Garlic, a very common condiment found in our kitchens, has immense therapeutic potential.
History tells us that in ancient times, garlic was used in a wide variety to treatment many ailments, including colds, respiratory issue, parasites, poor digestion, TB, diabetes, fevers, and even dysentery. Today, modern medicine has given us very effective treatments for many of these issues, but garlic remains in the diet of many health-conscious individuals.
Garlic contains a higher concentration of sulfur compounds which are responsible for its medicinal effects. The chemical constituents of garlic have also been investigated for treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia and highly praised by several researchers. Garlic extract has antimicrobial activity against many genera of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Some key health benefits of Garlic:
High in antioxidants:
Garlic is full of healthy antioxidants! Antioxidants may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you’re exposed to harmful environmental factors, so ingesting foods high in antioxidants may help combat those negative effects on the body.
Packs a low-calorie health punch:
Garlic is a tasty way to add nutritional benefits without sacrificing many of your daily calories. One clove of garlic is a great source of B6, fiber, and selenium which may have positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and bone health.
Garlic boosts immunity:
Feeling a tickle in your throat? Double up on the minced garlic in your soup to take advantage of the benefit of garlic’s antibiotic and antifungal properties. “Garlic stimulates your health defenses by triggering immune cells to release chemicals that activate the immune system to find and wipe out foreign invaders in the body, helping to protect against infection. Garlic is also high in vitamin C, which can be helpful in preventing things like the common cold, flu, and internal infections.
It can support your weight loss goals:
Garlic also boasts health benefits that help support weight loss, improve your skin’s health, and can act as an anti-ager. Some research has also shown that garlic may help with weight management and control, as well. It is also believed that having raw garlic with water helps in losing weight.
It has beauty-boosting benefits.
As if this tasty ingredient wasn’t good enough already, it’s even been thought that garlic could also have beautifying properties. Certain minerals in garlic, such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium are beneficial in improving skin elasticity, which can help to prevent signs of aging, blemishes and even wrinkles, according to certified nutritionist Lisa Richards.
Good for Heart:
Garlic is known for maintaining blood pressure. Garlic works as a blood purifier too. Having garlic early in the morning can help in purifying your blood.
Consuming garlic can help in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body and this can further prevent heart diseases.
Helps your Kidney:
Garlic cleanses your body from within by flushing out all the toxins. This herb can also help in preventing the growth of UTI and kidney infections.
Now that you know the amazing benefits of having garlic, you should start adding it to your diet to enjoy it’s amazing benefits.
An easy way to add the goodness of garlic to your food is by adding some garlic cloves in your cooking oil. This will add the nutritional benefits of garlic to your oil. Also, it will give your food great flavor. Garlic infused cooking oils are also available in the market these days.