Top 6 Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is commonly used to add flavor to many food dishes, but it has some impressive health benefits too. The key medicinal compound in garlic is allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

In addition, garlic is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Some of these include vitamins B1, B6, C, as well as manganese calcium, copper, selenium and many others.

A little garlic every day can go a long way in helping you to protect, as well as boost, your health. To reap the most health benefits from garlic, eat it in its raw state. Cooked garlic loses a significant amount of its medicinal qualities. Plus, to increase its efficieny as a natural antibiotic, eat garlic on an empty stomach.

1. Improves Heart Health

Garlic is an excellent superfood for heart health. It helps improve blood circulation, lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. It helps slow the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries which increases the risk for a heart attack or stroke.

• To improve cardiovasclar health and prevent heart disease, eat 1 or 2 crushed garlic cloves daily in the morning.
• You can also take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor. A daily dose of 900 mg of standardized garlic powder has been found to be effective.

2. Controls Hypertension

Studies have shown that garlic also reduces high blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure. Garlic acts as a vasodilator which helps to widen the blood vessels, making blood flow smoother.

People with high blood pressure must eat a few raw garlic cloves daily on an empty stomach. If you do not like the tate of garlic, drink a glass of milk after eating it. You can take garlic supplements, too.

3. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Garlic has been shown to reduce pain and other symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis. It also contains a compound called diallyl disulfide that helps limit cartilage-damaging enzymes.

To ease pain in inflamed and aching joints due to arthritis, include garlic in your regular diet. Preferably, take it on an empty stomach.

4. Boosts Immunity

Garlic is a surprisingly good source of vitamins C, B6 and the minerals selenium and manganese – all of which boost the immune system. It also enhances mineral absorption.

Plus, garlic has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that strengthen the body’s defence mechanism and fight infections.

5. Treats Cough and Cold

Garlic offers antibiotic and antiviral benefits that make antibacterial properties make garlic a wonderful treatment for cough and cold. It may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory infections.

Plus, garlic also highly beneficial in treating various respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It also promotes expectation with coughs, making it irreplaceable for those with chronic bronchitis.

In addition to eating garlic, garlic supplements can be taken on a regular basis to reduce the frequency of upper respiratory infections.

6. Fights Fungal Infections

Garlic has powerful antifungal properties that help fight fungal infections causing ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. It also helps fight candida.