Garlic is an herb that is grown in different parts of the world. It belongs to the family of leeks, chives, and onions. When it comes to the health benefits of garlic, the number is endless. It is mainly used for treating conditions related to the blood system and heart. These conditions include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and hardening of arteries. In terms of food, fresh garlic, garlic oil, and garlic powder are used for adding a unique flavor. Not only there are plenty of other health benefits of garlic. What are they? Let us see.
It is mainly used for treating conditions related to the blood system and heart. These conditions include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and hardening of arteries. In terms of food, fresh garlic, garlic oil, and garlic powder are used for adding a unique flavor.
The high Sulphur content in garlic gives it antibiotic properties, assisting in keeping the digestive system clean by flushing out the harmful toxins. Doctors advise eating garlic every day in an empty stomach as it is a natural remedy to improve immunity power.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic fights blood pressure
Across the world, nearly 25% of people suffer from high blood pressure which leads to several deaths every year. Several studies have found that garlic supplements are effective in controlling blood pressure when compared to placebo, mainly in those who suffer from hypertension. Another study showed that garlic nutrition can lower cholesterol and at the same time stimulate the immune system.
Garlic benefits for women
No human studies have found the effects of garlic on bone loss. However, studies have shown that it can lessen bone loss by raising estrogen in women. One study on menopausal women found that a regular dose of dry garlic extract can decrease a marker of estrogen deficiency. This supplement may have beneficial effects on the bones of women too.
Weight loss and helps in digestion
One of the most important health benefits of garlic is it stimulates digestion and appetite. If you want to lose weight and improve your digestive system, then you must eat raw garlic after you get up from sleep in the morning.
Eating raw garlic is also effective in treating stomach problems like diarrhea. There are many health benefits of garlic and honey too. For losing weight, mix garlic and honey and have it on an empty stomach.
Benefits of garlic milk
Acne is caused by the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Garlic contains many sulfur compounds that help in treating acne and pimples. Drinking garlic milk helps in preventing acne as the compounds present in this mixture gets absorbed by the blood and excreted from the body in the form of sweat. These compounds in garlic milk destroy the bacteria that are deep inside your skin pores, giving a smooth and clear complexion.
Boosts libido
Garlic is an efficient stimulant of sexual desire, but all of us know that the smell of raw garlic will keep even the most loving person away. But this problem can be solved by mixing garlic in milk. Several studies have proved that milk has a neutralizing effect on those garlic components that causes the pungent smell. This way, you can drink garlic milk every day and enjoy its stimulating effect, without getting annoyed with the smell.
Garlic can help you live longer
The effects of garlic on longevity are essentially impossible to prove in human beings. But, provided the beneficial effects on significant risk factors like blood pressure, it is true that garlic can help you live longer. The fact that garlic can fight infectious illness is a significant factor, as these are the common causes behind death, mainly among the elders or people with weak immune systems.
Brain cancer
One of the health benefits of garlic most people do not know is it has proven to be effective in damaging the cells in glioblastomas, a kind of deadly brain tumor. Scientists have reported that the 3 pure organo-sulfur compounds present in garlic, i.e. DADS, DAS, AND DATS helps in eradicating brain cancer cells, but DATS proved to be most effective among all.
Prostate cancer
Doctors at The Department of Urology in China-Japan Friendship Hospital conducted a study assessing the relation between Allium vegetable consumption and prostate cancer risk. They collected and analyzed published studies up to May 2013 and stated their findings in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. The authors concluded that “Allium vegetables, mainly garlic can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The team also commented that as there are not many pertinent studies, further studies must be carried out to prove their findings.
Anti-parasitic and Anti-bacterial
Garlic is known as one of the best medicinal resources of the past era. It has been used as an antibiotic for treating fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections for ages. Several studies have proved that diluted garlic extract is great for treating tapeworm infections in kids. A garlic-based mouthwash may not sound fresh to many, but a small quantity of garlic extracts is enough to fight bacteria that cause a cavity.
Garlic for your skin and hair
The stimulating properties of garlic protect the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow the depletion of collagen which leads to the loss of elasticity in the aging skin. When applied topically, garlic can do wonders to the skin which is infected with fungal infections. Garlic can also give relief from skin ailments like eczema. It is an effective cure for fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot. Most of us know about the wonders of onion for hair, but very few know that garlic too can give you thick and lustrous hair. Rubbing crushed garlic on your scalp or applying garlic-infused oil can prevent hair fall.
Fights against UTI and boosts Renal health
Juice of garlic has the potential to fight the Coli bacteria that causes infection in the urinary tract. It also helps in preventing kidney infections. Garlic heals infections on wounds, boosts hair growth, improves bone and liver health. But, keep in mind, if you want to gain maximum benefits from garlic then, you must consume it raw.
Premature delivery
Microbial infections during pregnancy increase the woman’s chances of preterm delivery. Several studies by researchers concluded that having food with prebiotic and antimicrobial compounds may be of significance to lessen the risk of spontaneous PTD. Garlic was linked with a lower risk of unplanned PTD.
It is easy to include garlic in your diet and it makes food tasty
Now, this one is not a health benefit, but it is still important. Garlic can be easily added to your current diet. The best thing about garlic is it complements most of the savory dishes, mainly sauces and soups. The pungent smell of garlic adds a punch to bland dishes. Garlic comes in different forms, from whole cloves to powders to pastes and a few supplements like garlic oil or garlic extract.
However, keep in mind that there are a few disadvantages of garlic. One among them is bad breath. Some people are allergic to it. If you are suffering from a bleeding disorder or consuming blood-thinning medicines, then you must discuss it with your doctor before eating garlic.