Doctor 24/7: Does garlic help prevent the flu?

"I heard that garlic helps prevent colds and flu, is that true? What's the best way to eat garlic for health, and are there any side effects? Thank you, doctor!" (C. Tài, Ho Chi Minh City).

Dr. Vo Thi To Hi, Head of the Nutrition Department at Gia An 115 Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), explains: Garlic contains many bioactive compounds. The most frequently mentioned components are alliin and alliinase – when garlic is crushed, chopped, or cut, alliinase catalyzes the conversion of alliin into allicin. Allicin is a sulfur compound with a characteristic odor and is primarily responsible for the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects observed in experiments. In addition, garlic also contains vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals (selenium), polyphenols, and other sulfur derivatives – these substances contribute to immune regulation and inflammation reduction.

Garlic contains many bioactive compounds.

Photo: AI

Regarding the mechanism by which garlic affects respiratory bacterial and viral infections.

Direct effects: Test-tube studies have shown that allicin can inhibit the growth of several pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. However, test-tube results do not equate to equivalent efficacy in humans, due to significant differences in active ingredient concentration, environmental conditions, and allicin stability.

Immunomodulatory effects: Some studies suggest that garlic may help the immune system function more effectively by supporting the body's protective cells to act "faster and stronger" when encountering bacteria and viruses. In other words, garlic helps the body respond better when pathogens attack.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Garlic helps reduce tissue damage caused by excessive inflammatory responses.

Some randomized trials have shown that consuming garlic (often in the form of an extract supplement) may reduce the frequency or duration of the common cold compared to a placebo, but the quality of these studies is inconsistent, the designs vary, and the results are contradictory.

For influenza, the evidence is very limited and insufficient to conclude that garlic can replace proven preventive measures such as vaccination. Thus, garlic may be a useful adjunct in general prevention, but it is not a specific protective measure or a replacement for vaccines and medical treatment.

The best way to use garlic

The most beneficial way to use garlic is to eat it raw or crushed and left to sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. When garlic cloves are crushed or chopped, the enzymes in the garlic are activated to produce allicin. If garlic is heated immediately, the amount of allicin will be significantly reduced.

People with healthy digestive systems can eat 1-2 cloves of raw garlic daily. Those prone to bloating can mix garlic into their meals after cooking, or use more easily digestible forms such as black garlic or garlic soaked in honey. These forms retain more antioxidants and are less likely to cause irritation.

Garlic is generally harmless, but improper or excessive use can still cause discomfort. The most common side effects are heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, or bad breath, especially when eating large quantities of raw garlic.

The most beneficial way to use garlic is to eat it raw or crushed and chopped, letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Photo: AI

Additionally, some groups of people need to be more cautious when consuming garlic:

• People with stomach or duodenal ulcers: Raw garlic can cause irritation, increasing pain, bloating, or heartburn. This group should use cooked garlic or consume it in small amounts.
• People with allergies: In a few cases, they may experience itching, rashes, or irritation when eating raw garlic.
• Young children: Avoid giving children too much raw garlic as it can easily cause stomach pain and indigestion.

Although garlic is good for health, not everyone can use "the more the better"; using the right amount and according to your health condition will be safer and more effective. Furthermore, it's absolutely crucial not to apply garlic directly to the skin to treat acne or other ailments based on folk remedies, as garlic can cause burns and blisters.

Readers can submit questions to the Doctor 24/7 section by commenting below the article or sending them via email to suckhoethanhnien247@gmail.com .

The questions will be forwarded to doctors, experts, etc., who will answer them for our readers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-24-7-toi-co-giup-phong-cam-cum-khong-185251201222852905.htm