You may love or hate garlic, but the fact is Garlic Benefits for our health are multitude. It can ward off a number of health issues. So please keep reading to acknowledge the reasons to include garlic in our everyday diet.
Garlic is a power food ingredient used in many kitchens to add flavor and taste to popular Indian to Italian recipes. It is loaded with minerals and vitamins such as selenium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants such as allicin.
What Are The Potential Garlic Benefits For Health
- Superfood and nutritionally dense – 100 grams of garlic provides you with 1 to 2% of the daily recommended allowance for Vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, magnesium, and selenium. It also contains other nutrients in trace amounts, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B, iron, and copper. In addition, it contains flavonoids, allicin, alliin, oligosaccharides, and a high level of sulfur.
- Garlic is Anti-inflammatory– When you cut or fresh garlic, the compound allicin is formed briefly. Allicin works against inflammation and protects the body from oxidative stress. So crush garlic and add to soups and salad while they are fresh to boost body antioxidants.
- Lowers the blood pressure – With age body is accumulated with oxidative damage that increases Blood Pressure or worsens high blood pressure. Daily consumption of garlic moderately reduces blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory property of garlic removes blood flow throughout the body.
- Reduces risk of cardiac diseases – Our powerhouse food is heart-healthy. It lowers the blood cholesterol level and keeps blood pressure under check. In addition, it prevents platelet aggregation and relaxes hardened blood vessels by promoting the production of nitric oxide. Garlic prevents the blood platelets from binding to protein and reduces the chances of blood clot formation. Allicin present in garlic can regulate the three biomarkers body of that is blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol and thus keeps heart diseases at bay.
- Provides cognitive protection – Free radicals are continuously produced in our body as a byproduct of vital processes. When free radicals exceed, they lead to oxidative stress and damage, leading to diseases like Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. The organosulfur compounds in garlic boost the body’s antioxidant level and balance free radicals. Thus eating garlic prevents neurodegenerative diseases.
- Keeps cold and flu at bay -Children experience 6-8 bouts of cold in a year. Adults suffer from the symptoms of cold 2-4 times a year. Garlic improves body immunity. It protects you against viral diseases. It reduces the chances of catching a cold and flu and also reduces the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
- Strengthens bone – After menopause, due to the fall in the estrogen level, the bone health in the females gets affected. There are evidence that shows that garlic increases estrogen in females and helps in reducing bone loss. So to make a real impact on bone density, add garlic to your diet along with other healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, and dairy products.
- Improves memory – Garlic contains powerful sulfur-containing antioxidant allyl cysteine that protects the brain against damage and promotes better functioning as one ages. In addition, it encourages blood flow to the brain and reduces the risk of brain disorders.
- Balances the level of blood sugar – The compounds S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide, allicin, and allyl propyl disulfide help the body increase the level of insulin that absorbs the Blood Glucose. As a result, Garlic Balances Blood Sugar Levels and prevents spike in blood sugar level. Consumption of garlic eventually reducing the chances of metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
- Detoxifies the body – The Sulfuric compound present in garlic shields the body organs from heavy metal toxicity. As a result, regular consumption of garlic counteracts the adverse effects of lead, cadmium, methylmercury, arsenic, and phenyl mercury.
- Promotes healthy skin – Due to anti-oxidative properties, garlic slows down the loss of collagen, maintains skin elasticity, and keeps you youthful.
Potential Side Effects Of Eating Raw Garlic
The potential side effects of eating raw garlic include bad odor, heartburn, gastritis, body heat, nausea, and vomiting. However, most of these side effects are due to consuming too much garlic.
If consumed in excess, it may affect eyesight, lower blood pressure, aggravate vaginal infection, and cause liver damage. Nevertheless, as mentioned, these are the side effects of overconsumption of garlic.
Therefore, eating 1-2 cloves of raw garlic per day will not harm. However, pregnant ladies or those suffering from stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, heartburn, or are allergic to garlic should avoid using or consuming it.
Modern science has embraced the healing properties of garlic. Its reputation as a medicinal herb is growing significantly. So eat them raw or add them to the daily diet recipes to reap garlic benefits. Toasted, roasted, chopped, whole, halved, or minced garlic in any recipe can make the flavor and taste go from flat to fab.
- If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet.
