Garlic may offend your nose, but it makes your heart very happy. Its’ strong pungent odor is caused by the same compounds that may help support your heart health. Garlic’s high concentration of sulfurous compounds may provide antioxidant protection against toxic free radicals. Antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase are abundant in garlic and seem to be among the most potent antioxidants found in herbs and plants. These and other compounds such as trace minerals and enzymes may help support normal, healthy cholesterol levels, healthy immunity, and normal, healthy blood clotting. Although many people consume garlic often, certain critical compounds are largely destroyed when garlic is cooked, and a daily supplement may be recommended to help support cardiovascular and immune health, and to benefit from garlic’s potent antioxidant qualities.