There are countless health benefits of garlic that you can't ignore once you learn about it. Garlic is a source of immunity that helps us overcoming cold, cough, high blood pressure, fighting heart disease, and also helps against various neurodegenerative disorders. However, garlic is not limited to these health benefits only. Here are some of the Top Proven Garlic Benefits that you need to know.
Garlic is native to Central Asia and North-Eastern Iran and has long been a common edible worldwide, with a history of several thousand years of consumption and different uses. Known to ancient Egyptians, Garlic has been used both as a food flavoring element as well as traditional medicine. In Ancient Rome, it was "much used for food among the poor". China produces about 80% of the world supply of garlic.
Scientifically, Garlic is known as Allium sativum which contains a strong smell and tastes pungent, somewhat similar to an onion. Because of the fact that Garlic is a close relative of onion (both onion and garlic belong to the same genus, Allium) which is originated in Central Asia.
In the ancient era, Garlic was used as a medicine. It is also scientifically proven that Garlic delivers several health benefits. Apart from its medicinal uses, Garlic also makes your food delicious and healthy.
People recognized the nutritional value of garlic and the quality of healing diseases over 3000 years ago. In 1858, Sir Louis Pasteur discovered the anti-bacterial properties of this natural herb. A Journal of Pharmaceutical Research report suggests that if you take one garlic clove per day, it can help you with a significant improvement in your overall health.
Similarly, if you eat two-three cloves daily garlic, it can immune you against the common cold. Do you know, medical surgeons in World War-II used to make garlic juice to treat wounds? And this strengthens the fact, that it works as an antiseptic as well.
Garlic contains some useful minerals including Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, and Iron. Also, trace minerals like Iodine, Sulphur, and Chlorine, are present in raw garlic.
USDA National Nutrient Database also proves that garlic contains vitamins, including folate, Thiamine, niacin, vitamin C, A, K, and vitamin B6 which are rarely found in any other herb. Garlic may contain multiple vitamins and trace minerals, but it is low in calories, sodium, and saturated fats.
You may eat garlic in any form that will always be beneficial for you in many wondrous ways. Here are some of the reasons why you should fall for this natural agent to treat many diseases.
In 2014, a study had proved that eating raw garlic every day can treat common cold and cough. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews carried out a study with 146+ participants and advised them to eat fresh garlic for three-four months.
The total number of participants were divided into two groups, where the first group took a placebo tablet for four months, and the other group took the garlic pills for the same period. The study found that after taking garlic pills every day, the group had fewer cold than the group who took a placebo every day.
What is the magical property of garlic that can help you save from cold, cough, and sore throat?
The answer is " Allicin." This compound has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is released when you crush a clove of garlic. The best way to treat your sore throat or the common cold is to consume a crushed Raw garlic clove each day. Just crush a slice and chew it for about 15 minutes to reap the benefits of raw garlic.
Garlic is an herb known for reducing hypertension. The medicinal properties of garlic reduce high blood pressure as Allicin helps you relax your blood vessels.
Garlic also fights against Thrombosis, thus reduces platelet aggregation. According to the research conducted by National US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, if you take two cloves of garlic each day you can get rid of high blood pressure problems.
You can eat raw garlic every day, provided, you don't dislike its smell. If you want, you can add garlic to various dishes or can also make garlic juice with salad, soups, fish, meat, vegetables, etc.
There is no downside of taking raw garlic. However, it can cause some irritation in your Stomach if taken excessively. Also, eating it raw can cause bad breath yet, it is used in various kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash liquids!
One of the common disadvantages raw Garlic is when applied directly to the skin, it can easily cause irritation and inflammation. The burning senses are the most common issue you have to suffer after applying the raw form of Garlic whether sliced or crushed. It is recommended to use garlic oil for skin treatment.
The same goes for hair treatment. If you are experiencing hair loss, don’t try to put too much Garlic on your scalp, as it may also lead to scalp irritation and burning senses.
If you eat raw Garlic excessively, your stomach may get severely affected by its inflammatory properties.
Since the compounds present in Garlic thin your blood, taking Garlic after surgery or during bleeding disorder may turn out to be harmful to you.
Yes, garlic is helpful to boost your libido as the high contents of allicin helps the blood flow to your sexual organs. It is beneficial for both men and ladies. If the smell is much concern for you, you can try garlic pills. Two cloves of garlic a day, or garlic pills benefits your reproductive organs and enhances their functions.
Garlic is beneficial in both forms, and you can eat it in whichever form you like. If the sharp pungent smell is an issue, you can opt for garlic pills. You can also have garlic juice in a syrup's form or as an additive in your drink. Garlic has also been used as an ingredient in dishes for thousands of years. So, go ahead, add it to yours as well. It has the same benefits as garlic pills.
Given the beneficial effects of garlic, whether you swallow its cloves, chew it, or take garlic pills, you can take it 1-2 cloves or pills every day. However, it is advised to consult your medical specialist before having garlic if you are undergoing any medical condition or are facing any allergic reactions while using garlic.
Eating garlic in the morning on an empty stomach helps you correct your faulty bowels. Take garlic with water on an empty stomach to fix your digestive disorders and lose weight. A glass of water every morning is even better with a crushed clove of garlic to cure gas problems as well.