Garlic is a small-sized allium family vegetable that helps the body in many ways. Many people add garlic to foods when cooking to make them tasty and delicious. Some also prefer taking it raw with warm water. Hippocrates, the great ancient Greek physician, used garlic for various medicinal purposes. Even so, the major health benefits of garlic in modern society are endless.
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Garlic contains antioxidants, vitamins (B6 and C), and minerals that are crucial to our bodies. Besides, garlic is cheap, and you can find it in your local market and supermarket.
10 major health benefits of garlic
However small garlic may look, its health benefits will surprise you. Here are the major health benefits of garlic for you.
1. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Garlic lowers cholesterol levels in the body, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The red blood cells convert the sulfur compound in garlic to hydrogen sulfide gas that helps in regulating blood pressure.
People with high cholesterol levels can take garlic supplements daily to maintain their good health. Specialists recommend 4 grams of garlic per day to reduce the risk of getting heart diseases.
2. Garlic boosts body immunity
People in ancient times used garlic to treat several illnesses, infections, and wounds. Findings indicate that women who take raw or cooked garlic daily are at low risk of suffering from colon cancer. Besides, eating the aged garlic extract enhances immune cell function.
3. Controls high blood pressure
Many people are fighting with high blood pressure in the world today. Averagely, the disease results in seven million deaths every year in the world.Garlic and its supplements play a role in reducing blood pressure, more so in people with hypertension. Some studies indicate that people who use garlic regularly reduce the risk of getting this condition by 10%.
Besides, garlic helps lower cholesterol levels and stimulates the immune system as well. The amount of consuming supplements is a bit higher as compared to taking raw or cooked garlic. Experts recommend 600-1500mg of garlic supplements daily.
4. Improves brain memory
Garlic contains a great antioxidant that protects brain neurons from damage hence preventing cognitive decline. Garlic can reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, thus improving the performance of the brain.
Besides, garlic improves the flow of blood to the brain, which reduces the risk of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
5. Lowers the growth of cancer cells
Garlic contains natural compounds that fight the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties in garlic and other allium family vegetables such as leeks protect the body from free radicals. You can use garlic in your daily meals and reduce the risk of getting cancer.
6. Garlic reduces the risk of heart disease
Eating garlic helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Research shows that taking garlic increases the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels.
Besides, garlic controls the binding of platelets to proteins, thus reducing blood clots. Daily use of garlic will help the body fight heart diseases.
7. Improves athletic performance
People in ancient times used garlic to reduce fatigue and enhance work performance. Later on, the Greece Olympic athletes used garlic to improve their athletic abilities. Similarly, some athletes in the modern world use garlic to reduce fatigue.
Some studies show that using garlic oil for six weeks can reduce the peak heart rate in people with heart diseases and improve their exercise performance. Include garlic in your daily diet and enjoy its health benefits.
8. Combats common cold and flu
The major health benefits of garlic include protecting the body against cold and flu. Garlic contains antibiotics and antimicrobial properties that control the growth of unwanted organisms.
Regular taking of garlic can reduce the number of colds that one experiences by 63%. Moreover, garlic reduces the average length of cold symptoms from 5 days to 1.5 days.
9. Garlic is good for strong bones
Eating raw garlic increases estrogen in females, thus keeping bones healthy after menopause. Daily use of garlic also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. For stronger bones, include other healthy foods such as allium vegetables, dairy products, and green vegetables in your diet.
10. Helps clear the skin
The antibacterial properties in garlic reduce swelling and inflammation from acne. Besides, garlic is useful in treating other skin conditions such as athlete’s foot. However, placing garlic directly on the skin may cause burning sensation and rashes.
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Garlic and other allium family vegetables are crucial to the body. Enjoy the major health benefits of garlic by eating it raw or adding it into foods when cooking. How often do you use garlic?
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