Garlic has been a pantry staple for centuries, providing some much needed to bland dishes. What many people may not know, is that garlic also has medicinal properties The Allicin found in garlic gives it antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Garlic is also packed with magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, thiamine, folate, niacin and vitamins C and K.
The vitamins and minerals present in garlic make it a powerhouse for keeping your body healthy. Let’s have a good look at several of the ways in which garlic is beneficial to our health.
5 Benefits Of Garlic
- It fights off colds and flu
Raw garlic has proven to be effective in fighting off infections – simply crush two cloves of raw garlic and consume on an empty stomach – and relieving congestion by handing a clove necklace around your neck.
Garlic has also been found to protect DNA from damage caused by free radicals.
The zinc in garlic improves immunity while the vitamin C combats infection. It has been found to be truly helpful in fighting eye and ear infections.
- It’s good for the heart and mind
The Allicin found in garlic helps to lower cholesterol and improve heart health by reducing the presence of blood clots which in turn helps to prevent thromboembolism. Garlic is also useful in lowering high blood pressure.
In terms of brain functioning, garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective tool in warding off neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Assists with digestion and weight loss
Raw garlic has been found to reduce inflammation in the intestines as well as clear out any worms or parasites present. It also destroys bad bacteria while promoting the presence of good gut bacteria.
Garlic also assists in preventing the formation of fat-storing cells known as adipose cells. It also leads to more fat burning through thermogenesis and has also been found to lower cholesterol.
- It’s good for your skin
Garlic can assist in preventing acne and reducing the appearance of scars. Garlic juice can also treat blisters, cold sores, rashes and psoriasis as well as prevent skin damage that is sustained from exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
- It can prevent and assist in treating a wide range of health disorders
Garlic can assist in regulating blood sugar levels which is helpful to those suffering from diabetes. It can also prevent UTIs and kidney infections as garlic juice has been found to minimise the growth of E. Coli bacteria.
The antioxidants present in garlic has also been found to protect the body against colon, prostate, liver, bladder, stomach and lung cancer while also being able to prevent the development of peptic ulcers.
And, of course, garlic fights infections, stimulates hair growth and promotes bone and liver health.
It’s clear to see that garlic can be a powerful tool when combating diseases, but only when consumed raw and on its own – so drowning your pasta in it may not give you the benefits you expect. However, if you are able to get past the smell and are prepared to give it a shot, you will find that garlic is the perfect all-rounder when it comes to not only food but promoting a healthy body as well.
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