Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is used in a large variety of recipes and condiments and without it some of our foods would be incomplete. What many people don’t know is that this tiny vegetable also comes with countless medicinal benefits. Garlic has been used as a cure for various ailments since the ancient times and the modern alternative medicine has also praised it for being a natural healer. Garlic contains allicin that has anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and that has the following health benefits.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Allicin has the ability to prevent the protein called angiotensin II from contracting your blood vessels and increasing the blood pressure. Garlic also includes polysulphides that, when reaching the red blood cells are transformed into hydrogen sulphide, a compound that is efficient in controlling the blood pressure.

It’s Antiviral and Antibacterial

Garlic is extremely efficient in controlling, preventing and healing worm, bacterial, yeast, fungal and viral infections. Moreover, fresh garlic can prevent food poisoning caused by bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis and E. coli.

Treats Skin Infections

This herb contains a chemical called ajoene that is effective in treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Has Blood Thinning Properties

The same chemical, ajoene, has anti-clotting properties, thus preventing your blood from forming clots. On the other hand, if you are programmed for a surgery, you should stop consuming garlic because it can cause bleeding.

Reduces Cholesterol

Garlic can naturally lower the cholesterol and blood triglycerides levels. Also, it is efficient in reducing or preventing the formation of the arterial plaque.

Protects Your Heart

Garlic can fight against various cardiovascular problems including atherosclerosis and heart attacks. This plant restores the elasticity of the arteries and stops the free oxygen radicals from damaging your heart. Also, the compounds containing sulphur can prevent atherosclerosis and free your blood vessels. Last, but not least, the ajoene with its anti-clotting properties prevents the forming of clots in the blood vessels.

Treats Respiratory Problems

If you consume garlic every day, you can reduce the number and frequency of colds. Moreover, it is extremely helpful for throat irritations and infections because it has antibacterial properties. The upper respiratory tract infections can also be cured with garlic. Garlic is beneficial for chronic bronchitis, because it promotes expectoration and is also helpful in disorders like difficulty of breathing and asthma.

Combats Allergies

The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic are of great help in allergies as it supports the body in fighting against this condition. It is particularly efficient in allergic rhinitis and other allergic inflammations of the airways. Furthermore, if you have bug bites or rashes, you can stop the itching by using raw garlic juice.

Prevents Cancer

Various studies have shown that most types of cancers can be prevented if you consume garlic every day. The ingredients that combat this serious disease are allyl sulphides. They have the miraculous capacity of inhibiting the transformation of various harmful cells into carcinogens.

Other health benefits that come with the regular consumption of garlic are improving the iron metabolism, reducing weight, reducing toothaches, treating corns and warts and preventing diabetes.