10 Garlic Benefits
Garlic is a close relative of the onion and is a very common ingredient in cooking. It is found in cuisines all over the world and can be used in a wide variety of ways. Its pungent aroma is quite unmistakable and it has a strong flavor that can really help to bring a dish to life.
In addition to being great in cooking, garlic also has a variety of health benefits. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and also holds a variety of medicinal properties. These properties have been known since ancient times and we are now discovering more about them. Let’s discover some of the many garlic benefits.
Garlic Benefit #1: Healthy Heart
Heart disease is one of the biggest killers on the planet yet, in many cases, it can be avoided. A poor diet and lack of exercise can help contribute to heart attacks and other problems, although these are not the only factors. A high blood pressure can also be problematic and difficult to control.
Tests in humans, however, have shown that garlic can be used to help keep blood pressure down. One study even showed that it can be just as effective as Atenolol, which is a drug used to help manage high blood pressure. This can make a considerable difference in preventing heart disease.
Garlic Benefit #2: Better Immunity
Our bodies are quite effective at battling infection and disease, but we should still do what we can to help it. This means ensuring we have the right nutrients, including plenty of vitamins. Vitamin C, in particular, is known for its ability to boost the immune system, and garlic is a very good source of the vitamin.
In addition to vitamin C, garlic also contains vitamin B6, manganese and selenium, which also give the immune system a boost. What’s more is that antimicrobial and antioxidant properties also help to keep us free from illness, making garlic a great supplement for supporting good health.
Garlic Benefit #3: Toothache
Most of us are likely to experience a toothache at some point. Many will be able to tell you that the pain can be debilitating and a trip to the dentist is often required. While you are waiting to see the dentist to have the problem seen to, you will be concerned about relieving the pain in the short term at least.
There are numerous remedies out there, and many consider garlic to be among the most effective. Garlic has analgesic properties that will help to sooth the pain, and antibacterial properties that will help keep the decay under control.
Garlic Benefit #4: Allergies
Allergies can make life quite unpleasant for us and can even be potentially dangerous at times. The good news, though, is that there are remedies that can help to at least limit the symptoms, and garlic is one of them. One problem associated with allergies is inflamed airways, which can make it harder to breathe. Garlic has properties that can help to reduce the inflammation, making breathing easier again.
Many people choose to use garlic supplements during hay fever season to help keep the symptoms as manageable as possible. It is also used as a topical application on bites and rashes.
Garlic Benefit #5: Helps Digestion
A healthy digestive system is important if we are to keep in good shape. It is important that we can extract all the nutrients we need from our food. An unhealthy digestive system can also be quite uncomfortable and also lead to awkward situations socially.
Garlic helps to stimulate the production of gastric juices to help ensure that your food is processed effectively. It can also stimulate organs such as the liver to help ensure that your body is effectively cleaned of toxins. Just remember not to overdo it because too much garlic can be too much for the digestive system.
Garlic Benefit #6: Good for Athletes
In ancient Greece, garlic was seen used as a way to help reduce fatigue and enhance performance. It was used in physical labourers to try and get them to be more efficient, and also in Olympic athletes. Many people today feel that garlic can be used to enhance performance in people.
Studies have been undertaken in animals that show garlic really can be used to increase performance. One study suggested that the heart rate can be improved in individuals with heart disease. Some studies in people showed no positive effects, while others did suggest that fatigue can be reduced with garlic.
Garlic Benefit #7: Slows Cancer
Any of us could get struck with cancer at any time. Even the young and healthy are not immune. We are learning to deal with it more effectively as our technology improves, but there is still a long way to go. Fortunately, garlic has been shown to have properties that can slow down the spread of cancer.
Garlic contains a compound known as allyl sulphur, which has been shown to slow down the growth of cancerous cells. It can also be used to help reduce the risk of getting cancer in the first place. Raw or cooked garlic is more effective than garlic supplements.
Garlic Benefit #8: Relieves Arthritis Pain
Arthritis can not only be debilitating, it can also be very painful. People around the world suffer on a daily basis but, thankfully, garlic can help to reduce the pain. Much of the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is caused by swelling and garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. With the swelling reduced, the pain is also reduced, making things a lot more comfortable for the sufferer.
In addition, garlic contains diallyl disulphide which is a compound that helps to limit enzymes that cause damage to cartilage. Garlic is thought to be most effective at reducing pain from arthritis when eaten as part of your diet.
Garlic Benefit #9: Fight Fungal Infections
Fungal spores will often go airborne, making it easy for anybody to pick up an infection. While our immune system will usually prevent a fungal infection from developing, they can take hold under certain conditions. There is evidence, however, that garlic can help us to fight fungal infections.
Infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, oral thrush and ringworm can be reduced with the help of garlic. Garlic oil or gel should be used as a topical application for the skin, while garlic paste is suitable for oral infections. Including fresh garlic in your diet can help to give added protection against picking up fungal infections.
Garlic Benefit #10: Longer Life
Mankind has been searching for the secret to everlasting life for as long as we can remember. While we have not yet been able to stop the ageing process completely, we have at least been able to ensure that we generally live a lot longer than we used to.
Overall, garlic can help us to remain as healthy as possible in a number of ways. These can benefit you not only in the short term but also in the long term. Include garlic in your diet where possible and you are on your way to a long and happy life.
