Last updated on October 25th, 2024 at 06:14 pm
Garlic Benefits – Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs. People have used it throughout history for its healing properties. Today, we know that garlic contains many potent compounds that have been shown to help fight cancer, lower cholesterol levels, boost immune function, protect against heart disease, prevent diabetes, reduce blood pressure, and more.
How does garlic grow? Garlic is grown from single cloves — the same cloves you use in cooking.
Garlic is a member of the lily family (Alliaceae) and grows from bulbs. There are two main types: white and green. White garlic is sweeter and milder in flavor, whereas green garlic is more potent and intense. Both types are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium.
Proven Health Benefits of Garlic
What Is a Clove of Garlic?
Fresh garlic is usually sold in heads, which are bulb-like and covered in whiteish papery skin. Remove the outer papery layer, and you’ll see that one bulb comprises many individual lobes covered in papery skin. Each of these lobes is called a clove of garlic. You can break off individual cloves from the stem to cook with them, leaving the rest of the head intact for later use.
What is the difference between garlic powder and fresh cloves of garlic? The answer might surprise you. In addition to being delicious, garlic has numerous health benefits. Garlic cloves contain potent antioxidants that fight heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions. They also boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and promote cardiovascular health.
Garlic is highly nutritious but has very few calories
Garlic is one of the most popular foods around the world. People love it because of its flavor, health benefits, and versatility. It’s been used medicinally for thousands of years. But did you know that garlic is extremely healthy?
This superfood packs tons of nutrients into just a tiny amount. Here are some of the fantastic things about garlic:
- Calories per Clove: 2
- Manganese: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B6: 2% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 1% of the DV
- Selenium: 1% of the Daily Value
8 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic
Arthritis
- Benefits related to arthritis include reducing arthritis suffering as it alleviates garlic anguish and other signs of Rheumatoid arthritis.
- The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling that comes with arthritis.
- Enhances immunity. Garlic contains many vitamins C and B6 and the minerals manganese, calcium, and magnesium, which help the immune system function better.
- It facilitates the body’s intake of minerals.
- Garlic also has antioxidant and antibacterial assets.
- Assist in protecting their bodies themselves from germs and fighting infection.
Kill Bacterias
- It kills harmful bacteria and viruses,
- It is an excellent remedy for cough and cold. It can also prevent the upper respiratory tract infection from worsening.
- It defends against allergies because garlic kills viruses and blows them down swelling, and it can help the body resist various allergies.
- It can also reduce the swelling of the airway caused by allergic rhinitis.
- Cure toothache: Garlic can also help cure toothaches. It kills bacteria and counteracts soreness.
Antibacterial
- Garlic engages fungal infection.
- Facilitates the body to kill fungi, and fight fungal infections that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock ache, and any antibacterial effects.
- In another study, researchers looked at data from nearly 4,500 patients diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection). They discovered that women taking garlic supplements experienced fewer recurrences of symptoms.
Stomach & Digestion
- Garlic digestion aid keeps the stomach stream smoothly
- Helping digestion. It, too, cures the stomach, concluding with gastric liquor that aids digestion
- Eating garlic all the time is vital for people who have cancer in their families. To lower their risk of getting many types of cancer.
Cholesterol Reduction
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that garlic lowers total cholesterol and triglyceride levels without affecting good cholesterol.
A review of five clinical trials over eight weeks found that people eating up to three cloves per day significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Garlic has excellent results with blood flowing, lowers cholesterol
- It also slows down the hardening of the arteries and the hardening of the routes, which can lead to a heart attack or a blow.
- Eat one or two garlic cloves every morning to help heart health and stop heart Illness.
Prostate cancer
Doctors at the Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China, conducted a study evaluating the relationship between Allium vegetable consumption and prostate cancer risk.
The researchers evaluated ten cohort studies involving over 2 million participants, including six case-control studies and four cohort studies. Their conclusion: “Garlic intake is associated with a lower risk of overall prostate cancer incidence.”
They found that compared to men who consumed less than one serving per month, those who ate three servings a week had a 20% reduction in the risk of developing the disease.
Gout Cure
Garlic is an incredible herb for curing gout. It aids in eliminating excess uric acid from the system and reduces inflammation. Crush 1-2 garlic cloves and then consume them to respite from joint pain.
Immune System Support
Garlic supplements are known to increase blood flow and circulation, improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
Benefits of Garlic Capsules
Garlic capsules offer a convenient way to reap the potential health benefits of garlic without the strong odor and taste. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Heart Health:
- Lowering Cholesterol: Garlic can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Reducing Blood Pressure: Regular consumption of garlic can help lower blood pressure.
- Antioxidant Properties: Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against heart disease.
- Immune System Boost:
- Antimicrobial Properties: Garlic can help fight infections and boost immunity.
- Cold and Flu Prevention: Regular consumption may reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.
- Antioxidant Effects: Fighting Oxidative Stress: Garlic contains compounds that can help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
- Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Some studies suggest garlic may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed.
Important Considerations:
Side Effects: Some people may experience bad breath, heartburn, or upset stomach.
Side Effects of Garlic
While garlic offers numerous health benefits, it’s essential to be aware of its potential side effects, especially when consumed in large quantities or in supplement form:
Common Side Effects:
- Bad Breath and Body Odor: This is the most common side effect, especially when consuming raw garlic.
- Digestive Issues: Garlic can cause heartburn, gas, and diarrhea, particularly when taken on an empty stomach.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to garlic and experience symptoms like skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Increased Risk of Bleeding: Garlic can interfere with blood clotting, so it’s essential to use caution if you’re taking blood thinners or are scheduled for surgery.
- Skin Irritation: Applying raw garlic to the skin can cause skin irritation or burns.
