May 17, 2001 – The virtues of garlic are well documented, both in traditional use and by researchers in the medical world. However, after tracing an unusually high centennial rate in Jinshan County, Chinese scientists came to the simple conclusion that garlic would help people live longer. Because this county specializes in the cultivation of garlic and most of its inhabitants are great enthusiasts! One of the common dishes – particularly popular with the elderly, it is said – consists of egg white mixed with chopped garlic.
Jinsham County (Shandong Province) has 35 people over the age of 100, a ratio more than seven times that of other parts of China. One of these people, Ms. Zhao, is 108 years old: she does not have any problems with her vision or hearing, and does not yet need a cane to move around.
We know that traditional Chinese medicine has always used garlic to stimulate the functions of the Spleen and Stomach (functions more elaborate than what, in the West, is attributed to these two organs). Moreover, contemporary research has notably demonstrated the antibacterial effect of garlic, its anticoagulant effect (which reduces the risk of embolism) as well as its ability to lower blood pressure. According to Chinese researchers, these benefits – and others recognized in garlic – would make very heavy consumers of garlic live longer.
Richters Herb Letter, April 2001
HealthPassport.net
