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Indian curries are incomplete without garlic – a
simple ingredient with packed health benefits. It is very strong and
bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the cuisine. Any description
of garlic is incomplete without mentioning its medicinal values. This
miracle herb has been used since time immemorial as a medicine to
prevent or treat various diseases and conditions.
Garlic has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are
the reason for its characteristic pungent odour. Allicin, the vital
compound among them, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral,
anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. The benefits of allicin can be
best garnered when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for
some time. Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium. Allicin, along
with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. found in them also have
an effect on the circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of our
body and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.
Here are 15 health benefits of garlic:
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Antibacterial and Antiviral
Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral
properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm
infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food
poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.
To treat skin infections
The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin
infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Blood thinning
The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in
preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. Hence, it may also
increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
Reduce blood pressure
Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract
thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the
activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The
polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen
sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood
vessels and helps control blood pressure.
Protect heart
Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart
attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be
attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their
ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the
heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing
compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked
and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming
inside the blood vessels.
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Reduce cholesterol
Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and
total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.
Combat allergies
Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body
fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to
diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone. Garlic has been show to improve
allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may
be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.
Remedy for respiratory problems
Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its
antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may
also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its
benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing,
etc. make it a priceless medicine. Its ability to promote expectoration
makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
Diabetes
Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in
diabetics.
Effective against warts and corns
Applying fat dissolving garlic extracts to corns on the feet and warts
on the hands is thought to improve these conditions.
Cancer prevention
Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of
cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in
garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated
with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to
studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of
PhIP into carcinogens.
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Improve iron metabolism
Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption and release.
Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and help
improve iron metabolism.
Stir up passions
Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due to its ability to increase the
circulation.
Toothaches
Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can
help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic
properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum.
Reduce weight
Many researchers believe that obesity is a state of long-term low-grade
inflammation. According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate
the formation of fat cells in our body. Pre-adipocytes are converted
into fat cells (adipocytes) through inflammatory system activity. The
anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in
garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight
gain.
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