10 Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic

Humans have used garlic for thousands of years and it was famous in ancient Egypt as an ingredient for cooking and also for its medicinal values. There are evidences of garlic being used even 5000 years back in Indian and Egyptian cultures.  

Garlic comes under the genus Allium and is closely related to an onion known as rakkyo, which is from Asia. In today’s world, garlic grows wild in Asia. Garlic has been used by humans as a medicinal plant for centuries. Further studies are needed to understand how garlic can be used to treat specific diseases or how garlic supplements help a person specifically.

Nutrient Content of Garlic

4g of garlic or approximately one clove of garlic has the following nutrient content:

• 0.0g fat
• 4Kcal / 16KJ
• 25mg potassium
• 0.7g carbohydrates
• 0.2g fibre
• 0.3g protein

11 Health Benefits of Garlic

Here are some of the excellent garlic benefits that you should know!

Bone Health

Studies have shown that garlic has an effect on bone health, especially when it comes to women who have gone through menopause. Some studies have shown that garlic can decrease the oxidative stress that might lead to osteoporosis.

Reduce Heart Attacks

Studies have revealed that garlic may be used for reducing cholesterol and heart diseases. Many studies have also suggested that garlic might act as an anticoagulant, as it reduces the likeness of platelets to clump together and gather on artery walls. This decreases the risk of heart attack.

Detoxifying Heavy Metals

Taken in high dosage, garlic have shown to reduce the damage from heavy metal toxicity. This is because of the sulfur compounds in it. Like allicin, a compound present in garlic has not only shown to reduce the level of lead in the vital organs and blood but it also reduces high blood pressure and headache, which are the clinical symptoms of lead toxicity.

Improves Memory Problems

The antioxidants in garlic aid in preventing oxidative damage. So garlic might be advantageous for people with memory deficits and cognitive issues. However there needs to be more studies to determine the effects of garlic on people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, as the cause of these diseases are numerous and it might not be possible to avert the condition.

Easy to add to the diet and has an amazing flavour

Garlic almost goes along with any dish, and it especially compliments savoury dishes like sauces and soups. So it is very easy to include in diets. And its prominent taste adds a powerful impact to any bland dish. Garlic can be added in any form, such as whole cloves, paste, powder, oil, or even supplements.

Anti-Cancer Properties

There has to be more studies relating to this subject but the few tests show that the suphurous compounds in garlic have the potentiality to block tumours and obstruct cancerous cells.

Antibiotic properties

Allicin is a compound in garlic that is released when one chops or crushes it; this acts like an antibiotic. According to a study, consuming garlic might aid in protecting against antibiotic-resistant organisms and also managing bacterial infections.

Reduce Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular diseases are the reason for more deaths than almost any other disease. Hypertension or high blood pressure will lead to this condition. Few studies have found that garlic supplements have a similar effect to blood pressure medication, but it has fewer side effects.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal properties

Garlic has been used as a remedy for infections caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. Garlic used to be called as the ‘Russian penicillin’ for it antibacterial properties relating to allicin, a compound present in it. Garlic oil or crushed garlic might even be used to treat skin conditions like insect bites and warts.

Fights Against UTI

E.Coli is a bacteria that is the reason for urinary tract infection (UTI) and garlic might reduce the growth of it. It also helps with kidney infections. But the maximum effectiveness of garlic is achieved only when consumed raw.

Is Garlic Good for You?

There is no major side effects of garlic but anything had in large quantity is not good for the body. Some people are also naturally allergic to garlic. If a person is on blood-thinning medication or has bleeding disorder it is better to consult a physician before taking too much of garlic as it may affect the blood clotting ability. Garlic also causes bad breath.

Conclusion

For thousands of years garlic has been used for its medicinal properties. There are ongoing research that are beginning to support these claims. Garlic is safe to eat for most people. But people taking blood thinners are recommended to talk to the doctor before increasing their garlic intake drastically.

FAQ