Garlic contains a multitude of biologically active compounds. These compounds have been found to have numerous effects on human physiology. The effects of garlic on exercise and athletic performance have been studied for a long time.
What is garlic and how does it influence exercise?
Garlic contains numerous biologically active compounds including alliin, diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl trisulfide (DT), diallyl disulfide, allicin, diallyl tetrasulfide, diallyl pentoxide (DAP), and diallyl hexoxide. All of these compounds have been found to have numerous effects on human physiology. However, the most well studied compound is diallyl sulfide.
Many studies have found that consumption of garlic may help improve exercise performance in humans.
Endurance athletes have shown an increase in endurance performance following garlic consumption, as well as better anti-asthmatic effects in asthma patients.
Garlic Benefits
Overall, there is a lot of evidence that garlic can positively influence exercise and athletic performance. It can improve endurance, reduce asthma attacks, increase muscle strength, exercise capacity, and even reduce inflammation in the body. It can also help reduce the risk of certain cancers, which is why people are encouraged to consume garlic regularly.