13 Health Benefits of Garlic Plant (Allium sativum)
Garlic plant is a natural and medicinal herb used by many people around the world. Garlic is said to be very medicinal because of its antibacterial and antiseptic nature.
However, over the years garlic has played a major role in the medicinal aspect and also most importantly in the kitchen.
Garlic contains a very important compound called “Allicin”, this compound is said to be rich in minerals like Vitamin C, K, niacin, thiamine, potassium, and e.t.c. All these compounds are found abundantly in garlic.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting the essential health benefits of garlic that you may not know. So let’s get into it!
13 Health Benefits of Garlic Plant (Allium sativum)
(1) Wards Off Cough and Cold
Raw garlic contains compounds that help in warding off cold and cough infections.
According to our research, hanging garlic or using garlic as a necklace for babies helps to prevent the symptoms of congestion.
However, eating two crushed garlic cloves on an empty stomach has the maximum benefit.
(2) Good for Cardiac Health
Garlic also helps in keeping the heart-healthy. This is because of the compound Allicin, found in garlic.
It is also good for people with high blood pressure or hypertension as it reduces the level of (LDL) bad cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the incidence of the blood clot.
So it is highly recommended for patients with hypertension.
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(3) Improves Brain Functioning
Garlic also helps in promoting a healthy and functional brain, it also helps to fight other brain-related diseases.
However, garlic contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
(4) Improves Digestion
Garlic when eaten, plays a major role in improving the health of the gut. Eating raw garlic helps to clear out intestinal worms.
The good thing is that it destroys the bad bacteria and protects the good bacteria in the gut, thereby improving digestion.
(5) Balances Blood Sugar
Those who suffer from diabetes observe their blood sugar levels regulating the consumption of raw garlic.
(6) Boosts Immunity
Garlic contains a mineral called Zinc, it also protects the DNA from free radicals that may harm or damage it. Zinc in garlic helps in promoting immunity.
It also contains Vitamin C, which helps to fight off infections. It is very beneficial against eye and ear infections as it has antimicrobial properties.
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(7) Improves Skin Health
Garlic contains compounds that help prevent acne scars.
Cold sores, psoriasis, rashes, and blisters can all benefit from the application of garlic juice.
Garlic also protects the skin against UV rays and therefore prevents aging.
(8) Prevents Cancer and Peptic Ulcer
Due to the high amount of antioxidants in garlic, it protects the body against diseases and problems like colon cancer, stomach, bladder, and lung problems.
(9) Good for Weight Loss
Recent studies have shown garlic to reduce the expression of genes responsible for the formation of adipose cells which store fat.
Garlic also promotes thermogenesis in the body, thereby leading to the burning of more fat and the lowering of bad cholesterol.
Apart from the fact that it is good for weight loss, garlic is highly nutritional.
One clove of raw garlic, which is around 3 grams, contains:
- Manganese
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
- Fiber
- Amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, iron, etc.
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(10) Reduces Blood Toxicity
Garlic helps in filtering the blood and removing toxins. For people who are susceptible to lead poisoning due to occupational hazards, garlic may be the best organic solution.
Garlic can also serve as an alternative for than d-Penicillamine, for which both are used in treating lead poisoning.
(11) Overcome Oestrogen Deficiency
Lack of female hormone known as estrogen due to irregular production of a protein known as a cytokine may lead to menopause in older women.
However, eating garlic has been seen to regulate this to some extent and therefore, may be effective in overcoming estrogen deficiency after menopause.
(12) Reduce Effects or Onset of Osteoarthritis
Adding garlic to your diet today can help reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Garlic also contains a rare compound known as diallyl disulfide.
This compound helps to maintain bone density and therefore can potentially delay the onset of bone-related diseases like osteoarthritis.
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(13) Prevent Heart Blockages
Consuming a healthy dose of garlic can help reduce the excessive clotting effect of platelets on the blood.
Garlic is also believed to help reduce the stickiness of the platelets in your blood. These platelets are responsible for the clotting of blood.