Not only does garlic smell and taste wonderful, but it also has tremendous health benefits. Garlic has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The health benefits of garlic are numerous. The compound that contains therapeutic benefits in garlic is called allicin.
Allicin in garlic provides innumerable health benefits which include combating colds and coughs, lowering blood pressure, fighting heart ailments, and preventing Alzheimer’s. It also relieves earaches, treats intestinal issues, cures wounds, prevents cancer, and relieves excess gas.
What is Garlic?
Garlic (Allium
sativum) is a strong-smelling, pungent-tasting herb. It is a close relative of
onion and is native to Central Asia. It has been used as a food-flavoring agent
and as a traditional medicine. Mankind recognized the curative qualities of
this magic herb over 3,000 years ago. Sir Louis Pasteur, the scientist who
discovered pasteurization, effectively utilized the
anti-bacterial qualities of this herb all the way back in 1858. As
little as one clove per day may bring a vast improvement in your overall
health, while 2 to 3 cloves could prevent an attack of the common cold. World
War I medical surgeons also used the garlic juice as an antiseptic for treating
war wounds.
Nutrition:
Garlic contains
useful minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium and
iron, as well as trace minerals like iodine, sulfur and chlorine. It is a rich
source of vitamins like folate, thiamine, niacin and vitamin C, A, K and B6. In
terms of organic compounds, it is one of the rare sources of
allicin, allisatin 1 and allisatin 2. The herb is very low
in calories, saturated fats and sodium.
Benefits of Raw Garlic:
The health benefits
of eating raw garlic cloves are explained in greater detail below;
Treats Cold and Cough;
Eating raw garlic
cloves helps treat colds and coughs. At the very onset of a cold eating, at
least two crushed cloves may help in lessening the severity of your cold.
Reduces Hypertension;
Garlic is a herbal
ingredient for lowering high blood pressure. When exposed to high levels of
pressure, the allicin present in it relaxes the blood vessels. It fights
against thrombosis by reducing platelet aggregation.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels;
Raw garlic, rich in
the allicin compound, effectively prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from
oxidizing. All those who have high cholesterol levels should include it in
their daily diet.
Boosts Heart Health;
Regularly eating raw
garlic cloves help prevent thromboembolism. This means they reduce
blood clots and promote better blood flow. They also have significant
cardioprotective properties which help prevent diseases like atherosclerosis,
hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, hypertension and more.
Prevents Alzheimer’s & Dementia;
The antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties of raw garlic help prevent neurodegenerative
diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Prevents Heavy Metal Poisoning;
High doses of
garlic can prevent organ damage caused by heavy metals. The sulfur compounds
in this herb drastically reduce lead levels in the blood. Additionally, it also
prevents the signs of toxicity such as headaches and blood pressure. Sulfur in
this herb aids in better absorption of iron and zinc in the blood.
Boosts Digestion;
Daily inclusion of
raw garlic cloves in your diet aids in eliminating any digestive problems. The
herb assists in the normal functioning of the intestines for good digestion.
Even inflammation or irritation of the gastric canal may be reduced using this
herb.
Regulates Blood Sugar;
Eating raw garlic
cloves significantly reduces blood sugar levels. Thus, it is a boon to those
suffering from diabetes or at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Boosts Immune System;
Garlic has
phytonutrients that help reduce oxidative stress and prevent DNA damage,
thereby, strengthening the immunity. Furthermore, the herb reduces fatigue, as
well as increases energy and longevity.
Eye Care;
It is rich in
nutrients like selenium, quercetin and vitamin C, all of which help treat
eye infections and inflammation.
Relieves Ear Aches;
This herb is
commonly used for curing earaches and ear infections due to its antiviral,
antifungal and antibiotic properties.
Improves Digestive Health;
It clears up most
intestinal problems like dysentery, diarrhea and colitis. Its role in
dispelling worms is phenomenal. It doesn't affect the good bacteria in the
intestine but destroys the harmful ones. It not only enhances digestion
but also helps relieve stomach gas.
Treats Wounds;
It acts as an
effective herbal treatment for the infected wound. Place 2 cloves on the
infected area to get instant relief.
Prevents Acne;
Garlic, along with
other ingredients like honey, cream and turmeric, can be used to treat acne
scars and prevent the onset of acne. This herb is an effective skin cleanser
and an antibiotic substance that helps treat many skin conditions. These
include skin rashes, psoriasis, cold sores and blisters. Additionally, it
also helps in cell synthesis, protecting against UV rays and in delaying aging.
Other Benefits;
Other benefits of
this herb include treating asthma, increasing libido, preventing cancer and
hair loss, among others.
Controls Asthma;
Boiled garlic cloves
are effective in treating asthma. Each night before going to sleep, a glass of
milk with 3 boiled cloves of this herb can bring subsequent relief for
patients with asthma. The asthma attacks may be brought under control by having
crushed cloves with malt vinegar as well. Additionally, they can also be used
to treat lung infections like cystic fibrosis.
Increases Libido;
The herb has certain
aphrodisiac properties, so it can be utilized as an effective rejuvenator
for sex. The health benefits of this herb are further known to enhance the
libido of both men and women. People who overindulge in sexual activities
should consume garlic to protect themselves from nervous fatigue.
Prevents Cancer;
A regular
intake of garlic reduces the risk of colon, bladder, lung, prostate, stomach,
brain, esophagus and liver, cancer. It aids in reducing the production of
carcinogenic compounds and also reduces the occurrence of tumors associated
with breast cancer.
Prevents Peptic Ulcer;
The antibacterial
compounds present in garlic can eliminate stomach parasites that cause peptic
ulcers.
Bone Health;
Herbs like garlic
and onion impact estrogen levels in menopausal women, preventing the risk of
osteoarthritis. It also minimizes bone loss and improves overall bone health.
Weight Loss;
Garlic aids in
weight loss and reducing obesity. It reduces the expression of genes that are
involved in adipogenesis, which leads to the formation of fat cells. The herb
increases thermogenesis, which helps burn fat and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol
levels.
Prevents Fatty Liver;
Garlic, rich in
S-ally-mercapto cysteine (SAMC) and antioxidants, helps prevent fatty
liver. These compounds also reduce the risk of hepatic injury.
Treats UTI and Kidney Infections;
Garlic prevents the
growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen responsible for recurring urinary
tract infections (UTI) and kidney infections. Additionally, fresh garlic
extract is also used to prevent the growth of candida vaginitis and E. coli
infection.
Prevents Hair Loss;
The herb helps in
preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Regular application of garlic
gel or garlic-infused coconut oil can also aid in treating alopecia.
Antibacterial and Antiparasitic Effects;
Garlic extracts
help treat Heliobacter pylori infection, tick bites, jock itch and
athlete’s foot. It also eliminates tapeworm and ringworm.
Splinters;
Traditionally,
garlic has been used to treat stubborn splinters. Place a cut piece of its
clove over the splinter cut, bandage it and see the splinter and pain
disappear!
How to Use?
The herb can be
consumed raw or cooked;
It can be chopped,
crushed, sliced, or juiced. Cutting garlic activates Alliinase enzymes which
are highly beneficial to health.
You can use it
in salads, soups, stews, vegetables, fish, and meat.
The herb is also an
essential ingredient in various toothpaste and mouthwashes as it prevents tooth
cavities and oral bacteria.
Word of Caution: Excess intake of this herb may cause irritation in the digestive system. The only drawback is its pungent smell and taste that leaves bad breath, but other than that, garlic is a medicinal boon for mankind!