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7 Proven Health Benefits Of Garlic That Will Amaze You
Garlic is a commonly used herb that has many potential health benefits. Despite this, many people are unaware of the health advantages garlic possesses. In this blog post, we will discuss seven of the most impressive health benefits of garlic. We hope that by doing so, you will be encouraged to add garlic to your diet and reap its many rewards!
What is garlic?
Garlic, botanical name Allium Sativum, is close relative of onion. It is known for its strong pungent smell which brings delicious and specific taste to food. Garlic is a herbaceous plant with flat leaves. It has garlic bulbs underground from which rise garlic scapes or cloves that can be harvested as garlic bulb or garlic flower .
Garlic originates in central Asia and it grows well also in north-eastern China where it brought along by Mongol hordes during their invasions. Thus it spread from Asia through Middle East to all over the world. Today garlic is cultivated mostly still in those regions but also worldwide wherever climatic conditions are suitable. In Europe garlic was first mentioned already by 3-4 BC as garlic was very much appreciated by Romans.
Hungary is one of the few European countries where garlic is still being cultivated in a big scale outside these central regions, hence it has its own specific market with garlic imported from China and garlic produced within Hungary.
What garlic should be used for?
Garlic can be used both fresh or dried. While garlic bulb could be eaten raw, garlic flower has better source of sulfur compounds so it becomes a garlic supplement to be taken as garlic extract which enables its use in even higher doses that would not be possible by eating garlic directly.
It is advised that garlic supplementation should not be continued for longer than three months as after this period side effects like gas and stomach discomfort may appear. Also such supplementation should not exceed 10 grams per day, but garlic should be taken in smaller doses regularly throughout the day.
What garlic tastes like?
The smell of garlic is strong and it has a sharp, garlic aftertaste. It brings unique taste to food but it can be overwhelming for some people.
Where garlic grows Garlic flowers are the leaves of garlic bulb underground where garlic cloves grow as well. These flowers can also be eaten as garlic supplement.
How much garlic should I eat?
Fresh garlic bulbs contain about 200-300 mg allicin per gram which corresponds to average daily use of 10 grams (3 teaspoons) of fresh garlic clove, however optimal daily intake could vary depending on individual strength and body composition. Typically one fresh garlic bulb is enough for cooking spaghetti sauce or for making several servings of garlic bread. If garlic is used as garlic extract ( garlic oil or garlic powder ) garlic supplement should be taken according to the instructions on the label of garlic product.
Garlic nutrition:
- Rich in minerals: It contains good amount of minerals like Iron, Manganese, Calcium, Iodine and Sulphur.
- Rich in vitamins: It has both types of vitamins; water soluble and fat soluble.
- It contains a compound called Allicine, which is the main reason for the health properties of Garlic.
- It is very rich in sulphur compound which is Diallyl disulfide and S-allylcysteine. Sulphur compound of it absorbed by intestine and travel in blood to every cell of body. It is anti-bacterial and anti-viral.
Health benefits of garlic:
What is garlic good for? Garlic is a culinary favorite for adding flavor to many dishes. But what else is garlic good for? Turns out, garlic is also a nutritional powerhouse that can provide many health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top health benefits of garlic and share some recipes that include this flavorful ingredient. So if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your health, add more garlic to your diet!
1. Maintains heart health:
High blood pressure and high cholesterol; these two are main culprit of heart stroke. In studies it has been found to reduce blood pressure. Sulphur compound of it, is responsible for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Thus it is a good habit to have some clove of it regularly for prevention of heart disease.
Other than it, lemon and basil are also good for heart diseases. Take 5-6 garlic clove with 20-25 basil leaves. Boil them for 5 minute; take this decoction at night before sleep. Garlic is also diuretic in nature thus if it causes increase in urination in night than you may reduce amount of it.
2. For cold:
Garlic is an amazing drug especially for respiratory infection. Vapours of it are found to have decongestant properties. For best result boil 2-3 garlic clove with 100 ml of water and inhale the vapour. If kids are struck by cold and cough, apply small amount of its paste over nose and masaage lightly.
Earlier, tribal people used to wear necklace with beads made of garlic cloves. This was believed to be healing against several infections because it has anti-bactirial properties.
3. For weight loss:
It is scientifically proven that regular consumption of garlic can help in reducing fat in the body. It increases BMI rate which is responsible for calories management. In various studies it is also proven that garlic reduces amount of cholesterol in blood. For weight loss, it should be used in morning empty stomach. For this, take 2 cloves with luke warm water. For best result add 1 table spoon of honey in it.
Another important method is to crush 2 garlic clove. Then mix this paste in 100 ml of water and add 1 table spoon of lemon. Combination of garlic and honey, or lemon is best for fat reduction.
4. Detoxification of the body:
Garlic is rich source of anti-oxidants and is diuretic in nature. Anti-oxidants reduce oxidative stress of body and diuretic property of it excretes all toxins through urine.
5. For Acne:
Sulphur and Allicin, both are anti-bacterial. For treatment of acne you can apply paste of garlic on affected area. Taking 1 garlic clove with hot water in empty stomach causes internal purification and provides inner glowing skin.
6. For hair:
Paste of garlic is good home remedy for dandruff. Sibling of it, onion is also good for hair fall and dandruff. For best result take 10-12 cloves of it and 1 average size onion, crush them and make a fine paste. Apply this paste on hair follicles; wait till dry then rinse it off with luke warm water. This paste of is good for all types of hair problems like dandruff, lies, fungal infection of hair follicle, etc. This paste also promotes regeneration of hair follicle, so it is also good for treatment of baldness.
7. For Alzheimer’s disease:
The use of garlic is also beneficial to central nervous system as garlic reduces cognitive decline and lowers the risk of development of Alzheimer‘s disease. It is also a very good anti-oxidant, protecting cells from free radicals damage .
Side effects of garlic:
Everything in excess is dangerous. Same rule is applicable for it also. Garlic is very strong medicine. Small amount of it is sufficient for medicinal use. Extra dose of it may causes serious side effects.
- Burning sensation on skin
- Increase in urination
- Yellowness of urine
- It may increase chances of bleeding from nose and other parts of body
- General abdominal discomfort
- Hyperacidity, heart burn and mouth ulcer
- Bad breath is most common side effect of it
- Raw garlic may cause skin irritation on application. This allergic reaction is not common but possible.
- It is safe during pregnancy if taken along with food, however medicinal use of garlic should be restricted in pregnancy. Pregnant women with placental problem or bleeding should completely avoid it.
- Medicinal dose of it during breast feeding should be avoided, as contents in it passes through breast milk.
Conclusion:
Garlic is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In this blog post, we have discussed seven of the most impressive health benefits of garlic. We hope that you have found this information helpful and will consider adding garlic to your diet. Thanks for reading!
Read more: Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Skin, Hair, Burns, Heart, Acne, Inflammation
Disclaimer:
Above article is only for knowledge purpose. Please contact your healthcare provider before using any of above medicine or method. For any query or personal consultation according to your health condition please contact your doctor.
