While effects on humans have not been thoroughly studied, it's now known that nursing babies enjoy the garlic flavor of mother's milk. Animal research confirms that oils from allium plants can inhibit the development of several kinds of tumors and decrease tumor growth and proliferation. Unfortunately, our society has implicated these fine "health" foods as a cause of bad breath and indigestion-an often unfounded association. So, enjoy.
Stomach Cancer and Garlic
Used in folk medicine for over 3000 years, modern medicine may now be finding benefits from garlic and onions that has nothing to do with its taste or odor. According to the New York Times and a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, garlic may be a factor in reducing the risk of stomach cancer.
The Chinese study was based on interviews with 654 stomach cancer patients and more than 1,100 closely matched healthy men and women. The major contrasting factor between the groups seemed to be the high level consumption of allium vegetables-a group that includes garlic, onions and scallions.
