The health benefits of Garlic (allium sativum) have been unquestionable for over a thousand of years. Garlic do not just makes food as palatable as they are, but has unlimited capability of preventing and treating many diseases. Garlic is used raw, dried, cooked, and processed into tablets and capsules. Historical records revealed that garlic had been used to treat common colds, flu, snakebites, hypertension, plague, and even for exorcism. Today, garlic is used to reduce cardiovascular risk, lower cholesterol levels, fight infections, and as an anti-neoplastic agent. Garlic oil is said to be very effective in curing skin infections like acne.
Garlic Benefits
- Anti-hypertensive. Garlic contains allicin, a substance that has relaxing effects on the blood vessels and helps in lowering blood pressure. It also prevents damage to the blood vessels walls. Hypertension or high blood pressure is the leading cause of life-threatening diseases like heart attack and stroke.
- Lowers cholesterol levels. Garlic significantly lowers cholesterol levels in the blood stream. When there is too much cholesterol or lipids in the blood, they tend to accumulate in the blood vessels, making them narrow or blocked. Atherosclerosis, Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and other cardiovascular diseases are related to blocked and narrowed blood vessels.
- Antimicrobial. According to studies, Garlic can prevent and treat digestive and respiratory infections caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other parasites. It also contains some properties capable to combat salmonella, listeria, Escherichia coli, and candida albicans. Therefore, it is effective in treating typhoid fever, vaginitis, common colds, flu, warts, and other urinary tract infections (UTI).
- Antioxidant. The active ingredient of Garlic called allicin increases the amount of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase in the blood. Antioxidants act by fighting the free radicals which causes many diseases. The antioxidant property of garlic can also slow the aging process and can give you a more youthful look and increase your energy levels.
- Acne treatment. Garlic contains high amounts of sulfur which is very effective in treating acne. Traditionally, garlic is cut open and applied to the affected area. However, there Garlic is now an active ingredient of acne creams and facial wash to combat acne. Some even take garlic supplements for their pimples.
Garlic Side Effects
The most known side effect of garlic is that it causes bad breath and body odour. But these side effects only apply to those who use raw or dried garlic. To avoid bad breath and body odour and still get the maximum health benefit of garlic, you can use garlic supplements. Also, too much intake of fresh garlic can cause upset stomach, flatulence, and irritation. To people who are allergic to garlic, they may suffer from headaches, skin rash, and elevated temperature.
