The health benefits of garlic have been appreciated and used since primitive times. And if you aren’t already using garlic in your daily life, then you will likely stock your kitchen with it after reading all it has to offer.
Garlic has been recognized for fighting cardiovascular disease, and strengthening the immune system to help your body fight the common cold and even cancer. Studies have shown that it can reduce atherosclerosis and fat deposition, normalize the lipoprotein balance, decrease blood pressure, produce anti-imflammatory benefits, and function as an antioxidant to some extent.
In a study performed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, , Scientists found that after extracting juice from garlic and adding small amounts of it to human red blood cells…. those cells immediately began emitting hydrogen sulfide.
The power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may explain why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer, say the study authors. Higher hydrogen sulfide might also protect the heart, according to other experts. Although garlic has not consistently been shown to lower cholesterol levels, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine earlier this year found that injecting hydrogen sulfide into mice almost completely prevented the damage to heart muscle caused by a heart attack.
Garlic also contains allicin, a compound thought to increase blood flow to the sexual organs. Which is why some experts believe that garlic is a very powerful aphrodisiac. Allicin is also recognized for it's potential weight loss benefits, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. By consuming a crushed fresh garlic clove, you get between 2,500-4,500 mcg of allicin per gram.
Garlic has also been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders Pimples clear up when used topically several times a day.
A recap:
- is anti-bacterial (includes bacteria which have become antibiotic-resistant!)
- is anti-viral
- is anti-fungal
- is anti-inflammatory
- may help improve iron metabolism
- is a good source of manganese, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6
- supports heart health by lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol
- keeps blood pressure in check
- may help reduce the formation of fat cells
- heals hives and acne
So you must agree that Garlic isn't just a tasty seasoning to add aroma, and taste to your dishes for cooking.....it is clearly a superfood for your health.
