The claim

Garlic can be helpful in warding off a cold.

The facts

For centuries, garlic has been extolled not just for its versatility in the kitchen but also for its medicinal powers.

Whatever the reason, studies seem to support an effect. In one double-blind study, published in 2001, British scientists followed 146 healthy adults over 12 weeks from November to February. Those who had been randomly selected to receive a daily garlic supplement came down with 24 colds during the study period, compared with 65 colds in the placebo group. The garlic group experienced 111 days of sickness, versus 366 for those given a placebo. They also recovered faster.

Besides the odor, studies have found minimal side effects, like nausea and rash.

One possible explanation for such benefits is that a compound called allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic, blocks enzymes that play a role in bacterial and viral infections. Or perhaps people who consume enough garlic simply repel others, and thus steer clear of their germs.

The bottom line

Research is limited, but it suggests that garlic may indeed help ward off colds.