Science studies garlic's medicinal roots; The aromatic root has enjoyed favored-flavor status in ethnic cooking. But the herb is also showing up in research venues.(VARIETY)

If you have been looking for an easy way to reduce your risk of cancer, heart attack or stroke, here's a suggestion: Add fresh garlic to your diet.

It isn't absolutely certain, but there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate amounts of the aromatic root - the equivalent of half to a full clove a day - can help.

In the laboratory, scientists have demonstrated that garlic can, in effect, "de-toxify" some of the most common cancer-causing chemicals and apparently increase resistance to flu and cold viruses and some bacteria and yeast infections.…