Health Benefits of Garlic

In the past times, it was suggested that garlic could cure everything from a simple cold to the deadly plague. Down the centuries, this simple but super food has been used in Phytotherapy (herbal medicine). Modern science, however discarded some of its acclaimed healing properties, but a majority of them still holds genuine and are widely accepted in the world of medicine. In this article, some of the health benefits of garlic and side effects have been discussed.

Benefits

1. Management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Cardio Vascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke are widely known to be among the world’s biggest killers. One of the drivers of these diseases is high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Extensive studies on the human body have shown that garlic has positive effects on people suffering from high blood pressure. In one study, it was revealed that a 600-1,500 mg extract of aged garlic was as effective as Atenolol over a period of 24 weeks. For those with high levels of cholesterol, garlic can reduce up to 10% or 15% of LDL cholesterol. The HDL and triglyceride levels, however, remain unaffected.

2. The antioxidant agent present in garlic help preventing Alzheimer disease and Dementia.

I am sure you have heard about people having Alzheimer and Dementia with high doses of garlic supplements, you can keep both of these terrible diseases at bay. Garlic contains antioxidants that aid the protective mechanisms against oxidative damage within the body.

3. It can help in the detoxification of heavy metals

Detoxification is critical especially in this modern age where our food, air and water all contain pollutants. The sulfur compounds in garlic can help protect your organs from heavy metal toxicity. Three daily doses of garlic perform better than D-penicillamine.

4. Bone health may be improved by garlic

Studies on rodents have shown that garlic can increase the levels of estrogen in females thus reducing bone degeneration.

5. Garlic fights against cancer

Besides hypertension, Alzheimers and Dementia, garlic is a powerful fighter against cancer. Scientists have attributed this to the way garlic boosts the production of hydrogen sulfide. The risk of the different types of cancer reduces with an increase in the daily dose of garlic.

6. It fights inflammation

The anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic have vast benefits on both the muscle and respiratory systems. Two sulfur constituents of garlic, diallyl sulfide and thiacremonone, have anti-arthritic properties. Garlic also improves inflammatory conditions such as inflammation of the airway due to an allergic condition. Besides that, the sulfur containing compounds in garlic prevents fat cells from growing by 100%. It, therefore, reduces the chance of obesity.

7. It is a remedy for toothaches

If you ever suffer from a toothache instead of rushing to the dentist, reach for a bulb of garlic. This simple remedy has been used in homes for generations, and it rarely disappoints. The antibiotic compound, allicin, gives garlic this incredible ability.

8. Garlic helps unborn babies to gain weight

If you have a history of giving birth to under weigh babies, garlic is recommended for you. It is, however, advisable to talk to your doctor before you start eating garlic.

The some Benifits can apply to Onion

Tips For Preparing Garlic

Step 1: separate the cloves. You can do this by gently but firmly applying pressure, with the palm of your hand at an angle, on the garlic while it is placed on a hard surface.

Step 2: peel the cloves with a knife. Alternatively, you can blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute and then plunge it into cold water. The skin should slip right off.

Step 3: chop or crush the cloves to stimulate the enzymatic reaction that results in Alliin being converted to Allicin.

Step 4: wait for one minute before eating or cooking your garlic to allow for maximum Allicin production.
Do not microwave raw garlic, as this will destroy the enzymes.

If you have any leftover garlic cloves, broken from the bulb, store it in a cool, dark place for 3 to 10 days.

Side Effects

Despite all the health benefits of garlic, it also has several side effects. These side effects include:

• The burning of the mouth, stomach and throat
• Alteration of the menstrual cycle
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the tongue, rashes and itching

Regardless of the side effects, I think we can all agree that the health benefits of garlic are numerous. We can, therefore, conclude that garlic makes you live longer.