Scientists have discovered that garlic, the pungent herb widely used in cooking, may have a powerful anti-cancer effect—but only when inhaled. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Garlic Research, garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has demonstrated the ability to kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth. However, the study suggests that allicin’s anti-cancer properties are only active when garlic is crushed or chopped, exposing it to air. Once ingested, allicin appears to lose its potency and effectiveness.
The researchers propose an unconventional approach to harnessing garlic’s potential anti-cancer benefits: carrying it in one’s pocket or wearing it around the neck, allowing a continuous release of allicin into the air. They caution against consuming garlic, which not only fails to provide protection against cancer but also carries the downside of creating an unpleasant body odor that might repel potential mates.
Critics within the medical community have met the study with skepticism and criticism. They point out that the research was funded by the Garlic Growers Association, a lobby group advocating for garlic consumption, which raises questions about potential bias. Moreover, they emphasize that the study was conducted on mice, whose physiological and metabolic differences from humans might limit the generalizability of the results.
The researchers, on the other hand, stand by their findings, highlighting the rigor of their experimental methodology and adherence to ethical guidelines. They assert that they have personally tested garlic’s effects on themselves, claiming to have remained free of cancer and other serious illnesses. They also assert that their strong garlic odor hasn’t hindered their romantic prospects.
The study’s release has sparked a public debate, dividing opinions between those who trust the researchers’ claims and those who side with the skeptics. Some individuals have even begun incorporating garlic into their wardrobe as a fashionable accessory, hoping to ward off diseases. Others, however, dismiss the study as a potential hoax or scam, continuing to consume garlic in their diets as usual.