Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic
Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is known as a popular cooking ingredient that adds flavor to a wide range of dishes.
However, aside of being a popular ingredient in cooking, this plant offers diverse range of health benefits.
And in this article, we will discover some of its health benefits in our body.
1. Garlic is composed of sulfur compounds that made experts believe to be the source of health benefits in our body.
Scientists believe that health benefits from garlic (organosulfur compounds) happens when we chop, smash, or chew a clove of garlic.
Organosulfur compounds:
- diallyl thiosulfonate (allicin)
- diallyl sulfide (DAS)
- diallyl disulfide (DADS)
- diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
- E/Z-ajoene
- S-allyl-cysteine (SAC)
- S-allyl-cysteine sulfoxide (alliin)
Source: National Library of Medicine
2. Highly nutritious but very few calories
Garlics are highly nutritious and a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese but very low in calories.
3. Protect against illness such as common cold.
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, there is an unsubstantiated claim that garlic boost our immune system and may help prevent illness such as cancer, flu, sore throat, chronic bronchitis, etc.
4. Helps reduce blood pressure
Based on the National Library of Medicine, a 2020 meta-analysis of studies found out that garlic supplements help reduce blood pressure and the effect was very similar to some medication but with fewer side effects.
5. Improves cholesterol level
A research review 2020 suggests that garlic is a good source to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
In an article published by verywellhealth, garlic contains bioactive compound, a diallyl thiosulfonate (allicin), which is believed to be dping the job to lower cholesterol level.
6. It contains antioxidants
Based on Spice World, garlic is rich in antioxidants which is helpful to prevent cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer and dementia.
7. It improves your athletic performance
Garlic is known as one of the “earliest-performance” enhancing.
In ancient times. ancient people consumed garlic to reduce weariness and fatigue, and also to enhance the endurance of laborers.
8. It acts as a detoxifier
According to the National Integrated Health Association, one of the major benefits of garlic is it acts as a “super detoxifier.”
Thus, it helps remove “bad stuff” in our body for a healthy and longevity lives.
9. Improve bone health
Another benefits of garlic in our body is that it helps iprove our bone health especially to menopausal women.
In a clincal trial (2017), it shows that garlic is a valuable ally to reduce oxidative stress that may leads to osteoporosis.
10. It has antibiotic properties
Based on the Stanford Medicine, garlic can be a great source of antibiotic properties due to its organosulfur compound called allicin.
Thus, it is used as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal.
11. It helps control blood sugar
Garlic may not only lower your blood pressure, but also may help control your blood sugar as one meta-analysis discovered.
12. Improves digestive health
Study shows that garlic contains prebiotic property that can increase the growth of L. acidophilus bactera by a minimum of 4% (p<0.05).
13. It has an anti-inflammatory effects
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties due to its organosulfur compounds called diallyl thiosulfonate (allicin) and diallyl sulfide (DAS).
These compounds contains inflammatory properties and enhance our immune cell activity.
14. May support brain health
Although there is a limited study about this claim, several studies on animals show that eating garlic boost and improve your cognitive function and support your brain health.
15. May help you live longer
While this claim is impossible for us to believe, but given its benefits to our health like lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, bad cholesterol level, it is undoubtedly that this plant could help you live longer.
In a 2019 Chinese study, adults who consumed garlic at least a week lived longer than those who consumed less than once a week.
Summary:
Garlic is safe and healthy to consume and mostly brings no side-effect.
With its medicinal properties backed by science, you can have a healthy body.
However, if you are taking blood thinner medicine, it is best to consult a doctor.