Way back in the history of China, the Chinese were well aware of the ability of the lowly garlic bulb to promote healing. Colonial American settlers also knew about these health benefits. In fact, from just about the dawn of civilization garlic has been highly regarded as a disease fighter. And this knowledge has been widespread throughout many different cultures.

You probably know that the builders of the great pyramid of Giza were garlic- eating slaves. And that was way back in 3000 B.C. The Bible tells us that the early Hebrews loved to eat garlic. Garlic was one of the things they missed the most after their exodus from Egypt. This fact is recorded in the book of numbers:

"We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leaks and the onions, and the garlic."

Although it's true that the nobility were not fond of garlic and actually avoided it, that was not true of Roman soldiers. They regularly ate garlic. One of the most famous ancient poets, Virgil, advised that reapers should eat garlic since they labored under the hot sun.

So by now it should be no surprise to you that garlic has been used to promote health for thousands of years and in many places around the world.

Today many people are convinced the common cold can be helped by eating garlic and even cancer can be fought against by eating garlic. A number of researchers believe that garlic can even relieve symptoms of rheumatism, high blood pressure, and even tuberculosis.

Scientists today, like the health professionals in ancient cultures, really are convinced garlic can enhance your health.

So far research in our day and age reveals cancer and bacterial infections can be fought against by eating the humble garlic bulb. Let's add fungal infections to that list as well. And as for stomach cancer, it's been found that there are substances in garlic that block cancers in animals used for laboratory research.

What is the name of the mysterious substance found in garlic that can fight cancer? It's called allicin. It's also the substance that accounts for garlic's unmistakable flavor.

What else can garlic do that hasn't already been mentioned in this article? Your immune system may be strengthened if you eat garlic. Your cholesterol may be lowered if you eat garlic as well. And eating garlic may just be able to protect your heart.

Dr. Benjamin Lau has been the professor of microbiology and immunology at Loma Linda University in Southern California. He has specialized in researching chemicals found in plants and he's done his research for over 20 years.

He discovered garlic can help your immune system, lower your cholesterol, and wage war against cancer and other tumors.

He isn't the only one who has been researching the benefits for your health that can come from eating garlic. Other research groups have also discovered similar findings.

Garlic is offered in a number of different forms. You might not want to eat it fresh. You might prefer to take it in tablet form instead. But in whatever form garlic is ingested, it can help your health.

Since garlic is a proven health benefactor, why not add it to your diet and see if you don't become healthier.