12 Health Benefits of Garlic
By Hannah, Facilty Staff From HomeFoodNutrition
- The more finely you chop garlic, the hotter and more pungent it will be. Garlic grated on a Microplane grater or crushed in a press will produce finer particles than chopping by hand, making it stronger still. Crushing chopped garlic with a bit of salt in a mortar and pestle will produce the strongest flavor of all
2. Reduces Blood Pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. High doses of aged garlic extract seemed to help lower blood pressure even compared to conventional prescribed drugs. Taking 600 to 1,500 mg of the extract contributed to reducing hypertension within 24 weeks. However, this is comparable to consuming four cloves per day if you prefer to eat them. By no means should you stop taking your blood pressure medication and consume a bunch of garlic, but there are options to explore with your doctor and nutritionist.
3. Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels
If you have high cholesterol, garlic can assist in lowering your total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Although it does not affect raising the ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or lowering harmful triglycerides, it does reduce the bad cholesterol. Being about 10 or 15% too high on your cholesterol test can easily be adjusted by upping your garlic intake.
4. Improves Brain Function
Free radicals contribute to the aging process. Antioxidants from garlic help protect the body from oxidative damage. An increased amount of antioxidants in your diet can boost brain health. This method may prevent the onset of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Shield your cells from harm thanks to eating more garlic.
5. Promotes Longevity
Because of the health benefits of garlic, consuming more of it can help you live longer. The combination of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol along with the notions that it boosts your immune system all point in the direction of longevity. Although it is difficult to test through studies, garlic has beneficial effects on common diseases, especially those found in elderly patients.
Improves Physical Performance
Very few human studies have been completed using garlic. However, it was considered of the earliest forms of performance-enhancing substances by the ancient Greeks during the Olympics. It has been linked with reducing fatigue caused by exercise. In people with heart disease, it showed that garlic helped improve their training ability by reducing their peak heart rate.
7. Detoxifies Heavy Metals
Garlic can help protect your body from heavy metal toxicity, which can lead to organ damage. A study showed that garlic consumption in people exposed to heavy metals reduced the toxicity levels. In turn, related symptoms such as headaches and high blood pressure also improved. The test of employees from a car battery plant that had high amounts of lead exposure. Over the four-week period, they consumed three doses of garlic every day.
8. Keeps Bones Strong
In a study with a group of menopausal women, two grams of raw garlic decreased estrogen deficiency. What does this marker mean? Well, by increasing estrogen in females, a separate animal study revealed that it minimized bone loss. Garlic might have been the key to improving bone health, especially in women. More studies are required, but if you have osteoarthritis, you might want to eat more garlic.
9. Fights Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can range from athlete’s foot and jock itch to ringworm and candida. Garlic has anti-fungal properties that can combat diseases. All you have to do is apply garlic oil or gel onto the affected area. If you have oral thrush, you can use a garlic paste. Even after the infection clears, you should try to eat raw, fresh garlic, even more, to prevent reoccurring problems in the future.
10. Combats Allergies
Besides having anti-fungal properties, garlic is excellent for antiviral and anti-inflammatory uses. Different allergies can cause respiratory issues, but garlic can reduce airway inflammation resulting from allergic rhinitis. Minced garlic might provide quick relief if you have a rash, bug bite, or some other itchy problem. During allergy season, you can take a garlic supplement every day to keep your allergies at bay.
11. Treats Toothaches
If you have an aching tooth, try rubbing garlic oil on the affected area. If you do not have sensitive gums, it can provide relief. You can crush a garlic clove if you are out of the oil. Simply rub the broken piece on your tooth and gum. The antibacterial and analgesic capabilities should soothe the pain temporarily.
12. Helps with Digestion
Did you know that garlic promotes healthy digestion? Your stomach will function better thanks to garlic. In fact, the garlic stimulates your stomach membrane to create more gastric juices, which aids digestion. Your liver also releases toxins from the body thanks to garlic. Garlic can also protect your liver from harm. However, that does not mean you should consume excessive amounts of the smelly spice because it can irritate your tract and lead to heartburn. Overeating garlic can cause bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. Consuming garlic creates bad breath, too. It may act as a blood thinner and interfere with related medications including HIV drugs. Make sure you discuss your diet with your doctor before increasing your daily garlic intake.
