S-allylcysteine

"Though not as well known as its white counterpart, black garlic is enjoying a rise in popularity in gastronomic circles and the alternative medicine field. Introduced to the health and food markets about 5 years ago by the Koreans, garlic becomes "black garlic" through a month-long process of fermentation under strictly controlled heat and humidity. The health benefits of black garlic are being touted by natural medicine practitioners and herbalists.
Cancer Protection and Cholesterol Benefits: The month-long fermentation process in creating black garlic contributes to creating a kind of super-garlic. The compound S-allylcysteine, a natural component of fresh garlic and a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, was found in much greater concentrations in black garlic, and is thought to help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of cancer, reports HealthMad.com.
Infection ProtectionWhite garlic contains anti-microbial, antibiotic and anti-fungal agents in its active ingredient, allicin. In black garlic, S-allylcysteine assists with the absorption of allicin, helping it metabolize more easily which could offer boosted protection against infections.
Disease ProtectionGarlic is also high in antioxidants. Black garlic has been found to have twice the antioxidant properties of conventional garlic. Antioxidants protect the cells from disease and are thought to slow down the aging process, according to OrganicAuthority.com. Because black garlic is so potent, the heightened levels of antioxidants offering protection from free radical damage make it an ideal food for thwarting chronic disease. Free radicals damage cells leading to heart disease, Alzheimer's, circulatory problems, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases.
Other CharacteristicsThe fermentation that produces black garlic reduces the pungent odor and strong flavor, making it more palatable and appealing to some people. The taste of black garlic has been compared to that of a dried fruit, smoky, sweet and slightly chewy, according to the Antioxidants-guide.com. Conventional garlic, even in freeze-dried capsules, emits a strong garlic odor that permeates the skin, causing objectionable body and breath odor in people using garlic as a health supplement, explains CandidaAlbicansCure.com. Black garlic has none of the strong odor of white garlic and can be consumed in large quantities without the olfactory effects.
References
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/74835-health-benefits-black-garlic/#ixzz21pTCYNeN
Cancer Protection and Cholesterol Benefits: The month-long fermentation process in creating black garlic contributes to creating a kind of super-garlic. The compound S-allylcysteine, a natural component of fresh garlic and a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, was found in much greater concentrations in black garlic, and is thought to help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of cancer, reports HealthMad.com.
Infection ProtectionWhite garlic contains anti-microbial, antibiotic and anti-fungal agents in its active ingredient, allicin. In black garlic, S-allylcysteine assists with the absorption of allicin, helping it metabolize more easily which could offer boosted protection against infections.
Disease ProtectionGarlic is also high in antioxidants. Black garlic has been found to have twice the antioxidant properties of conventional garlic. Antioxidants protect the cells from disease and are thought to slow down the aging process, according to OrganicAuthority.com. Because black garlic is so potent, the heightened levels of antioxidants offering protection from free radical damage make it an ideal food for thwarting chronic disease. Free radicals damage cells leading to heart disease, Alzheimer's, circulatory problems, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases.
Other CharacteristicsThe fermentation that produces black garlic reduces the pungent odor and strong flavor, making it more palatable and appealing to some people. The taste of black garlic has been compared to that of a dried fruit, smoky, sweet and slightly chewy, according to the Antioxidants-guide.com. Conventional garlic, even in freeze-dried capsules, emits a strong garlic odor that permeates the skin, causing objectionable body and breath odor in people using garlic as a health supplement, explains CandidaAlbicansCure.com. Black garlic has none of the strong odor of white garlic and can be consumed in large quantities without the olfactory effects.
References
- candidaalbicanscure.com: Garlic
- The Antioxidants-guide.com: Black Garlic Benefit..Double The Antioxidants and No Smell!
- HealthMad.com: Health Benefits of Aged Garlic
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/74835-health-benefits-black-garlic/#ixzz21pTCYNeN
Singapore General Hospital since 1821
"Singapore General Hospital dietitian Tan Ai Shan says: “Unlike fresh garlic, black garlic is sweeter in taste. The pungent smell and spiciness in fresh garlic is removed during the fermentation process.”
She points to experiments conducted by Japanese researchers in 2007 which suggest that black garlic is more effective in reducing the size of tumours in laboratory mice. The study was published in a Global Science Book journal about medicinal plant science.
However, as the majority of research on black garlic’s health benefits has been conducted on laboratory animals, Ms Tan stresses that “there is still a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of black garlic for health purposes on humans”.
Fermented garlic has greater health benefits than the common variety, says nutritionist Velumani Deepapriya of the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association. “Especially in improving blood circulation and increasing antioxidant levels in the body,” she adds.
This is due to the production of water-soluble amino acid, S-Allylcysteine, which contains antioxidant properties, during fermentation. Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can lead to heart disease, blocked arteries and cancer."
http://www.sgh.com.sg/about-us/newsroom/News-Articles-Reports/Pages/Healthmagicinblackgarlic.aspx
She points to experiments conducted by Japanese researchers in 2007 which suggest that black garlic is more effective in reducing the size of tumours in laboratory mice. The study was published in a Global Science Book journal about medicinal plant science.
However, as the majority of research on black garlic’s health benefits has been conducted on laboratory animals, Ms Tan stresses that “there is still a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of black garlic for health purposes on humans”.
Fermented garlic has greater health benefits than the common variety, says nutritionist Velumani Deepapriya of the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association. “Especially in improving blood circulation and increasing antioxidant levels in the body,” she adds.
This is due to the production of water-soluble amino acid, S-Allylcysteine, which contains antioxidant properties, during fermentation. Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can lead to heart disease, blocked arteries and cancer."
http://www.sgh.com.sg/about-us/newsroom/News-Articles-Reports/Pages/Healthmagicinblackgarlic.aspx