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= Lesson 36 - Junk Foods: A Case Study Of Garlic And Onions =
 
= Lesson 36 - Junk Foods: A Case Study Of Garlic And Onions =
36.1. Introduction
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36.2. History of Garlic
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36.3. The Garlic Plant
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36.4. Claimed Health Benefits
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36.5. Onions
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36.6. Claims Of Health Benefits
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36.7. Are Onions And Garlic A Food?
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36.8. Questions & Answers
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Article #1: Are Garlic and Onions Helpful in Preventing Stroke? Article #2: Gorgeous, Glorious Garlic
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== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
 
Even though garlic or onions are not processed or altered, they are regarded as junk foods because they do not contribute to the welfare of the body when ingested. On the contrary, they contribute to disease by adding toxins to the body. As you will learn from this lesson, there are no health benefits to reap from ingesting either of these foods. They both contain toxic irritants which result in much harm when included in the diet and should, therefore, never be consumed. The importance of this statement will become ev- ident upon completion of this lesson.
 
Even though garlic or onions are not processed or altered, they are regarded as junk foods because they do not contribute to the welfare of the body when ingested. On the contrary, they contribute to disease by adding toxins to the body. As you will learn from this lesson, there are no health benefits to reap from ingesting either of these foods. They both contain toxic irritants which result in much harm when included in the diet and should, therefore, never be consumed. The importance of this statement will become ev- ident upon completion of this lesson.
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36.2. History of Garlic
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== History of Garlic ==
 
   
Garlic is a hardy perennial bulb, native to the Mediterranean region of Africa and Eu- rope. Its history dates back many centuries, and it was long used for rubbing the new- born infant’s lips, and as a protection against disease by tying it around the throat.
 
Garlic is a hardy perennial bulb, native to the Mediterranean region of Africa and Eu- rope. Its history dates back many centuries, and it was long used for rubbing the new- born infant’s lips, and as a protection against disease by tying it around the throat.
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During World War I, garlic was used as an antiseptic in hospitals. Pads of sphagnum moss were sterilized, saturated with water-diluted garlic juice, wrapped in thin cotton, and applied as bandages to open wounds.
 
During World War I, garlic was used as an antiseptic in hospitals. Pads of sphagnum moss were sterilized, saturated with water-diluted garlic juice, wrapped in thin cotton, and applied as bandages to open wounds.
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36.3. The Garlic Plant
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== The Garlic Plant ==
 
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36.3.1 Garlic’s Pungent Flavor
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36.3.2 An Antibacterial Agent
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36.3.3 An Anthelmintic and Rubefacient
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The botanical name for garlic is Allium sativum. This hardy bulbous plant is a mem- ber of the lily family, which also includes leeks, chives, onions, and shallots. Like the onion, the edible bulb of the plant grows beneath the ground. This compound bulb is
 
The botanical name for garlic is Allium sativum. This hardy bulbous plant is a mem- ber of the lily family, which also includes leeks, chives, onions, and shallots. Like the onion, the edible bulb of the plant grows beneath the ground. This compound bulb is
    
made up of several small sections or bulblets called “cloves” which are encased in thin papery envelopes. The cloves are eaten and also used for planting. Farmers plant the crop in early spring and the bulbs mature early in the fall. The bulbs are “cured” by dry- ing in the field. Workers then braid the tops or remove them, and the garlic is ready for market. The bulbs are either sold whole or ground into powder. The juice of the garlic bulbs may also be extracted and sold.
 
made up of several small sections or bulblets called “cloves” which are encased in thin papery envelopes. The cloves are eaten and also used for planting. Farmers plant the crop in early spring and the bulbs mature early in the fall. The bulbs are “cured” by dry- ing in the field. Workers then braid the tops or remove them, and the garlic is ready for market. The bulbs are either sold whole or ground into powder. The juice of the garlic bulbs may also be extracted and sold.
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36.3.1 Garlic’s Pungent Flavor
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=== Garlic’s Pungent Flavor ===
 
   
Garlic is most often used to season foods because of its pungent flavor. A substance in garlic, called allicin, is responsible for its flavor and odor.
 
Garlic is most often used to season foods because of its pungent flavor. A substance in garlic, called allicin, is responsible for its flavor and odor.
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36.3.2 An Antibacterial Agent
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=== An Antibacterial Agent ===
 
   
Allicin is an antibacterial agent and an extremely irritating liquid. It has a drug-like property which, like any other drug, destroys life. Antibacterial agents kill bacteria. Do we wish to kill bacteria? Certainly not! Bacteria are essential components to life and without them life would not continue.
 
Allicin is an antibacterial agent and an extremely irritating liquid. It has a drug-like property which, like any other drug, destroys life. Antibacterial agents kill bacteria. Do we wish to kill bacteria? Certainly not! Bacteria are essential components to life and without them life would not continue.
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It does not make sense to ingest a food which would interfere with or destroy this important function within our body.
 
It does not make sense to ingest a food which would interfere with or destroy this important function within our body.
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36.3.3 An Anthelmintic and Rubefacient
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=== An Anthelmintic and Rubefacient ===
 
   
According to Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, the volatile oil from the bulb or entire plant of garlic is used as an anthelmintic and rubefacient. These are big words, but with big effects. We will take them one at a time.
 
According to Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, the volatile oil from the bulb or entire plant of garlic is used as an anthelmintic and rubefacient. These are big words, but with big effects. We will take them one at a time.
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An anthelmintic is an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms. Now if one sus- pects that he or she has intestinal worms, one had better look very closely at his or her diet and lifestyle. And then run (don’t walk) to their nearest Hygienic practitioner and go on a long fast! Taking an anthelmintic drug would not be the answer in any case as we cannot promote health by ingesting deadly poisons.
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An anthelmintic is an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms. Now if one suspects that he or she has intestinal worms, one had better look very closely at his or her diet and lifestyle. And then run (don’t walk) to their nearest Hygienic practitioner and go on a long fast! Taking an anthelmintic drug would not be the answer in any case as we cannot promote health by ingesting deadly poisons.
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Any agent which is so poisonous as to cause immediate death to any other living or- ganism should never be consumed. If this volatile oil, which is part of the garlic plant, is so powerful as to result in death of internal parasites and bacteria does it not stand to reason that it would also have a serious detrimental effect on the entire organism?
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Any agent which is so poisonous as to cause immediate death to any other living organism should never be consumed. If this volatile oil, which is part of the garlic plant, is so powerful as to result in death of internal parasites and bacteria does it not stand to reason that it would also have a serious detrimental effect on the entire organism?
    
When any food is ingested, it goes through the same process of digestion and as- simulation. Its components are broken down, absorbed through the intestinal lumen and eventually find their way into the bloodstream and lymph. These components are then carried throughout the body and the nutrients are used by the cells as needed. Nonus- able components are, of course, rejected and eliminated. If these components are deadly poisons, much harm can be done as they circulate throughout the system and possibly combine with other chemicals within the body or are stored in the tissues.
 
When any food is ingested, it goes through the same process of digestion and as- simulation. Its components are broken down, absorbed through the intestinal lumen and eventually find their way into the bloodstream and lymph. These components are then carried throughout the body and the nutrients are used by the cells as needed. Nonus- able components are, of course, rejected and eliminated. If these components are deadly poisons, much harm can be done as they circulate throughout the system and possibly combine with other chemicals within the body or are stored in the tissues.
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We know that the body regards garlic as a poison and attempts to eliminate it as soon as possible. Anyone knows that when they ingest garlic (even a very minute quantity) the odor will remain on the breath and even the skin will smell of garlic. The body is eliminating this poison through the lungs and skin, which seem to be the most rapid and efficient routes.
 
We know that the body regards garlic as a poison and attempts to eliminate it as soon as possible. Anyone knows that when they ingest garlic (even a very minute quantity) the odor will remain on the breath and even the skin will smell of garlic. The body is eliminating this poison through the lungs and skin, which seem to be the most rapid and efficient routes.
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36.4. Claimed Health Benefits
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== Claimed Health Benefits ==
 
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36.4.1 Reduced Blood Pressure
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36.4.2 Prevents Plague Formation In Arteries 36.4.3 Garlic Cures Anemia
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36.4.4 A Cure For Arthritis
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36.4.5 Inflammation
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36.4.6 Garlic—A Body Detoxifier 36.4.7 An Anticoagulant Agent 36.4.8 Pesticidal Properties
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Many authors claim that garlic is a “miracle food” and recommend it to ‘cure’ all types of ailments. Paavo Airola says, “garlic is, indeed, a tremendously nutritious health food and a miraculous healing plant. It can truthfully be called ‘the king of the vegetable kingdom.’” In the book, Herbal Medicine, Dian Dincin Buchman says, “If garlic weren’t so cheap, we would treasure it as if it were pure gold. Garlic draws out pain, helps in resisting a cold, is an aid in combating hypertension, is a remarkable vermifuge (releases worms from the system), quiets the body, tranquilizes, can be directly applied to warts to whittle them down, can be used (diluted in lots of water) to irrigate the colon to control amoebic dysentery, and can help treat mild cases of mononucleosis.”
 
Many authors claim that garlic is a “miracle food” and recommend it to ‘cure’ all types of ailments. Paavo Airola says, “garlic is, indeed, a tremendously nutritious health food and a miraculous healing plant. It can truthfully be called ‘the king of the vegetable kingdom.’” In the book, Herbal Medicine, Dian Dincin Buchman says, “If garlic weren’t so cheap, we would treasure it as if it were pure gold. Garlic draws out pain, helps in resisting a cold, is an aid in combating hypertension, is a remarkable vermifuge (releases worms from the system), quiets the body, tranquilizes, can be directly applied to warts to whittle them down, can be used (diluted in lots of water) to irrigate the colon to control amoebic dysentery, and can help treat mild cases of mononucleosis.”
    
In other words, garlic is a powerful drug which results in the suppression of symp- toms. But causes have not been removed and no healing has occurred. We have, in fact, halted the healing process when we suppress the symptoms.
 
In other words, garlic is a powerful drug which results in the suppression of symp- toms. But causes have not been removed and no healing has occurred. We have, in fact, halted the healing process when we suppress the symptoms.
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36.4.1 Reduced Blood Pressure
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=== Reduced Blood Pressure ===
 
   
Paavo Airola says that, “In my own clinical practice, I have treated many patients with high blood pressure; in most cases the blood pressure was reduced 20-30 mm. in one week by taking large amounts of garlic and garlic preparations.”
 
Paavo Airola says that, “In my own clinical practice, I have treated many patients with high blood pressure; in most cases the blood pressure was reduced 20-30 mm. in one week by taking large amounts of garlic and garlic preparations.”
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haustion would occur. It may be especially enervating on the heart as opposed to another organ in persons who have high blood pressure because this may be their weakest organ. One should not palliate symptoms but remove the cause of disease.
 
haustion would occur. It may be especially enervating on the heart as opposed to another organ in persons who have high blood pressure because this may be their weakest organ. One should not palliate symptoms but remove the cause of disease.
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36.4.2 Prevents Plague Formation In Arteries
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=== Prevents Plague Formation In Arteries ===
 
   
It is claimed that garlic prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries and thus helps prevent the development of artheriosclerosis and heart disease. Paavo Airola describes one experiment where one-fourth pound of butter at one time was given to five healthy volunteers. Three hours after the volunteers had eaten the butter, their cholesterol levels had risen from an average of 221.4 to 237.4. Later, the same volunteers received the same amount of butter along with the juice of 50 grams of garlic. This time, the choles- terol levels, instead of rising, went down from 228.7 to 212.7 in three hours. Now that really was a “miracle,” or was it?
 
It is claimed that garlic prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries and thus helps prevent the development of artheriosclerosis and heart disease. Paavo Airola describes one experiment where one-fourth pound of butter at one time was given to five healthy volunteers. Three hours after the volunteers had eaten the butter, their cholesterol levels had risen from an average of 221.4 to 237.4. Later, the same volunteers received the same amount of butter along with the juice of 50 grams of garlic. This time, the choles- terol levels, instead of rising, went down from 228.7 to 212.7 in three hours. Now that really was a “miracle,” or was it?
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When the volunteers were given garlic with the butter, blood cholesterol levels were reduced. Where did the fat go? Did it disappear? No, it is still in the body, but it is in the tissues and has not remained in the blood. Allicin makes the cells and tissues more permeable and substances enter which would not ordinarily enter.
 
When the volunteers were given garlic with the butter, blood cholesterol levels were reduced. Where did the fat go? Did it disappear? No, it is still in the body, but it is in the tissues and has not remained in the blood. Allicin makes the cells and tissues more permeable and substances enter which would not ordinarily enter.
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Garlic also interferes with certain physiological processes. It is known to interfere with the synthesis or breakdown of lipids in the liver. This is why the cholesterol level of those ingesting garlic over a period of time is lower. However, the body synthesizes cho- lesterol in the liver for a reason and it is needed for certain cellular functions. Any agent which interferes with any normal bodily function is health-destroying and not health- promoting.
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Garlic also interferes with certain physiological processes. It is known to interfere with the synthesis or breakdown of lipids in the liver. This is why the cholesterol level of those ingesting garlic over a period of time is lower. However, the body synthesizes cho- lesterol in the liver for a reason and it is needed for certain cellular functions. Any agent which interferes with any normal bodily function is health-destroying and not health promoting.
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The body has its own way of controlling the amount of cholesterol which is in the plasma. Cholesterol synthesis, as well as the hepatic mechanism for removing this steroid from the plasma, are both stimulated by thyroxine. Thyroxine is the hormone which is produced by the thyroid gland. This hormone plays a role in many metabolic activities besides control of cholesterol in the plasma as will be explained later. The out- put of thyroxine is controlled directly by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary. These mechanisms are part of the body’s homeostatic mechanisms of checks and balances to keep all bodily actions and reactions in harmony and in balan- ce.
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The body has its own way of controlling the amount of cholesterol which is in the plasma. Cholesterol synthesis, as well as the hepatic mechanism for removing this steroid from the plasma, are both stimulated by thyroxine. Thyroxine is the hormone which is produced by the thyroid gland. This hormone plays a role in many metabolic activities besides control of cholesterol in the plasma as will be explained later. The out- put of thyroxine is controlled directly by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary. These mechanisms are part of the body’s homeostatic mechanisms of checks and balances to keep all bodily actions and reactions in harmony and in balance.
    
A substance which is present in garlic as well as onions is mustard oil. Mustard oil is metabolically converted to thiocyanate in the body. This substance contributes to the formation of goiter by decreasing thyroxine synthesis in the thyroid gland. Thus, when garlic is eaten, thyroxine is decreased and therefore cholesterol synthesis is reduced.
 
A substance which is present in garlic as well as onions is mustard oil. Mustard oil is metabolically converted to thiocyanate in the body. This substance contributes to the formation of goiter by decreasing thyroxine synthesis in the thyroid gland. Thus, when garlic is eaten, thyroxine is decreased and therefore cholesterol synthesis is reduced.
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Quite often one hears that excessive lipids are the major causes of heart disease. This is not quite the truth. The real cause is the overloading of toxins created through the over-consumption of fats in the diet and in general, an unnatural diet.
 
Quite often one hears that excessive lipids are the major causes of heart disease. This is not quite the truth. The real cause is the overloading of toxins created through the over-consumption of fats in the diet and in general, an unnatural diet.
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36.4.3 Garlic Cures Anemia
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=== Garlic Cures Anemia ===
 
   
It has been claimed that garlic extract has a beneficial effect in the treatment of ane- mia. This is far from being the truth. In fact, the use of garlic actually results in anemia. The red blood cells are actually destroyed by the allicin in garlic.
 
It has been claimed that garlic extract has a beneficial effect in the treatment of ane- mia. This is far from being the truth. In fact, the use of garlic actually results in anemia. The red blood cells are actually destroyed by the allicin in garlic.
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36.4.4 A Cure For Arthritis
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=== A Cure For Arthritis ===
 
   
It has been claimed that garlic exhibits some anti-inflammatory activity and is there- fore effective in the treatment of arthritis.
 
It has been claimed that garlic exhibits some anti-inflammatory activity and is there- fore effective in the treatment of arthritis.
    
One cannot get well by suppressing disease. We must remove the cause of disease and provide the conditions for health. Then the body will heal. Garlic undoubtedly does have some anti-inflammatory drug effects. However, this is not a good aspect but an ad- verse one. Inflammation should never be suppressed as it is a healing response without which even a mild infection could become fatal. To suppress this response by an anti-in- flammatory agent is to suppress healing. To more fully understand the consequences of suppressing inflammation, we will take a closer look at this process.
 
One cannot get well by suppressing disease. We must remove the cause of disease and provide the conditions for health. Then the body will heal. Garlic undoubtedly does have some anti-inflammatory drug effects. However, this is not a good aspect but an ad- verse one. Inflammation should never be suppressed as it is a healing response without which even a mild infection could become fatal. To suppress this response by an anti-in- flammatory agent is to suppress healing. To more fully understand the consequences of suppressing inflammation, we will take a closer look at this process.
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36.4.5 Inflammation
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=== Inflammation ===
 
   
As mentioned, inflammation is a healing response within the body. Whenever there is tissue damage as a result of disease or injury, the damaged tissue cells produce hista- mines. These histamines cause changes in tiny blood vessels, which in turn release fluids into the injured area. Local blood flow increases, bringing blood cells whose special- ty is destroying foreign microbes to the area. Along with these disease-preventing cells comes fibrinogen, which causes clotting. The clotting results in what is called “walling off,” that is, Nature literally builds a partition between the infected area and the rest of your body. The effect is to prevent the infection from spreading. This partition, or wall, stops body fluids from moving outside the infected area, and these fluids build up in the area, causing the characteristic swelling of inflammation.
 
As mentioned, inflammation is a healing response within the body. Whenever there is tissue damage as a result of disease or injury, the damaged tissue cells produce hista- mines. These histamines cause changes in tiny blood vessels, which in turn release fluids into the injured area. Local blood flow increases, bringing blood cells whose special- ty is destroying foreign microbes to the area. Along with these disease-preventing cells comes fibrinogen, which causes clotting. The clotting results in what is called “walling off,” that is, Nature literally builds a partition between the infected area and the rest of your body. The effect is to prevent the infection from spreading. This partition, or wall, stops body fluids from moving outside the infected area, and these fluids build up in the area, causing the characteristic swelling of inflammation.
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The body does not suppress the growth and multiplication of disease germs until the morbid matter (toxins) on which they subsist has been decomposed and consumed, and until the inflammatory processes have run their course. The use of serums, antitoxins or anti-inflammatory agents given to suppress germ activity and the process of inflamma- tion before it has run its natural course will lay the foundation for chronic destructive disease.
 
The body does not suppress the growth and multiplication of disease germs until the morbid matter (toxins) on which they subsist has been decomposed and consumed, and until the inflammatory processes have run their course. The use of serums, antitoxins or anti-inflammatory agents given to suppress germ activity and the process of inflamma- tion before it has run its natural course will lay the foundation for chronic destructive disease.
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36.4.6 Garlic—A Body Detoxifier
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=== Garlic—A Body Detoxifier ===
 
   
How could any agent which is so poisonous and irritating be a detoxifier? It does, in fact, add toxins to the body. It is claimed that it detoxifies by stimulating the liver, the nervous system and the circulation. This stimulating effect is in reality the body’s response to an unwanted agent and the body’s efforts to eliminate it as quickly as possi- ble. The ingestion of this food as a stimulant will, according to the Law of Duel Effects, eventually depress these organs. Only much harm can come from this practice.
 
How could any agent which is so poisonous and irritating be a detoxifier? It does, in fact, add toxins to the body. It is claimed that it detoxifies by stimulating the liver, the nervous system and the circulation. This stimulating effect is in reality the body’s response to an unwanted agent and the body’s efforts to eliminate it as quickly as possi- ble. The ingestion of this food as a stimulant will, according to the Law of Duel Effects, eventually depress these organs. Only much harm can come from this practice.
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36.4.7 An Anticoagulant Agent
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=== An Anticoagulant Agent ===
 
   
One of the so-called benefits of garlic is claimed to be its anti-coagulant factor. In other words, it inhibits blood clot formation. In truth, this is not a benefit but an unde- sirable factor. As we all know, if our blood did not clot, we would bleed to death from a slight wound.
 
One of the so-called benefits of garlic is claimed to be its anti-coagulant factor. In other words, it inhibits blood clot formation. In truth, this is not a benefit but an unde- sirable factor. As we all know, if our blood did not clot, we would bleed to death from a slight wound.
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If a blood clot occurs with a blood vessel, a system within the body called the fibri- nolytic system digests the fibrin clots into a number of soluble fragments.
 
If a blood clot occurs with a blood vessel, a system within the body called the fibri- nolytic system digests the fibrin clots into a number of soluble fragments.
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36.4.8 Pesticidal Properties
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=== Pesticidal Properties ===
 
   
The following are just some of the pesticidal properties of garlic:
 
The following are just some of the pesticidal properties of garlic:
    
# Causes100%mortalityin5speciesofmosquitolarvaewhenusedinsuchsmalldoses as 200 parts per million.
 
# Causes100%mortalityin5speciesofmosquitolarvaewhenusedinsuchsmalldoses as 200 parts per million.
 
# Plantingrowsofgarlicplantsbetweenrowsofvegetablesorflowerswhicharespecifi- cally vulnerable to insect attack, such as rose, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, etc. will pre- vent insect infestations and protect plants.
 
# Plantingrowsofgarlicplantsbetweenrowsofvegetablesorflowerswhicharespecifi- cally vulnerable to insect attack, such as rose, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, etc. will pre- vent insect infestations and protect plants.
# When used on dogs, garlic will kill ticks within 20-30 minutes.  Would you put a pesticide on your salad? We had better leave the garlic in the gar- den!
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# When used on dogs, garlic will kill ticks within 20-30 minutes.   
 
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Would you put a pesticide on your salad? We had better leave the garlic in the gar- den!
36.5. Onions
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36.5.1 The Plants
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36.5.2 A Toxic Substance 36.5.3 Contributes to Goiter 36.5.4 Onions and Anemia
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== Onions ==
 
The onion is one of the oldest vegetables known to man, having been cultivated from the most remote period, as references in Sanskrit and Hebrew literature indicate. It is represented on Egyptian monuments. An inscription on the Great Pyramid states that sixteen hundred talents had been paid for onions for the workmen who built the Pyra- mids. There were certain religious sects who maintained that onions were impure and forbade their disciples and priests to eat them.
 
The onion is one of the oldest vegetables known to man, having been cultivated from the most remote period, as references in Sanskrit and Hebrew literature indicate. It is represented on Egyptian monuments. An inscription on the Great Pyramid states that sixteen hundred talents had been paid for onions for the workmen who built the Pyra- mids. There were certain religious sects who maintained that onions were impure and forbade their disciples and priests to eat them.
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36.5.1 The Plants
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=== The Plants ===
 
   
Onions were raised in America as early as 1750. The leading onion-growing states include California, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Texas. But onions are grown in many other states and Canadian provinces. Mexico, Italy, and Spain are also noted for their onions.
 
Onions were raised in America as early as 1750. The leading onion-growing states include California, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Texas. But onions are grown in many other states and Canadian provinces. Mexico, Italy, and Spain are also noted for their onions.
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The onion is not particularly high in vitamins or in energy value.
 
The onion is not particularly high in vitamins or in energy value.
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36.5.2 A Toxic Substance
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=== A Toxic Substance ===
 
   
The substance in onions which gives them their characteristic odor and flavor is mus- tard oil, a volatile oil which is highly toxic. Its vapors are so irritating that they cause profuse watering of the eyes just by being in contact with the vapors for a few seconds. This oil, if applied directly to the skin, would cause extreme redness and blistering.
 
The substance in onions which gives them their characteristic odor and flavor is mus- tard oil, a volatile oil which is highly toxic. Its vapors are so irritating that they cause profuse watering of the eyes just by being in contact with the vapors for a few seconds. This oil, if applied directly to the skin, would cause extreme redness and blistering.
    
Anyone can testify to the fact that after they have eaten onions, even if it was only a small amount, the onion smell stays in their breath for a long time afterwards. The body eliminates much of this toxic oil through the breath as it attempts to get rid of this poison from the system.
 
Anyone can testify to the fact that after they have eaten onions, even if it was only a small amount, the onion smell stays in their breath for a long time afterwards. The body eliminates much of this toxic oil through the breath as it attempts to get rid of this poison from the system.
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36.5.3 Contributes to Goiter
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=== Contributes to Goiter ===
 
   
As mentioned earlier, the mustard oil is metabolized in the body to thiocyanate. Ordi- narily small amounts of thiocyanate are eliminated. But in large amounts this substance is highly toxic and results in disease. Thiocyanates are goitogenic. They contribute to the formation of a goiter by decreasing thyroxine synthesis in the thyroid gland. Thyroxine performs many important functions in the body.
 
As mentioned earlier, the mustard oil is metabolized in the body to thiocyanate. Ordi- narily small amounts of thiocyanate are eliminated. But in large amounts this substance is highly toxic and results in disease. Thiocyanates are goitogenic. They contribute to the formation of a goiter by decreasing thyroxine synthesis in the thyroid gland. Thyroxine performs many important functions in the body.
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This is the point where the thiocyanate interferes with the synthesis of thyroxine. Apparently, the interference occurs with this protein but further research still has to be done in this area. At any rate, much harm can result.
 
This is the point where the thiocyanate interferes with the synthesis of thyroxine. Apparently, the interference occurs with this protein but further research still has to be done in this area. At any rate, much harm can result.
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36.5.4 Onions and Anemia
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=== Onions and Anemia ===
 
   
In The Complete Book of Food and Nutrition, J.I. Rodale relates a series of exper- iments concerning the adverse effects of eating onions. According to Rodale, Dr. M. Kaiser, of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, gorged (experimentally) on enough onions to bring himself down with an all-out case of anemia in a single week.
 
In The Complete Book of Food and Nutrition, J.I. Rodale relates a series of exper- iments concerning the adverse effects of eating onions. According to Rodale, Dr. M. Kaiser, of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, gorged (experimentally) on enough onions to bring himself down with an all-out case of anemia in a single week.
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# There is a constant relationship between blood volume and the fluid content of the tis-  sues.
 
# There is a constant relationship between blood volume and the fluid content of the tis-  sues.
 
# Theabilityofthebloodtoformaclotandsoreducebleedinghasbeenofsurvivalvalue  to animals and man.
 
# Theabilityofthebloodtoformaclotandsoreducebleedinghasbeenofsurvivalvalue  to animals and man.
# Thebloodperformsanimportantpartincleaningupforeignmatteranddeadcellsfrom  the body.  We can thus see that by disturbing one thing in the body we disturb many functions. But these problems can be avoided simply by staying on a correct diet and avoiding such toxic foods as garlic and onions. 36.6. Claims Of Health Benefits It has been claimed that onions ‘cure’ coughs, colds, flu, sinus ailments, bruises, hemor- rhoids, and chilblains plus assorted other diseases. As Hygienists, we know that this could not be true. Only the body can heal. The use of onions may suppress disease symptoms but this is certainly an undesirable effect as this results in suppressing our body’s attempts to heal.  Poisons do not heal—poisons only poison. There are no health benefits in eating onions.  36.7. Are Onions And Garlic A Food?  In order for a food to be considered an acceptable part of our diet it must not contain harmful or toxic substances. It must not furnish the body with digestive and eliminative problems. Neither garlic nor onions qualify in this respect.  The food must be delicious. We should be able to eat it with relish. We can’t really say we relish the strong flavors of garlic or onions. Just peeling onions is a job most people dread!  The food must be easy of digestion and assimilation. Does not qualify here!  The food must contain a rather broad range of nutrients and be fairly complete in their complements of nutrients. Both onions and garlic offer little food value.  We should be able to make a mono meal of the food if we desire. No one could make a complete mono meal of either garlic or onions or even consider doing so. Whereas, a mono meal of watermelon, mangoes, grapes, peaches, cherries, or oranges is very ap- pealing.  The conclusion is undeniable that neither garlic nor onions is a true food and they both should be excluded from our diet. I cannot really imagine that anyone would great- ly miss these items as they are not really appealing and their after-effects (such as bad
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# Thebloodperformsanimportantpartincleaningupforeignmatteranddeadcellsfrom  the body.  We can thus see that by disturbing one thing in the body we disturb many functions. But these problems can be avoided simply by staying on a correct diet and avoiding such toxic foods as garlic and onions.
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== Claims Of Health Benefits ==
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It has been claimed that onions ‘cure’ coughs, colds, flu, sinus ailments, bruises, hemor- rhoids, and chilblains plus assorted other diseases.
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breath) are so disturbing. Do yourself a favor and eliminate garlic and onions and you will reap the benefits by increased health and vigor.
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As Hygienists, we know that this could not be true. Only the body can heal. The use of onions may suppress disease symptoms but this is certainly an undesirable effect as this results in suppressing our body’s attempts to heal.
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36.8. Questions & Answers
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Poisons do not heal—poisons only poison. There are no health benefits in eating onions.
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== Are Onions And Garlic A Food?  ==
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In order for a food to be considered an acceptable part of our diet it must not contain harmful or toxic substances. It must not furnish the body with digestive and eliminative problems. Neither garlic nor onions qualify in this respect.
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The food must be delicious. We should be able to eat it with relish. We can’t really say we relish the strong flavors of garlic or onions. Just peeling onions is a job most people dread!
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The food must be easy of digestion and assimilation. Does not qualify here!  The food must contain a rather broad range of nutrients and be fairly complete in their complements of nutrients. Both onions and garlic offer little food value.
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We should be able to make a mono meal of the food if we desire. No one could make a complete mono meal of either garlic or onions or even consider doing so. Whereas, a mono meal of watermelon, mangoes, grapes, peaches, cherries, or oranges is very ap- pealing.
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The conclusion is undeniable that neither garlic nor onions is a true food and they both should be excluded from our diet. I cannot really imagine that anyone would great- ly miss these items as they are not really appealing and their after-effects (such as bad breath) are so disturbing. Do yourself a favor and eliminate garlic and onions and you will reap the benefits by increased health and vigor.
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== Questions & Answers ==
 
Would onions be all right to eat if they were cooked?
 
Would onions be all right to eat if they were cooked?
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All members of the onion family—onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, etc.—as well as radishes and all other foods containing appreciable amounts of mustard oil—inhibit digestion. This is because they occasion irritation of the stom- ach and intestines.
 
All members of the onion family—onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, etc.—as well as radishes and all other foods containing appreciable amounts of mustard oil—inhibit digestion. This is because they occasion irritation of the stom- ach and intestines.
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Article #1: Are Garlic and Onions Helpful in Preventing Stroke?
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== Article #1: Are Garlic and Onions Helpful in Preventing Stroke? ==
 
   
A reader of the Health Crusader has submitted an article praising onions and garlic as useful in preventing stroke. He was sure we were right in our stand on garlic and onions but is not so sure now that he read the article that says we need these obnoxious plants to prevent stroke.
 
A reader of the Health Crusader has submitted an article praising onions and garlic as useful in preventing stroke. He was sure we were right in our stand on garlic and onions but is not so sure now that he read the article that says we need these obnoxious plants to prevent stroke.
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Let’s not eat overly strong foods containing poisonous substances in the mistaken belief that we can prevent stroke or any other health problem. That which is not bound to happen doesn’t have to be prevented or avoided. Vibrant health is normal and will exist unless disease is caused.
 
Let’s not eat overly strong foods containing poisonous substances in the mistaken belief that we can prevent stroke or any other health problem. That which is not bound to happen doesn’t have to be prevented or avoided. Vibrant health is normal and will exist unless disease is caused.
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Article #2: Gorgeous, Glorious Garlic
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== Article #2: Gorgeous, Glorious Garlic ==
 
   
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. To us, a ripe red apple entices. To a tiger, a gory red carcass is enticing.
 
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. To us, a ripe red apple entices. To a tiger, a gory red carcass is enticing.