Anchovy and Garlic Dip recipe

Anchovy and Garlic Dip ingredients list:

2 garlic cloves, cut in half.
4 oz of anchovy fillets.
½ cup of butter, softened.
1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Snipped parsley.
Breadsticks.

Instructions for Anchovy and Garlic Dip:

Drain the anchovies.

In a blender, mix the anchovies, garlic, butter and olive oil.

Garnish with parsley.

Serve with breadsticks.

What is garlic?

The use of garlic in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Garlic is also known as rocambole, ajo, allium, stinking rose, rustic treacle, nectar of the gods, camphor of the poor, poor man's treacle, and clove garlic.

Garlic is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Garlic is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of garlic as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of garlic may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.

Garlic has been used orally as an antioxidant; to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides; to reduce hardening of the arteries and blood clotting; to reduce blood pressure; to prevent cancer; to protect the liver; as an antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal; to increase the effects of the immune system; to reduce blood sugar levels; and to reduce menstrual pain. Garlic has also been used topically (on the skin) to treat corns, warts, calluses, ear infections, muscle pain, nerve pain, arthritis, and sciatica.

Garlic has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of garlic may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Garlic may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about garlic?

Garlic is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Garlic is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of garlic as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of garlic may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.

Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.

Garlic has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of garlic may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking garlic?

Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.

Also, talk to your doctor before taking garlic if you have any other medical conditions, if you take medicines or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed, or if you suffer from allergies (especially to plants). Garlic may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take garlic supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether garlic will harm an unborn baby. The amount of garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic. Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether garlic will harm a nursing infant. The amount of garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic. There is no information available regarding the use of garlic supplements by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

Homemade garlic bread

3 large garlic cloves
100g softened butter
2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 ciabatta or 1 small baguette
METHOD
Pre-heat the oven to 400F/200C/gas mark 6. Peel the garlic and finely chop. Mix with the butter and stir in the parsley. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal incisions about 3cm apart, as if you were slicing the loaf but without cutting right through. Take a sheet of tinfoil large enough to parcel the loaf and place the loaf in the middle. Use a knife to smear the garlic butter between the slices, close up the parcel and bake for 10 minutes. To achieve a crusted top, open the foil and bake for a further 5 minutes.

Medicinal Uses of Garlic

Garlic is an important medicinal herb that is readily available everywhere, unlike some of the other herbs mentioned on these pages.  It is one of the safest herbs, and as such can be taken often.  It does, however,  have its drawbacks, as we all know.  Bear this in mind when using remedies (especially internal ones), and cut back when family and friends start avoiding you.  

Garlic does indeed have scientifically-proven medicinal properties.  It contains a substance called Allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties that are equivalent to a weak penicillin.  It appears that cooked garlic weakens the anti-bacterial effects considerably, however, so don't count on cooked garlic with meals for much in the way of a curative.  

Garlic appears to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  The list is long when it comes to its uses as a remedy.  This list includes wounds, ulcers, skin infections, flu, athlete's foot, some viruses, strep, worms, respiratory ailments, high blood pressure, blood thinning, cancer of the stomach, colic, colds, kidney problems, bladder problems, and ear aches, to name a few.  It is believed to cure worms in both people and animals - try giving the dog a clove of garlic daily (but he's not gonna like it).

For most internal problems, eating garlic raw is probably the most potent way to take it.  However, due to the obvious lingering odors associated with this, a tincture can be made by soaking 1/4 pound of peeled and separated garlic cloves in 1/2 quart of brandy.  Seal tightly and shake every day.  Strain and bottle after two weeks of this, and take in drops - 25-30 a day, if desired.  

For cough, flu, and respiratory ailments, make a cough syrup out of garlic.  Slice 1 pound of fresh garlic and pour one quart of boiling water over it.  Let sit for 12 hours, then add sugar until you reach the consistency of a syrup.  Add honey for better taste, if desired. 

For sore throat, make a garlic tea by steeping several cloves of garlic in half a cup of water overnight. Hold your nose and drink it.

Externally, garlic is a known anti-bacterial and anti-infection agent.  An interesting use for ear aches is to slice a garlic clove, heat briefly in a small amount of virgin olive oil, and let cool.  Then use a drop of two in the affected ear (strain the mixture beforehand, of course).

Make an Ointment out of garlic (use cloves instead of leaves, stems, or flowers as described in Ointments) for wounds, cuts, athlete's foot, or any other external skin irritation, fungus, or infection.  Also, try a few drops of Oil on a toothache for pain relief. 

What are the side effects of garlic?

Although health benefits of garlic are frequently reported, excessive intake can have harmful effects.
In a rat study, allicin, the main pungent ingredient in garlic, was found to be an activator of TRPA1.
The neurons released neurotransmitters in the spinal cord to generate pain signals and released
neuropeptides at the site of sensory nerve activation, resulting in vasodilation as well as
inflammation. [2] Other side effects include headache, itching garlic odor on breath and skin,
occasional allergic reactions, stomach disorders and diarrhea, decrease in serum protein and calcium
levels, association with bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis and complaints of garlic smell [5A]

Garlic preparations vary in concentration and in the number of active compounds they contain. Thus,
quality control is an important consideration when foods such as garlic are considered for use as a
cancer-fighting agent.
Does garlic have benefits on lipid profiles?Garlic powder may benefit high triacylglycerol concentration. Turner B et al from Dansk Droge,
Ishoj, Denmark also found that there was no significant differences between the garlic and placebo
groups in term of total serum cholesterol concentration, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and
triacylglycerol concentrations, blood pressure and arterial stiffnessin a 12-week randomised,
double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. However, they found that garlic powder was associated with a
12% decrease in triacylglycerol concentration. I[6A] Tanamai J et al at Lerdsin Hospital, Thailand also
found that there were no significant differences in the total serum cholesterol levels between the
group dosed with garlic tablet (enteric-coated) and that dosed with placebo tablet. [5A] This may be
also an indication of the importance of the dosage form preparation and study design.
Is garlic antimicrobial?A lot of people think that garlic can kill germs...  But, Fuselli SR et al from Universidad Nacional de Mar
del Plata, Funes, Argentina have different opinion after they finished  their study on the  microbial
growth of garlic (Allium sativum L.) during storage. They found that Penicillium spp., Monilia spp.,
Lactobacillus brevis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides and yeasts grow from garlic.
And they  found penicillium spp., Monilia spp., Lactobacillus brevis and yeasts from dry garlic. [7A]

RESEARCH FINDINGS ON GARLIC BENEFITS

A few studies have demonstrated that garlic may benefit against atherosclerosis.El-Demerdash FM et al from Alexandria University, Egypt studied the effects of onion (Allium cepa
Linn) and garlic (Allium sativum Linn) juices on biochemical parameters, enzyme activities and lipid
peroxidation in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. They administrated alloxan as a single dose
(120mg/kgBW) to induce diabetes. They then a dose of 1ml of either onion or garlic juices/100g body
weight (equivalent to 0.4g/100gBW) daily to alloxan-diabetic rats for four weeks. They found that the
glucose, urea, creatinine and bilirubin levels significantly (p<0.05) increased in the plasma of
alloxan-diabetic rats. They also found that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline and acid phosphatases (AlP, AcP)
activities significantly (p<0.05) increased in plasma and testes of alloxan-diabetic rats. They
concluded that garlic and onion juices exerted antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects and
consequently may alleviate liver and renal damage caused by alloxan-induced diabetes [1A]

Ide N et al from Loma Linda University, USA, confirmed the antioxidant effects of fructosyl arginine
(Fru-Arg), a MRP from aged garlic extract in vitro study. They further suggested that Fru-Arg is a
potent antioxidant, and thus may be useful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and other disorders
associated with oxidative stress  [2A]

However, Santo SM et al from Gaubius Laboratory, The Netherlands didn't observe any protective
benefits of garlic powder printanor on atherosclerosis in a 28 week study of  APOE*3-Leiden
transgenic mouse; based on atherosclerotic lesion type, area or composition. They also reported that
garlic powder printanor did not display any benefits of hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory or
anti-atherosclerotic activities. [3A] The conflicting results indicate the importance of the dosage form
preparation and experimental design.
Garlic may have benefits of pulmonary blood pressure lowering, research finds.Garlic's key ingredient-allicin may prevent primary pulmonary hypertension (a form of high blood
pressure) from a study in rats. [4A]
Garlic may prevent cancer.A host of studies provide compelling evidence that garlic and its organic allyl sulfur components are
effective inhibitors of the cancer process. These studies reveal that the benefits of garlic are not
limited to a specific species, to a particular tissue, or to a specific carcinogen. Of 37 observational
studies in humans using garlic and related allyl sulfur components, 28 studies showed some cancer
preventive effect. The evidence is particularly strong for a link between garlic and prevention of
prostate and stomach cancers. However, all of the available information comes from observational
studies comparing cancer incidence in populations who consume or do not consume garlic
(epidemiologic studies), animal models, or observations with cells in culture. These findings have not
yet been fully verified by clinical trials in humans. [1-6]
How might garlic prevent cancer?Several compounds are involved in garlic's possible anticancer effects. Garlic contains allyl sulfur and
other compounds that slow or prevent the growth of tumor cells. Allyl sulfur compounds, which occur
naturally in garlic and onions, make cells vulnerable to the stress created by products of cell division.
Because cancer cells divide very quickly, they generate more stressors than most normal cells. Thus,
cancer cells are damaged by the presence of allyl sufur compounds to a much greater extent than
normal cells. [1-6]

The chemistry of garlic is complicated. As a result, the quality of garlic products depends on the
manufacturing process. Peeling garlic and processing garlic into oil or powder can increase the
number and variety of active compounds. Peeling garlic releases an enzyme called allinase and starts
a series of chemical reactions that produce diallyl disulfide (DADS). DADS is also formed when raw
garlic is cut or crushed. However, if garlic is cooked immediately after peeling, the allinase is
inactivated and the cancer-fighting benefit of DADS is lost. Scientists recommend waiting 15 minutes
between peeling and cooking garlic to allow the allinase reaction to occur. [1-6]

Health Benefits and Uses

Garlic's health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known (1). Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague! It has been used extensively in herbal medicine (phytotherapy, sometimes spelt phitotherapy). Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels. It can even be effective as a natural mosquito repellent.

In general, a stronger tasting clove of garlic has more sulphur content and hence more medicinal value it's likely to have. Some people have suggested that organically grown garlic tends towards a higher sulphur level and hence greater benefit to health. In my experience it certainly tastes better so I buy organic whenever possible whether or not it's best for my health.

Some people prefer to take garlic supplements. These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath.

Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.

Healthy Antioxidant

Studies (2) have shown that garlic - especially aged garlic - can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging "free radicals".

Side-Effects

Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract.

There are a few people who are allergic to garlic. Symptoms of garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches. Also, garlic could potentially disrupt anti-coagulants, so it's best avoided before surgery. As with any medicine, always check with your doctor first and tell your doctor if you are using it.

Important: Research published in 2001 concluded that garlic supplements "can cause a potentially harmful side effect when combined with a type of medication used to treat HIV/AIDS". More details are available on the NIAID website.

See also the warnings page on this site.

Medicinal Ingredients of Garlic

There are two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits: allicin and diallyl sulphides. I've given each of these a page of their own:

Health Effects of Allicin Health Effects of Diallyl Sulphides

Also a page on the chemistry of allicin.

Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle - not as an alternative to it. Always consult your doctor first regarding any medical condition.