What is allicin?

It isn't just nutritionists that have been touting the benefits of garlic for decades. Garlic is one of those foods that you've likely heard your older relatives rave about, from curing ear infections to the common cold.

But what is it about garlic that makes it so healthy? The main compound in garlic responsible for its many beneficial antibacterial and anti-fungal properties is allicin.

While eating garlic is helpful, you would have to eat a ridiculous amount of garlic (roughly 45 cloves) to get the levels of allicin research indicates are needed for the health benefits to kick in. Furthermore, garlic in its full form doesn't contain allicin. It's only when it gets cut up or crushed that a chemical reaction takes place that turns its precursors to allicin. This is a protective mechanism used by the plant to avoid being infected or pests from eating it. Cool, eh?!

What is Allimax Pro?

Allimax Pro is a supplement of pure allicin. Unlike many other garlic supplements, it's made with Allisure, which is the world's only stabilized extract of allicin. Most garlic supplements contain ZERO allicin. Instead, they contain allinase and alliin, which are the precursors to allicin that need to be converted into allicin for the body to use. Most of them rely on an enteric coating that protects the capsule until it gets to the small intestine where it can be converted. You want to watch out for supplements that boast "allicin potential" because they require very specific pH levels that are not representative of the stomach or small intestine.

While many supplements can become inactivated by the stomach's acidity, the allicin in Allimax actually likes the acidic environment of your stomach. This means that it's easily absorbed and utilized by the body for its many health benefits.

Why use it?

Here are some of the researched benefits of allicin:

1. A natural antibiotic: Research has found it to be beneficial against multiple forms of antibiotic resistant bacteria, include E. Coli, staph infections and UTIs.
2. A natural antifungal: Research also indicates it may help fight fungal infections, especially Candida albicans, which is a pathogen that usually originates in the digestive tract and I sometimes encounter in my clients with severe digestive issues.
3. Cardiovascular health: Allicin has been shown to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol.
4. Antioxidant properties: Antioxidants neutralize toxins and free radicals that damage the cells.
5. Boosting immunity and fighting infections: Taking an allicin supplement at the first sign of illness may help reduce symptoms and the severity of the cold.

Research is also linking it to reducing inflammation, fighting cancerous cells, reducing exercise-related muscle soreness and treating acne.

How to use it?

I recommend using it for it's antibacterial, anti-fungal and immune boosting properties. Take one capsule daily unless otherwise indicated by your practitioner.

Before taking any supplements, whether herbal or not, always read the label and check with your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions. Be sure to always do your research into any potential side effects.

You can find Allimax Pro online at Goodness Me.