Garlic has been scientifically proven to have benefits if you want to fight inflammation, help fight infection, improve cardiovascular health, reduce total cholesterol and Low-density Lipoprotein, it has anti-aging properties, helps fat loss and can even reduce risk of certain cancers.
And although garlic is a popular vegetable, taking it as a supplement has significant advantages especially as you can be sure what dose you are taking. This is why Garlic is used in biohacking and here are the Best Garlic Supplements that we recommend and why too.
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Daily consumption of garlic (10g or more) is associated with a significantly reduced risk of prostate, colon, and stomach cancer. It can also induce fat loss and adrenaline secretion, though in a minor way.
Taking or eating garlic can benefit cardiovascular health, physical and sexual vitality, cognition, and resistance to infection. It also has anti-aging properties.
Garlic products, sold as health supplements, may vary widely in amount of allicin, the active ingredient in garlic. Allicin is unstable and can be reduced in garlic products that are aged to reduce odor. However, odorless garlic may contain little to no allicin. The lower the amount of allicin, the less effective a garlic product might be.
Each of these products are unique and you may find the one best for you through our description and analysis of each of the supplements.
1. Solaray Organically Grown Garlic
Why we picked it: Highly recommended by users for its high garlic dosage with no binders. It’s totally organic.
Solaray Organically Grown Garlic is one of the few garlic supplements which is formulated with pure garlic and a vegetable capsule and no other ingredients. Solaray has formulated this product to have a quality garlic dosage with no fillers or binders.
Highlights:
- 600mg organic garlic
- No fillers or binders
- Vegetable capsule
- Pure and organically grown garlic
- Antiviral and antibacterial
- Antioxidant-rich
Who Makes It?
Solaray is the flagship brand of a nutraceutical supplement producer that was founded in 1973 in Utah and later acquired in 1993. They offer thousands of different supplements available in over 60 countries worldwide, produced in GMP certified facilities. Their products are categorized by cap colors for ease of consumer navigation – green caps are single herbs, maroon is guaranteed potent extracts, blue is solar products blends, yellow is organically grown herbs, black is ayurvedic and red is cool cayenne herbs.
Fundamentals:
This is a pure garlic supplement that is suitable and effective for vegetarians. It is a well-rounded garlic supplement, manufactured by Solaray, a reliable brand. This product is free from fillers, binders, and unnecessary added ingredients – and it can help almost anyone improve their overall health.
Pros:
- Organic product
- Doesn’t contain artificial additions
- It is easy to swallow
Cons:
- Most people won’t find the strong taste of garlic very appealing
2. BioPure Organic Freeze Dried Garlic
Why we picked it: It is proprietarily processed to retain a high content of richly bioavailable allicin.
BioPure Organic Freeze Dried Garlic is a beneficial and effective garlic supplement that is made with freeze-dried garlic. It contains about 5.4mg of allicin per serving, supporting its antioxidant, antiviral and antibiotic benefits.
Highlights:
- 700mg garlic clove
- Free from GMOs
- Freeze-dried garlic pill
- High allicin content
- Vegan
- Antioxidant-rich
- Antiviral and antibiotic
Who Makes It?
BioPure is a supplement brand that creates natural products from raw ingredients for various health purposes. Their manufacturing facilities are all GMP certified, and they create their supplements using a freeze-drying method.
Fundamentals:
This freeze-dried garlic pill is a good garlic option for almost anyone. It is a non-GMO vegan garlic pill that uses garlic standardized for allicin content.
Pros:
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Assists in detoxification
- Supports microbial defense
- Contains antioxidant properties
- Immune support
- Contains no GMO’s
- Non GMO Vegan Vegetable Capsule of cellulose and water
Cons:
- Might have allergic reactions towards some people
3. Natural Factors Garlicrich
Why we picked it: Each enteric-coated softgel has the strength of eight cloves of garlic without the tell-tale scent lingering on your breath.
Natural Factors GarlicRich is an odor controlled garlic pill formula that is enteric coated, which helps ensure that the medicinal compounds in garlic make it to the small intestine for absorption. This product provides super high allicin and alliin (precursor to allicin) and gamma-glutamylcysteine content.
Highlights:
- 500mg GarlicRich garlic
- Odor controlled
- Enteric-coated
- Easily absorbed
- High allicin, alliin, and gamma-glutamylcysteine content
Who Makes It?
Natural Factors is a natural supplement brand that manufactures products from farm-to-table. Their certified organic farm is located in an alluvial valley in BC, Canada. They also are dedicated to sustainable farming practices, and their products never contain GMOs.
Fundamentals:
It is enteric coated to promote absorption, and odor controlled to reduce potential side effects like garlic breath.
Pros:
- Reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease
- Helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduces blood clotting
- Enhances immune function
- Has antibacterial qualities
- Fights fungal and microbial infections
- Relieves symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
Cons:
- People with allergies with the non-medical ingredients of the supplement, which include Organic flaxseed oil, Enteripure softgel (gelatin, glycerin, purified water, pectin), non-GMO sunflower lecithin, yellow beeswax, should avoid using this supplement.
4. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Garlic
Why we picked it: Certified Organic Garlic bulb freshly dried and carefully prepared to retain natural compounds for optimum potency
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Garlic is a 100% vegetarian garlic pill that provides a powerful dose of garlic. It is formulated with organic garlic and 100% non-GMO ingredients.
Highlights:
- 1575mg organic garlic bulb
- 100% non-GMO
- Organic garlic
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Antioxidant, antiviral and antibiotic
Who Makes It?
Oregon’s Wild Harvest is an herbal supplement brand that was founded in 1994 by a registered nurse and his wife, and today produces more than 200 herbal supplements. Their products are made from whole herbs that are scientifically tested for purity and potency.
Fundamentals:
The many benefits of Oregon’s Wild Harvest Garlic can support the health of vegetarians as well due to vegetarian capsules.
Pros:
- Organic garlic bulb
- 3 month supply
- Free from dairy, wheat, gluten, soy or corn allergens
Cons:
- Some users experienced gas after use
5. Source Naturals Wellness Garlicell
Why we picked it: Enteric-coating process protects the potential of allicin, garlic’s main active component, until it reaches the small intestine, where it is released and immediately absorbed.
Source Naturals Wellness Garlicell is a good garlic choice that has been formulated to be free from the after odor. It contains 5.2mg of gamma-glutamylcysteine and 6mg of the medicinally active compound allicin.
Highlights:
- 600mg garlic bulb
- No after odor
- Contains medicinal garlic compounds
Who Makes It?
Source Naturals is a nutraceutical brand with over 600 health products designed to treat a wide variety of health needs. It was founded in 1982 with the idea to provide supplements that help maintain well-being and enhance life. They were the first brand to accomplish this by blending herbs, nutraceuticals, and nutrients in one formulation.
Pros:
- Reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease
- Helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduces blood clotting
- Enhances immune function
- Has antibacterial qualities
- Fights fungal and microbial infections
- Relieves symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
Cons:
- People with allergies with the non-medical ingredients of the supplement, which include Organic flaxseed oil, Enteripure softgel (gelatin, glycerin, purified water, pectin), non-GMO sunflower lecithin, yellow beeswax, should avoid using this supplement.
6. Solgar Garlic Powder
Why we picked it: Experienced company and great if you want high gamma-glutamylcysteine
Solgar Garlic Powder is a powerful garlic option that yields high gamma-glutamylcysteine content, making it an effective supplement. It is free from any other ingredients besides the vegetable capsules it is delivered in.
Highlights:
- 1000mg garlic powder
- Suitable for vegetarians
- High gamma-glutamylcysteine
- Pure garlic
Who Makes It?
Solgar is a well-known supplement brand that has decades of experience in the supplement industry. Since its founding in 1947, Solgar has been producing high-quality science-based supplements. All of their products are scrutinized under their gold standard of manufacturing quality control.
Pros:
- Certified organic
- Kosher
- Non GMO
- Allergen free
- Sugar, starch and salt free
Cons:
- It can cause indigestion
- It can leave a present aftertaste for hours
7. Eclectic Institute Garlic
Why we picked it: Established levels of active marker compounds with no standardized extracts, fillers, preservatives or other adulterants.
Eclectic Institute Garlic is a gel capsule, fresh freeze-dried garlic pill, that is suitable for vegetarians. The formulation contains the active co-factors in the same amounts as the natural herb, making it as close to fresh garlic as possible without having to endure the burn of raw garlic. This whole-herb garlic pill is good for those who want to get as close as possible to the natural garlic plant.
Highlights:
- 550mg organic garlic
- Freeze-dried garlic
- Includes all garlic compounds
Who Makes It?
Eclectic Institute is a natural supplement producer that was founded in 1982. Today they sell a wide variety of herbal products organized by the functions they support. Their supplements are produced from their organic farm in the base of Mt Hood.
Fundamentals:
If you are interested in a solid garlic pill that is as close to fresh garlic as possible, this may be the right supplement for you. Eclectic Institute Garlic contains freeze-dried garlic in a vegetarian gel capsule.
Pros:
- Very potent product
- Although you can smell the garlic it doesn’t leave an unpleasant breath
- It contains whole garlic cloves
Cons:
- Some users experienced gastrointestinal discomfort
8. Olympian Lab Garlic Gold
Why we picked it: It also contains Cinnamon which increases the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar by increasing glucose metabolism and insulin production, as well as cholesterol levels.
Olympian Lab Garlic Gold is a garlic extract pill that is fortified with cinnamon for its benefits and yields 13mg alliin and 6mg allicin.
Highlights:
- 500mg garlic extract
- 200mg cinnamon extract
- Garlic extract pill
- Fortified with cinnamon
- Made in the USA
Who Makes It?
Olympian Labs is a supplement brand that is dedicated to helping people “achieve optimal health, wellbeing, and balance.” They carry supplements in 28 different health categories, all manufactured in a GMP certified facility.
Fundamentals:
Olympian Lab Garlic provides additional benefits of cinnamon extract. However, it does include more fillers than some alternatives, and it comes in a lower quantity.
Pros:
- Fortified with cinnamon
- Deodorized / Odorless
- Supports Normal Blood Sugar Levels
- Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels
- Supports Cardiovascular Health
Cons:
- People allergic to cinnamon will not be able to consume this supplement
9. Pure Encapsulations GarliActive
Why we picked it: Due to its high-allicin, odor-controlled, buffered garlic; specialized alkalizing matrix substitutes enteric coating
Pure Encapsulations GarliActive is a high allicin odor controlled garlic pill that is standardized to contain at least 9mg allicin. It is hypoallergenic and contained in a vegetarian capsule. Pure Encapsulations products are tested by third-party laboratories, so you can be positive that it contains only the ingredients listed on the label.
Highlights:
- 600mg garlic bulb
- Hypoallergenic
- Odor controlled
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Good for athletes
- Antioxidant, antiviral and antibiotic
Who Makes It?
Pure Encapsulations is a well-known supplement producer that creates hypoallergenic, science-based formulas for a variety of health purposes. All of their products are manufactured in a GMP certified facility that exceeds the United States Pharmacopeia’s standards.
Fundamentals:
This product is odor controlled, and it has high allicin content, which is the active antiviral, antibiotic and antioxidant compound found in garlic. This garlic pill is also made by a reliable brand known for hypoallergenic supplements.
Pros:
- Garlic bulb extract
- 4 month supply
- Hypoallergenic
- Non GMO
Cons:
- They can be heavy on the stomach
- They leave a bad aftertaste
Allicin: The Source of Garlic’s Medicinal Benefits
Allicin, as previously mentioned, is one of the major biologically active sulfur components of garlic that accounts for a plethora of health benefits associated with garlic. This means, when looking for the most effective garlic capsule, the supplements should contain high amounts of stabilized allicin. Allicin is produced when a garlic clove is chopped or crushed. Garlic contains an amino acid called alliin and when garlic is crushed it combines with the enzyme alliinase to produce allicin.
The Health Benefits of Allicin Include:
- Lowering total cholesterol (LDL)
- Lowering triglycerides
- Preventing heart-related conditions including, heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis
- Supporting overall health of the circulatory system (lower incidence of heart attacks and strokes)
- Restoring suppressed antibody responses
- Controlling high blood pressure
- Aiding tick bites
- Treating Ringworm
- Treating Athlete’s foot
- Antimicrobial activity
- Prevention of the common cold
- Prevention and treatment of multiple types of cancer (colorectal, stomach, breast, prostate)
Allicin is the medicinal compound that helps fight infections, lower blood pressure, and help with heart health. This means, to extract the full potential of allicin, one either has to eat crushed fresh garlic or take a supplement that contains a stabilized form of allicin so that the body can adequately absorb it.
However, buying a garlic pill that does not contain a stabilized form of allicin would be equivalent to just taking in garlic powder which may have some benefits but is deprived of the therapeutic grade qualities that Allicin offers. The best options are; eating fresh garlic cloves or purchasing a supplement that contains a good amount of Allicin.
Benefits of Garlic Supplements
Whether one dines in the shadow of Wat Po in Bangkok, the Spanish Stair in Rome or the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg it is safe to assume that the chef has plenty of garlic prepared to add dimension to the food. Along with flavour-adding attributes, garlic is known to provide an array of easily quantifiable and scientifically verified health benefits. Here are some of the most well-known:
- It bolsters the immune system: Garlic, whether in its natural form or when taken as a supplement, is able to prevent people from catching a cold as often. The exact mechanism behind this relieving ability is not yet fully understood. But it is believed to be associated with the naturally high levels of selenium, magnesium, calcium and other vitamins and minerals found in garlic. Allicin, largely responsible for the distinctive aroma of garlic, also has potent antioxidant properties believed to be the driving force behind many of garlic’s benefits.
- It can reduce cholesterol levels: Garlic has been put to the test and shown to have the ability to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol in high cholesterol patients by as much as 15%. That has all kinds of implications in terms of preventing heart disease. Just as important, garlic has no adverse effect on HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.
- It fights oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by a fundamental imbalance between the amount of antioxidants in one’s system and the number of free radicals. Free radicals carry oxygen and are best known for having an uneven number of electrons. This enables them to interact easily with other molecules, often in a negative way, creating what’s called oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is believed to be at the heart of numerous diseases and conditions. The only weapon effective against the scourge of free radicals is the antioxidant, of which garlic is enriched with.
- It may help fend off Alzheimer’s: While the jury is still out, to a certain extent, a recent study has led researchers to conclude that garlic may have a role to play in fending off the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study results indicated that by promoting the development of a healthy gut biome garlic may have a knock-on effect of improving cognitive abilities and memory in the elderly.
- It can lower blood pressure: A study published in 2010 indicated that aged garlic and supplements made from aged garlic can have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure. The overall beneficial effect of garlic supplementation may be so profound that it equals the benefits provided by current front line blood pressure medications. A pretty remarkable find.
- It can help prolong life: When taken as a whole, the positive effects of garlic have the potential to prolong one’s life by shielding one from a variety of maladies. It should be noted though, that this particular benefit is almost impossible to prove. Since it’s almost impossible to say for sure why someone didn’t get sick. It might have been garlic. It might have been luck.
- It acts as a natural detoxifier: Allicin, the compound that gives garlic its distinctive odor has also shown the ability to help reduce the presence of certain toxins in the body. In one study of workers who had been regularly exposed to lead on the job and had established lead baselines in their blood, garlic supplementation reduced blood borne lead levels by as much as 19%. With allicin believed to be a key player in the process.
Garlic then is as good for your health as it is good for your taste buds. And that’s true whether you’re cooking with it or taking it in supplement form.
Who Can Take Garlic Supplements
Garlic is used as a common food ingredient in many of the famous cuisines of the world. So basically anyone can take garlic, if they don’t have specific health conditions, heart problems, diarrhea, or nosebleeds. Also, consult your doctor before starting to take garlic supplements to know if you are allergic to any of the nutrients present in Garlic.
How to Choose a Good Garlic Supplement
Before purchasing a garlic pill, it is important to first recognize the differences between the types of garlic that are commercially available, and the chemical contents present within the supplement that will either be beneficial or virtually useless for the health issue you are looking to treat.
Recall: Allicin is the most important factor of garlic’s medicinal value, therefore its defined content in garlic capsules must be sufficient to provide you with the health benefits you are looking for!
A high-quality garlic supplement is made using as few additives as possible, and the highest quality sources of garlic. The best forms for garlic supplements include garlic pills, tablets and extracts.
How Do You Take Garlic Supplements?
Depending on the health improvements and problems that you are looking for and to treat respectively,the method and dosage of your garlic treatment and consumption will vary accordingly. Garlic pills are most often taken by mouth a few times a day, however, garlic can also be incorporated into gels or creams to treat fungal skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
It is generally recommended that when you are choosing a garlic supplement, it contains at least 4,000 micrograms (μg) of allicin powder. This is the minimum recommended amount of Allicin, while it is certainly more beneficial to get a higher amount of Allicin than this.
Typical Garlic Supplement Dosages:
- Studies on garlic use a dosage range of 600-1,200mg a day, divided into multiple doses
- The minimum effective dose for raw garlic is a single segment of a garlic bulb (called a clove), eaten with meals twice or thrice a day
- For hardening of the arteries, it has been recommended that 300 mg garlic tablet taken 1-3 times daily for up to 4 years
- For diabetes, 600 to 1500 mg daily has been used for 12 weeks
- For high cholesterol, 1000 to 7200 mg daily has been used for 4-6 months
- For high blood pressure, 300 to 1500 mg daily for 24 weeks has been used
- For prostate cancer, 1 mg/kg of a water-soluble garlic extract, taken daily for one month, has been used
- For tick bites, 1200 mg of garlic taken daily for 8 weeks has been used
- For fungal skin infections, garlic cream or gel applied twice daily for one week has been used
Are Supplements as Potent as Fresh Garlic?
While fresh garlic is probably the most effective way to get a huge dose of allicin, the problem with fresh garlic is that you can’t get a good estimate of the dosage. Consuming a standardized amount of garlic (like two cloves, or a certain number of grams of raw garlic) can lead to different amounts of allicin being released depending on how the garlic is processed and cut.
Many people wonder if garlic supplements produce the same number of benefits as fresh garlic that’s used in cooking, or even eaten raw. There is no evidence to suggest there is any prominent difference in the benefits you’ll enjoy. The problem (if you can call it that) with relying strictly on fresh garlic is that you can’t really tell not always be able to control how much you’re consuming. And that makes adjusting the amount (if necessary) more difficult.
Admittedly, though, this isn’t much of a problem. Because if you feel you’re ingesting too much garlic via the food you eat then simply use less when you cook. That said, the real advantage of supplemental garlic is one of convenience. Not everyone likes dishes heavy in garlic and not everyone has time to cook. Garlic supplements allow you to get a fixed amount of garlic without the extra hassle.
When garlic is crushed or shredded, it will generate more allicin more potently than garlic that is roughly sliced. So, the benefit of a garlic supplement is the delivery of a consistent and stable amount of the active and beneficial ingredient.
FAQs
- Is it good to eat garlic everyday?
Answer: Consuming garlic on a daily basis (in food or raw) helps to lower cholesterol levels because of the antioxidant properties of Allicin. It is also immensely beneficial to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. - Does garlic cause liver damage?
Answer: Garlic with high dose has the potential ability to induce liver damage and low doses (0.1 or 0.25 g / kg body weight/day) are safe doses of garlic. - Can garlic lower BP?
Answer: Some research suggests that garlic increases the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps the smooth muscles to relax and the blood vessels to dilate. These changes can reduce hypertension. One study reported that garlic extract reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive people. - Does garlic help with fatty liver?
Answer: Garlic is a staple in many diets and may be beneficial for people with fatty liver disease
Conclusion
Ancient civilizations used garlic to treat asthma, digestive disorders, heart disease, infections, respiratory disorders, tumors, and even intestinal worms. Today, claims for the health benefits of garlic include lower blood pressure and cholesterol, an anti-inflammatory effect, a reduced risk of cancer, and a stronger immune system.
With all its flavourful attributes, garlic contributes to both the kitchen and to the well-being of the human body. The simple spice goes a long way in providing health benefits and protecting the body internally and externally. Garlic is perhaps as close as it comes to producing a true superfood from nature.
With a vast body of scientific data in support of garlic growing by the day, garlic supplementation is quickly becoming something of a no-brainer. Garlic used in garlic supplements because they provide a consistent dose, though others used garlic powder, garlic oil, and a Japanese method of preparing garlic that involved kneading and pulverizing crushed garlic together with egg yolk. Any of the mentioned garlic supplements on our list will provide the potent and pure dosage of garlic you need to ensure a higher degree of overall health and functionality – and by extension, a higher quality of life moving forward.
