Health Benefits of Garlic

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Health Benefits of Garlic

Updated October 18, 2010
3 minute read

Garlic is one of many oldest plants which have been known to fight heart disease, lower blood pressure and avoid colds. However, the health benefits of garlic have not been recently discovered. Garlic remedies have been long used for thousands of years by Chinese and Indian people. So it is important that we learn why garlic is such a benefit to our health. Scientists have discovered that the cloves of a garlic releases a sulphur compound called Allicin which gives garlic its spicy taste but also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. This is the very compound that gives garlic its healthy benefits.

Attention on garlic has been pressured on for its power to lower cholesterol, decrease high blood pressure, prevent blood clots and protect the brain from strokes. Let us read below to find out more!

1) Garlic Lowers Cholesterol!

Studies have been done and have shown that a person who takes 600mg of garlic everyday can help reduce cholesterol by 15%. Garlic should be available in local supermarkets and corner groceries. Take away some time to browse and look around for them when you’re free.

2) Garlic Lowers High Blood Pressure!

Daily stress is slowly increasing and people should know the effects of stress on health. One issue is high blood pressure which can be life threatening if it isn’t treated. Several medications exist that can lower blood pressure, but some of these can cause painful side effects. A natural medication that doesn’t give any side effects is Garlic. This natural source helps regulate blood pressure in a safe manner. You may struggle to consume Garlic if you haven’t eaten it earlier.

Salt is another ingredient which can easily cause Hypertension. Too much sodium attracts and retains water in the body with an increased volume of blood. Due to this, the heart will be working much harder to send the blood around the body, putting the arteries in increased strain.

Medical studies have showed that people who eat less salt experience a significant decrease in blood pressure. Some people consumed a little as 1,500 milligrams in a day and found a massive drop of 8.9mm Hg systolic pressure and 4.5mm Hg diastolic pressure.

Salt is important to the body to regulate blood pressure but as much as 200-500mg a day is enough. Many processed foods such as canned vegetables, ketchup, cheese, chips, cookies and soups contain too much salt without us knowing and our health can be at risk. We all love eating tasty snacks, but that doesn’t mean salt should be the only ingredient used for taste. Garlic can be a great alternative to salt and should be definitely used for flavour.

Instead of using high sodium flavourings, mixing Garlic and a variety of other herbs including Garlic, peppers and onions is a good idea. Some of these herbs can also help lower blood pressure while you enjoy munching on flavoured dishes. So why not eat them when they can be both healthy and delicious. If you’re on any type of medication, remember to alert your doctor about the inclusion of Garlic in your diet because sometimes it might react negatively with your other medications.

3) Garlic Fights Allergies!

You must be a little surprised to know that the smell released by the clove of garlic can clear the sinuses. Include the veggie into your diet for it to successfully work.

The immune boosting property of Garlic is what helps treat allergies. You may wish to use cooked garlic and aged garlic extract. Allergies causes chaos inside the body, this is because the body tries getting rid of the intruder. Thus, you begin seeing the effects that it has on your body parts including eye infections, itchy eyes, itchy skin, irritation and inflammation. However, you don’t have to worry; garlic attracts free radicals like allergens which can safely remove the toxins from the body without causing any harm. When these toxins are removed, it can help reduce seasonal allergies. To fight the effects of allergies, you only require consuming a few cloves a week.

However, it is recommended you first become conscious that you’re not allergic to garlic. The symptoms of Garlic allergies are mild so you might not even be aware that you’re suffering from them. Symptoms of Garlic allergies include stuffy noses, red itchy rashes and coughing. If Garlic is new to your diet and you’ve never eat it before, stop consuming it if the above symptoms are noticeable.

4) Garlic helps Diabetic Patients!

One Garlic capsule or tablet a day has been discovered to help patients who suffer from diabetes type 1 and 2. The veggie helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin.

5) Garlic Cures Toothaches!

Putting Garlic oil or a crushed clove directly onto the affected tooth can instantly heal and relieve pain. The reason why this works effectively is because of the anti-bacterial, analgesic properties contained in Garlic.

Summary

Garlic has many benefits that are helpful in our lives. It should be considered a necessary food source in our diets. They can be found in local supermarkets and aren’t too expensive.

For more great reading, please check:

Health Benefits of Honey

Health Benefits of Cherries

Health Benefits of Ginger

The Health Benefits of Beetroot

How to Clean Your Kitchen