Can garlic and vitamin C help prevent colds and flu?
While there is no cure for colds, there are some supplements that may be helpful in enhancing the immune system and therefore preventing illness. There is a growing body of evidence that garlic significantly enhances the immune system. Studies using garlic demonstrated positive effects on phagocytosis (a process where cells attack foreign bacteria and dispose of it ultimately decreasing the probability of infection). In addition to this enhancement, garlic may decrease the risk of infection since it possesses antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties. Vitamin C is an important nutrient involved in immune responses because it enhances white blood cell function and activity, as well as other immune system functions. This vitamin is therefore helpful in the treatment of asthma, as well as other allergies, the common cold, and infections.
