Garlic is a wonder-item, a superfood in its own right. There are numerous garlic benefits that you should know more about. Garlic not only helps safeguard the immune system against common colds and cough, but also plays a part in lowering blood pressure levels along with cholesterol. Garlic has always been prescribed for several types of conditions over centuries.
Let us dig deeper to understand the various benefits of eating garlic and garlic nutritional value.
Garlic Nutrition List
Before learning more about the garlic benefits for men and women, here is a list of nutritional facts for your perusal:
- Vitamin B6
- Fiber
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
Garlic also has some trace amounts of other kinds of nutrients.
12 Health Benefits of Garlic
Here is a list of the top benefits of eating garlic that you should know more about:
1. Medicinal Attributes
Garlic is known for its variety of medicinal attributes. This is why empty stomach garlic benefits are recommended by our elders first thing in the morning. Garlic has been used in ancient civilizations throughout the years. The medicinal properties come from the formation of sulfur compounds upon crushing, chopping or chewing the garlic clove. Allicin is the key compound along with diallyl disulfide.
2. Garlic Helps in Combating Colds
One of the primary garlic benefits for women and men is that it boosts the immune system and its functioning. Studies have seen how garlic helped in reducing the frequency of common colds while promoting faster and smoother recoveries from the same.
3. Helps in Blood Pressure Reduction
Eating garlic may help in lowering blood pressure levels considerably. Those suffering due to hypertension may benefit from regular consumption of garlic as a result.
4. Enhances Levels of Cholesterol
Garlic enhances cholesterol levels, while lowering heart disease risks greatly. It also reduces LDL or bad cholesterol sizably in the body.
5. May Help with Alzheimer’s Disease
You must also note that garlic comes with several antioxidants that may help combat Alzheimer’s disease and prevent its chances. This happens since it can lower blood pressure, oxidative stress and cholesterol alike.
6. Can Combat Dementia
Garlic contains several healing ingredients that may help fight dementia or prevent it altogether. This takes place due to the propensity of garlic to block oxidative damages internally.
7. May Promote a Longer Life
Garlic may have a direct impact on overall longevity as per several studies. While it may be difficult to completely prove, it does have beneficial aspects like reducing blood pressure and boosting immunity, while combating various infectious ailments as well.
8. Boosts Physical Performance
Garlic is one of the earliest substances used for boosting physical performance of athletes. It was used over centuries for lowering fatigue and also enhancing the ability to work harder physically, being given to ancient Greek Olympic athletes as a result. Garlic may help predominantly in lowering fatigue that is linked to working out or exercising.
9. Detoxifies Body Metals
Sulfur compounds contained in garlic may help in detoxifying metals contained in the body. Blood lead levels may come down with the consumption of garlic as per several studies.
10. Boosts Overall Bone Health
Garlic plays a big part in enhancing bone health. This makes it a good option for those who are beginning to see bone loss symptoms. In fact, consuming it regularly may stave off these possibilities as well.
11. Helps with Osteoarthritis
Garlic may also help in tackling conditions such as osteoarthritis owing to its healing ingredients. It is because garlic is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties.
12. Helps Menopausal Women
Studies have shown how garlic contributed towards lowering an estrogen deficiency marker. This makes it ideal for enhancing the levels of estrogen in women.
Side Effects of Garlic
Garlic has been regarded as completely safe for consumption throughout centuries. However, it may have side effects such as gas, bad breath, diarrhea or heartburn. These may particularly happen in case raw garlic is consumed. It may lead to allergic reactions for some individuals as well.
The Bottom Line
Garlic is a potent source of benefits, with its medicinal attributes and vital elements. From detoxification of the blood from heavy metals to benefiting menopausal women and helping enhance physical performance and lowering fatigue, it has a wealth of benefits upon daily consumption. Garlic also helps with combating common colds and other infectious diseases, building immunity and keeping dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases at bay. Daily consumption in the raw, supplement or roasted form is highly recommended for you.
FAQs
What does garlic do to the body?
Garlic comes with beneficial antioxidants which boost body immunity and its internal defense mechanisms, combating oxidative damage as a result. Higher doses of garlic have also contributed towards enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels in human beings.
Is it good to eat garlic every day?
Raw garlic contains the crucial element allicin or a compound with sulfur. You should consume 1-2 garlic cloves each day and lower your intake in case of any side effects.
How much garlic can you eat in a day?
You can consume a maximum of 1-2 cloves of garlic each day. You should not add excessive amounts of garlic to your regular dietary regime as per experts.
Does garlic thin your blood?
Garlic is called a natural blood thinner. You should always consult your doctor in this regard if you have any doubts, especially if you are considering garlic-based supplementation on a regular basis.
Is garlic good for kidney?
Garlic comes packed with several beneficial nutrients that boost kidney functions. Studies have shown how allicin benefits the kidneys and helps treat severe ailments such as CKD for instance. Garlic may also help in enhancing kidney health due to its diuretic attributes.