Garlic is a widely known vegetable that has been used for ages. It is known to have medicinal value and is used as an ingredient in various foods. Modern science has even confirmed the benefits of garlic and how useful it is to us. There are several noteworthy benefits of garlic, but we will explore garlic’s 7 health benefits in this article.
1. Garlic strengthens the immune system
Garlic contains allicin, which is an immune booster. Due to allicin’s unstable nature, when it is ingested, it is converted to some compounds that contain sulphur. These compounds have been discovered to boost the strength of disease resistance of some white blood cells.
Garlic also contains phytonutrients that flush out toxins and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This elimination of toxins reduces your risk of falling sick. These benefits of garlic make it one food that boosts the immune system.
2. Garlic is good for the heart
Recent research shows that some chemicals released into the bloodstream due to garlic consumption help blood vessels relax. Relaxed blood vessels reduce blood pressure and mitigate the risk of having a heart attack.
Garlic may also help lower our cholesterol levels. Too much cholesterol in the body can build up in the artery walls and cause severe health complications.
Garlic can also prevent excessive blood clots. When the blood becomes too thick, it can lead to stroke and heart problems. Increased garlic intake may prevent this problem.
3. Garlic improves digestion
When garlic is taken in moderate quantities, it promotes healthy digestion. Due to its high sulphur content, garlic has antibiotic properties. These properties flush out toxins from the digestive system and also wards off germs that cause food poisoning. Garlic also helps in balancing microorganisms in our digestive system.
The antimicrobial properties of garlic can help heal lung ailments and strengthen our gut for easier absorption of nutrients from food. There is also the added benefit of relieving intestinal ailments, which garlic does.
4. Garlic helps fight cold and flu
Garlic helps in the prevention or reduction of the severity of illnesses like cold and flu. It increases the number of viruses fighting cells in the body. Since viruses cause cold and flu, garlic’s antiviral and antimicrobial properties also give it an edge in the fight against cold. Recent studies have shown that people who ingest garlic regularly are less likely to catch a cold than people who do not eat it.
5. Garlic can help fight inflammation
Inflammation is the body fighting against things that may harm it, such as infections and injuries. During this process, your body releases chemicals to make your immune system respond to the threat at hand. This will cause a release of antibodies and blood flow to the damaged area. The damaged area will now appear swollen.
Garlic contains diallyl disulphide, which is an anti-inflammatory compound. This compound reduces the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines and may even help prevent cartilage damage.
6. Garlic improves skin health
Garlic can help keep clean and healthy skin. It prevents acne and reduces acne scars. The antibacterial properties of allicin fight the bacteria that cause acne. These properties of garlic also help to reduce swelling and improve circulation. This, in turn, allows the skin to be able to receive more nutrients.
Garlic contains thiosulfates, which are widely believed to clear the skin and remove blemishes. Vitamins and minerals in garlic like vitamin c, vitamin B-6, selenium, and copper also help combat medical conditions like psoriasis and heal wounds.
7. Garlic may prevent Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia
Garlic is said to offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s. S-allyl-cysteine is a natural neuroprotective compound which is found in garlic. Oxidative damage contributes to ageing and increases the likelihood of having neurodegenerative diseases.
Garlic contains antioxidants that strengthen the body’s protective mechanism against oxidative damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic also reduce neurological deterioration.
The benefits of garlic are many, and it is one vegetable that can significantly improve your health. Garlic remains one of the healthiest foods on earth to eat. Chewing garlic releases its nutrients better, as opposed to cooking it. For better health, garlic is one vegetable you should add to your diet.