10 Amazing Science-backed Health Benefits of Garlic!

Health Benefits of Garlic are enormous. This Powerful Herb has been used since ancient times for flavoring food and for medicinal purposes. The bulb of garlic grows underground and is the most used part of the plant. Bulbs are divided into cloves and consumed raw or cooked. This Bulbous plant is native to central Asia.

This Herb has a spicy and pungent flavor. It is used as a condiment to flavor various recipes. It is highly nutritious and has very fewer calories. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese.

This Superfood contains Allicin, the active ingredient of this Bulbous plant. It has strong medicinal properties. It contains highly valued sulfur compounds.

Garlic has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is used to improve cholesterol level, reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, skin infections, detoxification, improve bone health and prevent cancer.

Nutritional Value of Garlic

Garlic cloves are highly rich in vitamins and minerals. It is low in calorie and fat.  It is the best source of vitamin B6. Eating a little amount of this superfood daily keeps you fit and provide your body with all the beneficial vitamins.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving contains:

• Carbohydrate               –      45g
• Sugars                            –      1.4g
• Dietary fibers                –     2.9g
• Omega –3 fatty acid    –     27.2mg
• Protein                           –     8.6g
• Vitamin A                       –    12.2 IU
• Vitamin C                        –   42.2 mg
• Vitamin B6                      –    1.7mg
• Vitamin K                      –      2.3mcg
• Folate                             –      4.1mcg
• Calcium                          –      246mg
• Iron                                 –      2.3mg
• Magnesium                   –       34.0 mg
• Phosphorus                   –       208mg
• Selenium                       –        19.3mcg
• Water                             –         79.7g

Health Benefits of garlic

1. Immunity booster 

It is Rich in antioxidant which benefits the immune system. It is helpful in combating sickness. A daily dose of this superfood keeps away cold, coughs and flu. It also fights chest infections.

If suffering from cold, drink garlic tea with a touch of honey and ginger.

2. Maintains blood pressure

One of the most important health benefits of Garlic is its effectiveness in controlling Blood pressure! Heart attacks and heart strokes are biggest killers. The active compound of this bulbous plant, allicin, is effective in reducing the blood pressure. Allicin supplements are much effective than the drug prescribed for hypertension.

3. Lower risk of heart disease

High cholesterol level clogs the arteries. The oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is prevented by the antioxidant properties of garlic, thus reducing the levels of cholesterol. Amongst other health benefits, This Super herb has the ability to dissolve blood clots, lowering the risk of heart diseases.

4. Prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Free radicals in the body cause oxidative damage which contributes to the aging process. This Superfood protects the body from cell damage. This may help in the prevention of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Detoxification

Garlic protects the body against heavy metal toxicity. The sulfur compounds in this bulbous plant reduce the metal toxicity. It purifies blood which is helpful in treating acne, flushing out toxins.

6. Improve bone health

This Herb boosts the estrogens level in females, thus improving bone health. Garlic has high concentrations of manganese, which contains enzymes that facilitate the formation of bones and bone metabolism. This Super herb is rich in vitamins, minerals and has antioxidants which all add in improving the bone health.

7. Prevent infections

Allicin – a sulfur-containing compound of this Superplant acts as a natural antibiotic. It helps to get rid of microbes including worms and yeast. It works effectively for kids having tapeworms or ringworms infections. It also works in combatting infection in the Teeth Cavities

8. Prevent cancer risks

Garlic has anti-cancerous properties. It inhibits the growth of tumors by increasing the production of hydrogen sulfide. It prevents the risk of colon, breast, pancreatic, stomach cancer.

9. Improves Libido

In ancient times, this super herb was used to reduce fatigue. It enhances the work capacity of a person. High doses of minerals and vitamins present in this bulbous plant keep a person energetic. Consuming this superfood is beneficial for athletes, boosting their energy.

10. Lose weight

This wonderful herb has fewer calories and is rich in nutrients. They eliminate the fat cells, thus reducing weight. Garlic along with ginger can be consumed with morning lime juice. It’s quite effective and gives positive results.

How to Eat Garlic For Maximum Health Benefits

To enjoy the maximum health benefits of this super herb is to consume it raw or crushed. The effect of allicin only forms when garlic is crushed raw. Do not crush after cooking as it will do no good to your body. Eat only 2-3 cloves of this super herb, it keeps you healthy. Overdose may cause burning effects.

Wondering How to Eat Raw Garlic?

Eating Raw Garlic is way lot easier than you can imagine. The best way is to simply chop the clove into small pills and gulp it down with water. That’s it.

Here are some other ways to include Raw Garlic in your diet.

• You can crush the cloves and make a paste. It can be applied to a different kind of bread, creating garlic bread or garlic toast.
• You can include garlic in your soups and sauces, enjoying the spicy taste.
• It can also be used to flavor oils.
• Grated garlic pieces can be used as salad dressings.
• It can be used to flavor fish sauces, chilies, and fried eatables

Precautions

Do not consume garlic directly. Always take advice from doctors before consuming it. The pungent smell of this super herb is also not suited to many. Few things you should take before consuming this Super herb:

1. Patients suffering from asthma should avoid this herb.

2. Do not consume this herb before any medical or surgical operation.

3. Do not consume more than 2-3 cloves per day.

4. If you are suffering from heart problems then you should consult your doctor before consuming it.

5. Do not directly apply this herb on your skin, especially sensitive skin. It may cause a burning effect. Many people are also allergic to this bulbous plant. Consult your doctor before applying garlic.