Re: to those of you who eat raw garlic cloves...

Zapp...there is much controversy on this and that is why i was asking how you know what to believe. several sites say the pills don't work even if they are enteric coated like the ones i do take. here is what it says.

What about Enteric Coatings?

To prevent the destruction of alliinase by stomach acid, some manufacturers have enteric-coated garlic powders in order to bypass the stomach. Assuming that a high quality garlic powder is used initially (one that is not exposed to high temperatures which can deactivate alliinase), this form of garlic could potentially deliver alliin and alliinase to the intestinal tract. However, simulated intestinal fluids have been shown to reduce allicin production almost 40%.5 (See Table Below). The remaining allicin may exert anti-microbial effects on bad bacteria, however, it may also destroy friendly bacteria.7 Both allicin and raw garlic preparations which contain allicin have been shown to decrease the bacteria flora.7-9 Further, being a strong oxidizing agent10 allicin may damage sensitive cells which line the intestinal tract11 as it has been shown to damage the cells lining the stomach.12

i am not saying this is right because i am definitely not a scientist. just wondering how you figure out what is right to do and what is wrong. i am assuming fresh garlic is best. whether you crush it or not - i have no clue since it seems to work for some just by chopping.