Garlic & Cayenne – The Dynamic Duo For Cardiovascular Health
60 Softgels, 300 mg Garlic and 150 mg Cayenne
Garlic and pepper, both herbs are hot, and this Kat’s not surprised. Lately it seems science has been catching up with what the Ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and Native Americans have known for thousands of years: these two humble herbs pack a powerful punch when it comes to promoting wellness.
Let’s start with Garlic.
Yes, it may ward off vampires and werewolves, but its also choc full of many important vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Allium sativum, garlic’s botanical name, contains 33 sulfur compounds (including allicin, the compound responsible for garlic’s pungent odor) and 17 amino acids.
Many studies, including some from Pennsylvania State University, Tufts University School of Medicine and University of Alabama at Birmingham, offer compelling evidence that garlic helps support cardiovascular health. Garlic’s sulfur compounds have positive effect on the liver through supporting healthy balance of cholesterol.
Lastly, garlic is also a good all-around crusader for a healthy immune system. Dr. David W. Kraus of the University of Alabama noted recently in The New York Times, “People have known garlic was important and has health benefits for centuries. Even the Greeks would feed garlic to their athletes before they competed in the Olympic games.” This offering of garlic has been deodorized and will not offend, unlike garlic used by ancient Olympians.
Cayenne
At The Co-Op we’ve coupled our Garlic with Cayenne, another ancient, vastly under-appreciated herb. Native Americans have used capsicum annuum, cayenne’s botanical name, for thousands of years in their food and medicine. Cayenne is a natural stimulant that gets the blood flowing. These days, cayenne is red hot and very much in the news.
As if that weren’t exciting enough, cayenne has also been shown to improve heart health, support healthy tissue function, and in maintaining a healthy weight. Capsacin, the active component in cayenne, also helps inhibit Substance P, a neuropeptide that transmits pain to the brain. Cayenne is a good source of vitamins A and C, B complex, calcium, potassium, flavonoids and carotenoids. As an added bonus, cayenne works as a catalyst, increasing the efficiency of other herbs and supplements you may be taking.
In tandem, this dynamic duo works wonders for your heart and your health. The Kat thinks it’s a purr-fect pair!
Notes:
Because they thin the blood, individuals on anticoagulants should avoid garlic and cayenne. It is also prudent to stop taking garlic and cayenne a week to ten days before surgery since garlic can prolong bleeding time.
• If you are allergic to latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnuts, or avocados, you may also have an allergy to cayenne.
• Because cayenne passes into breast milk, nursing mothers should avoid both the spice and supplement forms
• The capsaicin in cayenne may increase the risk of bleeding associated with aspirin and may also increase the absorption of theophylline, an asthma medication.
Garlic 
Garlic & Cayenne 
