Health Benefits of the Culinary Use of Garlic – Case Study and Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

OBJECTIVES: Spices are not only used to increase the foods' aroma, flavor, or color, but are also considered for therapeutic purposes. The various bioactive compounds contained - like alkaloids, tannins, vitamins, phenolic diterpenes and polyphenols, and the sulfur containing compounds of garlic - are all responsible for different types of antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antitumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, The chemical attributes of Garlic (Allium sativus L.), cultivated all over the world and known for millennia to provide noteworthy health - its sulfur-containing compounds, and minerals (Se - being one garlic is very high in) - play an important role in lowering glucose and cholesterol, and, before antibiotics and pharmacy products were even available, garlic was used successfully for its medicinal purposes (including the 1918 flu epidemic). METHODS: Though for this patient (female - 58 y/o - in good health status with minor inflammatory issues), the reason for including more garlic in the daily culinary practices even from the start of the pandemic was mainly the immune function optimization, garlic's benefits turned to add more value to the attempt, unplanned weight loss and detox being highly welcomed, The dietary changes included: cooked meals containing more garlic than previously - 2–4 times per week/1 medium size clove raw garlic almost daily/intermittent fasting once a week. Average amount of garlic consumed was 1Kg per 2–3 months. RESULTS: Though an increased amount of garlic was introduced from the start of the pandemic, awareness of the effects and first time to be measured was in the summer of 2021. Six months later, and monitoring several more parameters, the following have been observed: a 9.6% decrease in weight, and of 3.6 points in BMI, the blood pressure remained steady (average 116/79). Brief rashes at times (possibly during detox phases), but no infections episodes. Optimal to high cognitive function and vitality were overall experienced. CONCLUSIONS: For those aiming to maintain a good blood flow, vital force, optimal health, and reduced risks for NCDs - obesity, cardiovascular, cancer, inflammation, infections - garlic is proving once more its known potential. Further studies would be helpful to validate the findings in different segments of population, and through other dietary approaches. FUNDING SOURCES: N/A.