People often avoid eating garlic simply because of malodorous scent it can leave its wary consumer's mouth. But people, especially those who have suffered a heart attack, might change their mind about the strong-scented root and give it some respect when they find out that one of its components can help those with a heart problem.

Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that they can use diallyl trisulfide, a component of garlic oil, to deliver hydrogen sulfide to the heart. Hydrogen sulfide gas protects the heart from damage, but the problem with the gas is that it is unstable and volatile which makes it difficult to deliver as therapy. But thanks to the garlic oil component, the gas can now be safely delivered.

According to David Lefer, PhD, professor of surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Laboratory at Emory University Hospital, Midtown, they are looking for ways to avoid the need to inject sulfide-delivery drugs outside an emergency situation. That is why they are now performing studies with orally active drugs that release hydrogen sulfide.

In their tests, Lefer, with postdoctoral fellow Benjamin Presmore, simulated a heart attack and applied diallyl sulfide just before blood flow was restored. They found that the compound can reduce the proportion of the damaged heart tissue.

Explaining how it works, the researchers said that interruption of oxygen and blood flow damages mitochondria, and this damage can lead to cell death. But with the diallyl sulfide compound, the function of the mitochondria was temporarily turned down, effectively preserving them.

But to further convince garlic haters and those on the fence, garlic's benefits are not only restricted under the administration of a doctor. Garlic's benefits can be gained by simply eating it, reported NaturalHealthRemedies.org. Some of the benefits of eating the root are:

  1. Helps with Cardiovascular Health - research shows that garlic contains allicin which scavenges hydroxyl radicals, and in turn, prevents the bad cholesterol, LDL, from being oxidized. This is good because once LDL is oxidized, it poses a risk for cardiovascular disease
  2. Antioxidant - since garlic does have allicin, it naturally increases antioxidant enzymes in the blood which can help against the negative effects of nicotine and slows the aging process of the liver
  3. Penicillin-esque - garlic has 1% potency of penicillin, which helps ward bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli
  4. Reduces blood pressure - clinical trials has shown that garlic supplements can lower blood pressure by as much as 1% to 5%, this translates to reducing the risk of stroke by 30% to 40% and heart disease by 20% to 25%

But can anything be done about the garlic breath? According to Dr. Rob Danoff of MSN Health and Fitness, garlic breath can last up to 72 hours, and that mints, mouthwash and flavored chewing gum are only temporary measures. What the doctor advised is to chew on a sprig or two of fresh parsley, or to mix it with garlic after it has been cooked.