Garlic - Allium Satvium - has been known to man for centuries. Egyptian sages, as far back as 1500 BC, have recorded 22 medicinal properties. In 1983 biochemist Sidney Belman found that rubbing garlic oil inhibits tumours in laboratory mice.

Garlic is supposed to prevent cancer of the stomach. Researchers guess that it is the potent organosulphur compounds in garlic which inhibit bacterial growth in the stomach. This lowers the risk of cancer since some bacteria convert food to nitrosamines which are carcinogenic. Garlic is also said to reduce risk of caner of the colon, rectum, oesophagus, skin and prostrate.

It is also beneficial for heart disease. Ingredients in garlic reduce `stickiness' of platelets, which by formation of clots, causes heart attacks. Garlic reduces the thickening and hardening of arteries (artesclerosis). Even one clove daily is said to lower cholesterol level.

According to some, garlic has antiseptic properties. Soldiers in both the World Wars supposedly carried garlic in their kits to rub on their wounds in the battlefield. In test tubes, garlic has been found to wipe out many strains of fungus. Chinese doctors use it for treating cryptococcal meningitis, while the garlic compound allin has been found to be a potent antibiotic.

If you are willing to risk your boyfriend for the sake of your health, go right ahead and pop that clove of garlic in your mouth.