How aged garlic impacts the flu virus

January 10th, 2017 by

Looks like the flu season is upon. I recently got hit by the flu and it seems like it’s in full force today. While there’s not a lot you can do about it once you have it, there is some research that you may find handy should you get it. More on this below:

In a study conducted at the University of Florida during the peak flu season (the beginning of February to the end of April), researchers split 120 healthy adults into two groups. One group was given a placebo for 90 days while the other group received 2.56 grams of aged garlic.

The researchers wanted to see if there was any effect on the immune system from taking the aged garlic and there was. The natural killer and gamma-delta-T cells were shown to proliferate better in those who took the aged garlic when compared to the placebo group. (Note: Natural killer and gamma-delta-T cells are both part of the immune system and fight off pathogens).

As far as getting the flu, the aged garlic didn’t prevent the subjects from getting it. However, the group consuming the aged garlic reduced the number of days they were sick and the severity of the flu.

So needless to say, I picked up some aged garlic today. Hopefully, the research holds true.

And now you know. :-)

For more information:
Nantz MP, et al. Supplementation with aged garlic extract improves both NK and γδ-T cell function and reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled nutrition intervention. Clin Nutr. 2012. Jun;31(3):337-44.