Garlic is one of the most commonly used cooking spices adding aroma and flavor to many food dishes, but it has some impressive health benefits too. The key medicinal ingredient in garlic is allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. In addition, garlic is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Some of these include vitamins A, B, B2 and C, as well as protein, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, manganese and many others.
A little garlic every day can go a long way in helping you to protect, as well as boost, your health. To reap the most health benefits from garlic, eat it in its raw state. Cooked garlic loses a significant amount of its medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Antibacterial and Antiviral:
Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.
Reduce Cholesterol Level:
Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.Studies have shown that eating 600mg to 900mg of garlic everyday lowers cholesterol level and reduces arterial plaque formation by 5% to 18%. The antioxidant properties in garlic help scavenge harmful free radicals, which can contribute to damage caused by LDL (“bad cholesterol”) in the blood. Garlic also blocks the liver from making too much LDL. So, when fresh garlic is consumed on regular basis it can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels without hurting beneficial HDL cholesterol levels.
Reduces Arthritis Pain:
Garlic has also been shown to reduce pain and other symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Ground garlic mixed with hot aloe lotion calms and eases pain in inflamed and aching joints due to rheumatism. Various chemical compounds present in garlic also are believed to aid in reducing inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis.
Many researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory property in garlic helps regulate the formation of fat cells in the body, one of the primary factors in obesity. Garlic also is highly diuretic in nature due to its essential oils and its low molecular weight sugars.The anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight gain. Regular consumption of raw garlic or garlic supplements can help you maintain a healthy body weight.
Inhibits Cancer:
Garlic helps to prevent cancer, especially of the digestive system, while also prevents certain tumors from growing larger and reducing the size of certain tumors. The presence of allyl sulfur in garlic can slow down the progress of cancerous cell growth. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens. Daily intake of garlic is important for those who have a family history of cancer to lower their risk of many types of cancer.
Studies have shown that garlic also reduces high blood pressure. Garlic acts as a vasodilator which helps to widen the blood vessels, making blood flow smoother. Also garlic plays a huge role in preventing the formation of blood clots. This helps to lower blood pressure. People with high blood pressure must take garlic capsules daily for up to five months to lower blood pressure level. It is essential to consult a health expert before taking garlic supplements.
Garlic has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight different types of allergies. It also has been shown to reduce airway inflammation due to allergies (allergic rhinitis). It is highly recommended that people with allergies take a daily garlic supplement during the allergy season. Raw garlic juice is a good option for rapid relief from itching due to rashes, bug bites or any other kind of allergy.
Garlic is a surprisingly good source of vitamins C, B6 and the minerals selenium and manganese – all of which strengthen the immune system. Also, its antibacterial properties make garlic a wonderful treatment for coughs and other throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory infections. Garlic supplements can be taken on a regular basis to reduce the frequency of colds. Garlic also is highly beneficial in treating various disorders of the lungs such as asthma. It also promotes expectoration with coughs, making it irreplaceable for those with chronic bronchitis.
Lowers Sugar Level:
Garlic is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the secretion of insulin in diabetics. Taking a daily garlic supplement can help stabilize blood sugar levels as well as prevent diabetes among people who have greater risk of developing the disease.
Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.
The antibacterial, analgesic and anesthetizing properties in garlic can help cure a toothache. Simply put some garlic oil or a piece of crushed garlic clove directly onto the affected tooth and surrounding gum for instant relief. Keep in mind that garlic can be irritating to the gums.
Respiratory problems:
Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine. Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
Aids Digestion:
Garlic helps promote, relax and tone the digestive system. It can prevent blockage of gastric pancreatic and intestinal juices that are responsible for digesting nutrients. Garlic also triggers the liver to release toxins from the body, while at the same time protects the liver from harm.
Improve iron metabolism:
Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and help improve iron metabolism.
Skin Infections:
The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Effective against warts and corns:
Applying fat dissolving garlic extracts to corns on the feet and warts on the hands is thought to improve these conditions.
Stir up passions:
Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due to its ability to increase the circulation.
To get the full benefits of garlic, try to eat it fresh and raw. Those who can’t tolerate the taste of raw garlic can take it in powder, flake, paste or pill form. For most individuals, garlic does not cause any serious side effects. However, when consumed in large quantities, garlic may cause stomach irritation, heartburn or flatulence.
Few More Other Benefits of Garlic
Garlic could end your hair loss problems because of its high levels of allicin, a sulfur compound similar to that found in onions, which were found to effectively treat hair loss. Rub sliced cloves of garlic on your scalp, squeezing as you go for the most benefit. You can also infuse oil with garlic and massage it into your scalp.
It might not be a main ingredient in your drugstore acne medication, but garlic makes a great natural remedy to banish unsightly blemishes. Its antioxidants kill bacteria, so rub a sliced clove of garlic on the pimple for an effective topical treatment.
Soothe Psoriasis:
Since garlic has proven anti-inflammatory properties, it could be useful in relieving uncomfortable psoriasis outbreaks. Try rubbing a little garlic oil on the affected area for smooth, rash-free skin.
Garlic could help you control your weight, according to nutritionist Cynthia Sass, who cites a study that showed mice eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. Try to cook with garlic daily for tasty and waist-friendly meals.
Remove a Splinter:
Placing a slice of garlic over the sliver and covering it with a bandage or duct tape has been a folk cure for years. As natural remedies gain in popularity, current bloggers swear this one works.
Treat Athlete's Foot:
With its anti-fungal properties, garlic could be a good way to get rid of itchy athlete's foot. Soak your feet in a bath of warm water and crushed garlic.
Keep Away Mosquitoes:
Scientists aren't sure why, but mosquitoes don't seem to like garlic. One study in India found that people who rubbed a garlicky concoction on their arms and legs weren't bothered by the pesky buggers. Make a solution of garlic oil, petroleum jelly, and beeswax for a natural repellant or place cloves of garlic nearby.
Garlic Conquers Cold Sores:
A popular cold sore home remedy involves holding a bit of crushed garlic directly on the cold sore; its natural anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce pain and swelling. Garlic supplements may also speed up the healing process, according to ecosalon.com.
Works as a Natural Glue:
Have you ever noticed how sticky your fingers get after chopping garlic? That natural adhesive quality is why some people swear by garlic to fix hairline cracks in glass. Crush some cloves and rub the juice on the crack, wiping away any excess.
De-ice your sidewalk:
A town in Iowa used donated garlic salt to remove ice from roadways. Next time you stumble on old garlic salt in the back of your spice cabinet, save it for an icy walkway.
Protect Plants:
Garden pests don't like garlic, so make a natural pesticide using garlic, mineral oil, water, and liquid soap. Pour into a spray bottle and mist your plants to keep away destructive critters.
Catch More Fish with garlic:
Fish are so attracted to the scent of garlic that you can buy bait with the smell built in. Or, make your own using food scraps and, of course, plenty of cloves.
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