http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8122-1740961,00.html
Health news
August 20, 2005
Body&Soul
Heavy breather
by john naish
Breakthroughs, tips and trends
THE SECRET of garlic breaths unique power to offend has been discovered by scientists: the pungent plant makes us react as if we are in physical pain.
Pharmacologists at the University of California say that allicin, the main smelly element in garlic, sparks an inflammatory chain reaction in our nervous system that ultimately fires the pain centres of our brain.
NI_MPU('middle');The plant seems to have evolved allicin to deter animals from eating the bulbs, says a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. But it also might help us to understand why garlic may be useful in treating cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Allicins ability to inflame cells also makes our blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow, the researchers say. Meanwhile, pleasanter wafts, such as instant smoked bacon and parmesan cheese, are now being offered to dieters by a New York chef who has launched a range of spray-on flavours to pep up dull low-cal food. David Burkes bacon spray contains no fat, calories or carbs, but can be misted over a lettuce-and-tomato sandwich for a guilt-free BLT. New York Post food critics say some of the ranges 18 flavours, such as root beer and birthday cake, are nearly as good as the real thing.
Health news
August 20, 2005
Body&Soul
Heavy breather
by john naish
Breakthroughs, tips and trends
Pharmacologists at the University of California say that allicin, the main smelly element in garlic, sparks an inflammatory chain reaction in our nervous system that ultimately fires the pain centres of our brain.
NI_MPU('middle');The plant seems to have evolved allicin to deter animals from eating the bulbs, says a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. But it also might help us to understand why garlic may be useful in treating cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Allicins ability to inflame cells also makes our blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow, the researchers say. Meanwhile, pleasanter wafts, such as instant smoked bacon and parmesan cheese, are now being offered to dieters by a New York chef who has launched a range of spray-on flavours to pep up dull low-cal food. David Burkes bacon spray contains no fat, calories or carbs, but can be misted over a lettuce-and-tomato sandwich for a guilt-free BLT. New York Post food critics say some of the ranges 18 flavours, such as root beer and birthday cake, are nearly as good as the real thing.
