2016, which indicates that after consuming garlic supplements for a minimum of two months, the level of LDL cholesterol is reduced to a maximum of 10% in people with a little higher levels. Garlic, on the other hand, appears to have no effect on triglycerides and HDL, the so-called good cholesterol.
Garlic Contains Substances Which May Help Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases
Garlic is also an antioxidant which can prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by fighting oxidative damage initiated by free radicals — one of the major factors in the process of aging and cognitive decline.
Animal research has suggested that a compound in garlic — allicin — provides protection in terms of cognitive function; however, further human research is required to confirm this.
Garlic May Prolong Your Lifespan
Garlic can truly make one live longer. Although it is not easy to demonstrate evidence of garlic and human longevity, there are many critical risk factors on which it has favorable effects, such as blood pressure, which is a major factor in mortality among the elderly. A study shows the evidence among older adults who eat garlic at least weekly had longer lifespans than those who ate it less frequently. Another important property of garlic is that it is able to fight against infectious diseases that are a major cause of death, particularly to the elderly and the weak in immune systems.