Amazing Benefits Of Garlic

Garlic can make the vampires run away. But I think it’s a metaphor; a tale started to make us eat this pungent but very healthy herb because garlic can actually ward off various health problems, including cancer. And unlike the vampire stories, health benefits of garlic have scientific evidence.

The best part is roasted, toasted, crushed, chopped, minced, halved, or whole garlic in food can make the taste literally go from flat to fab! So, read on to know some cool facts and benefits of garlic for health, hair, and skin.

Garlic is rich in compounds like Allicin, Sulphur, Zinc, and Calcium that have health benefits, beauty benefits as well as antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is also a rich source of a mineral known as selenium. Selenium is known to fight cancer and it works with vitamin E in the body to boost antioxidant power. Garlic also acts as a blood thinner due to its salicylate content. This enables proper blood flow and enhances circulatory health.

Nowadays, garlic’s reputation as a medicinal herb is significantly growing. This is because it has been confirmed by many researchers to be highly effective in preventing and treating a wide range of health conditions . In fact, for decades, garlic has been recommended by natural medicine practitioners all over the world to be included in the daily diet because of its many powerful effects on health.

Health Benefits Of Garlic
Garlic health benefits are plentiful which include reversing heart disease, improving the health of diabetics and also preventing and fighting various forms of cancer. Here are some of the most profound garlic benefits that are supported by studies.

1. Stabilizes Blood Pressure

Mature garlic extract contains a bioactive sulfur compound, S-allylcysteine, which has been found to effectively lower blood pressure by 10 mmHg (systolic pressure) and 8 mmHg (diastolic pressure). Sulfur deficiency is one of the reasons for high blood pressure and therefore supplementing the body with organosulfur compounds can help stabilize blood pressure .  Heat treatment tends to destroy allicin.
Dose -Consume raw or dried garlic to be able to consume allicin in garlic.

2. Lowering LDL cholesterol

Scientists found that aged garlic extract supplement can help lower LDL cholesterol by 10% in hypercholesterolemic male human participants. In rats, garlic inhibited the synthesis of cholesterol in liver cells. The researchers further experimented with water soluble and lipid soluble compounds of garlic and found that water soluble compounds in garlic inhibited cholesterol synthesis by 20-60%. Dose- You can eat 1-2 raw cloves of garlic per day to reduce LDL cholestrol

3. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases

Scientists have evidence that garlic can help prevent almost all cardiovascular diseases. It helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases by lowering bad cholesterol, lipid, and serum triglyceride increase antioxidant activities, and decrease platelet aggregation. Garlic was also found to be effective against atherosclerosis .
Have a clove of raw garlic in the morning before your morning walk or morning run to keep cardiovascular diseases miles away.

4. Improve Bone Health

Age and unhealthy lifestyle can make your bones weak, which means that fractures and osteoporosis will set in much earlier. Garlic has been found to be effective against osteoporosis and arthritis. In a study, scientists supplemented lab rats with garlic oil and found that garlic oil was able to suppress ovariectomy-induced bone resorption . Another group of researchers concluded that the diallyl disulfide helps to suppress the matrix degrading enzymes and therefore prevents damage to the bones. 
Dose- Consume 2-3 raw garlic cloves per day to improve bone health.

5. Relieves Intestinal Ailments

An upset stomach or a broken digestive system can hamper your daily life. So, if you're suffering from intestinal problems, you might want to consume garlic. Garlic tends to differentiate between the good and bad gut bacteria in the intestine and has an antibacterial effect on harmful enterobacteria . Scientists have also found that garlic is effective against H. pylori infections. 
Dose- Consume 1 raw garlic before breakfast with a glass of room temperature or cold water.

6. Regulates Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can make you prone to developing diabetes, blood pressure, obesity etc. If you are  suffering from high blood sugar, you must include garlic in your diet. Scientists from Kuwait conducted an experiment with raw and boiled garlic and found that raw garlic significantly reduced blood glucose levels in lab animal models . Therefore, consume raw garlic instead of the cooked bulb to help lower the blood sugar levels.
Dose- Consume 3-4 cloves of raw garlic to lower your blood sugar levels.

7. Prevents Thromboembolism

 Clotting of blood to prevent excess blood loss is good but not when the blood clots detach and are carried by the bloodstream to other vital organs such as brain, lungs, kidney etc. Indian scientists experimented with garlic. The participants were asked to consume 10 mg raw garlic every day before breakfast for two months. The study concluded that garlic could be used to prevent thromboembolism.  

Dose-Consume 3 garlic cloves before breakfast every alternate day.

8. Helps Fight Cancer

Garlic contains diallylsulfide that helps inhibit oxidative stress, selenium present in garlic is known to have cancer-fighting properties, prevents DNA mutation and uncontrolled cell proliferation, and metastasis . A clinical trial conducted by Chinese scientists on cancer patients found that garlic lowered the chances of tumor formation by 33% and reduced stomach cancer by 52% . So, if you want to lower the risk of cancer, consume garlic along with leading a healthy lifestyle.
Dose-Consume at least 1 raw clove of garlic every day in the morning.

9. Strengthens Immune System

Garlic contains phytonutrients that are antioxidant in nature. Antioxidants flush out toxins and reduce oxidative stress in the body, which prevents you from falling sick or being prone to DNA mutations and disrupted cell functions. Researchers have also found that supplementing with garlic helped increase different types of immune cells in the body.
Dose- Consume 1-2 raw garlic cloves per day to boost your immunity.

10. Relieves Oxidative stress

As I mentioned earlier, garlic can help relieve oxidative stress. The water soluble organosulfur compounds found in garlic can help prevent DNA damage, reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis risk due to oxidative stress. In fact, garlic can also help prevent heart diseases by nullifying harmful free oxygen radicals.
Dose-Consume 1 clove of raw garlic every day to flush out the harmful free oxygen radicals.

11. Prevents Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metals can kill you. And therefore it is best that you get rid of any traces of heavy metal from your body. A study conducted on lab rats showed that orally administering garlic helped reduce the levels of heavy metal . Another study confirmed that pickled garlic was more effective in lowering cadmium levels .
Dose- Consume pickled garlic to reduce or prevent heavy metal poisoning.

12. Helps Fight Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, mainly caused by unhealthy lifestyle. Scientists at IICT, India fed garlic to lab rats and found a reduction in blood glucose and triglyceride levels and also the rats showed increased insulin sensitivity . So, if you are prediabetic or a diabetic, consume garlic to lower glucose levels in the blood and make your body insulin sensitive.
Dose- Consume 2-3 cloves of raw garlic to prevent the risk or fight diabetes.

13. Reducing Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can be both embarrassing and distressing. Garlic is a natural remedy for yeast infections. Scientists have found that fresh garlic extract is highly effective against Candida infections. In another study, the researchers found that garlic was effective against candida vaginitis.
Dose-Consume 2-3 cloves of raw garlic every day. Do not apply raw garlic on the infected area.

14. Treats UTI And Kidney Infections

Cranberry is the go-to fruit for treating or preveting UTI, but garlic is no less. Scientists have found that garlic can help treat or prevent the growth of P. aeruginosa, a pathogen that colonizes the urinary tract walls and is responsible for recurring UTIs and kidney infections. Garlic is also effective against E.coli growth in the urinary tract.
Dose- Consume 3-4 cloves of garlic to prevent and fight UTI and kidney infections.

15. Treats Asthma And Common Cold

Garlic has been used for ages to treat common cold and asthma. A special mustard garlic oil is massaged near the nose and on throat and lungs area to help treat chest congestion. Now, scientists also have found evidence that garlic can delay the hypersensitivity associated with asthma and also help treat common cold.
Dose- Heat mustard oil with garlic and massage your body with this oil for treating cold. You can also consume 2-3 cloves of raw garlic to treat cold and asthma. Make sure you talk to your doctor first.

16. Kills Cold Sores

Cold sores or blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus. These are generally painful blisters that erupt in and around lips, chin, and nose. The worst news – this is contagious. Garlic contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and therefore may help treat these blisters. However, there is no solid scientific evidence to back this belief.
Dose -Consume 1-2 cloves of raw garlic to treat cold sores.

17. Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Garlic is said to protect from neurodegenerative disease, dementia. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia and garlic is also effective against Alzheimer’s disease. A bioactive compound S-allyl-cysteine, found in garlic is neuroprotective in nature. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic also help prevent neurological deterioration .
Dose-Consume 3-4 garlic cloves per day to help prevent the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

18. Aids Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight, you must consume garlic. Because garlic actually gets to the root of the weight gain problem. It helps to inhibit the expression of adipogenic tissues, increases thermogenesis, and reduces bad cholesterol .
Dose- Consume 3-4 raw garlic cloves for weight loss.

19. Eye Care

It is impossible to believe, but garlic has also been found to help improve eye health. Scientists have found that garlic reduces intraocular pressure. The antimicrobial property of garlic is also effective against the microbes causing eyesight threatening keratitis . Scientists have also found that garlic juice can help prevent lead-induced apoptosis of the retinal cells in rats.
Dose- Consume 3-4 cloves of raw garlic after breakfast to protect your eyes.

20. Helps Reduce Ear Infections

Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and therefore may be effective against ear infections. However, there is no scientific evidence to establish this yet.
Dose- Consume 2-3 cloves of raw garlic to reduce inflammation and microbial infection. However, consult your doctor before you start taking garlic to reduce ear infection.

21. Kills Oral Pathogens

Allicin present in garlic has antimicrobial properties and helps kill oral pathogens that are associated with dental caries and periodontitis. Scientists have also experimented with garlic extract as mouthwash and have found it to be an effective one. In fact, using toothpaste or mouthwashes containing garlic extract can help prevent dental caries.
Dose-Chew one raw garlic clove every day if you are suffering from a toothache or dental caries.

22. Improves Iron And Zinc Absorption

Both iron and zinc are important for proper functioning of various biological processes. Garlic contains sulfur that positively influences the bioavailability of both iron and zinc . Therefore, if you are iron or zinc deficient, you must include garlic in your diet.
Dose- Consume 1-2 raw garlic cloves to increase iron and zinc absorption and bioavailability.

23. Ameliorates Fatty Liver

An excessive amount of fat deposition in the liver can be fatal. Garlic had been found to be effective against non-alcoholic fatty liver. Scientists found that S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC) helped ameliorate hepatic injury and garlic oil’s antioxidative properties also helped protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver. 
Dose-Add raw chopped 1-2 garlic cloves to spinach smoothie to help prevent fatty liver.

24. Helps You Live Longer

It is clear from all the above garlic benefits that consuming garlic can help improve your health by protecting your vital organs and cell functions. This way, garlic can help increase longevity .
Dose-Consume 2 garlic cloves per day for long and healthy life.

25. Reduces Acne

Garlic is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Since acne is caused due to over accumulation of toxins, clogged pores, and bacterial infections – garlic can be used to reduce acne.
Usage-  You can eat 1 clove of raw garlic followed by a glass of cold water. Also, make sure you keep yourself hydrated and clean your skin every 3 hours.

26. Soothes Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease, and the symptoms are red, scaly, and itchy skin that affect the scalp, elbows, and knees. It is not curable but consuming garlic can help reduce the disease symptoms. Psoriasis is caused due to inflammation, and since garlic is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, many recommend  the use of garlic to reduce psoriasis. However, there is no direct scientific evidence to prove this.
Usage-Consume 3 cloves of raw garlic with leek, broccoli, and beetroot juice.

27. Garlic Delays Aging

 Skin aging occurs due to stress, unhealthy habits, stress, inflammation, genes etc. S-allyl cysteine, found in garlic helps protect the skin from UV damage and wrinkling. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds present in garlic help scavenge the oxygen radicals thereby reducing stress. Moreover, scientists have also found that garlic induces synthesis of normal human skin cells in the lab.  

 Usage-Consume one clove of raw garlic with honey and lemon the first thing in the morning. You can also add raw chopped garlic to Triphala water and drink it in the morning.

28. Removes Stretch Mark

The moment you hear about stretch marks, all you wish is for them to vanish! Well, they are stubborn, and our skin is elastic. To reduce stretch marks can take a long time if you don’t put in extra effort to get rid of them. Hot oil massage with garlic may help reduce stretch marks, and you must try it with olive oil or mustard oil.
Usage- Heat mustard oil and add 2-3 cloves of garlic. When you start to smell the garlic, remove from flame and let it cool down a bit. You can use it when it’s still warm. Massage in circular motion.

29. Eczema

Dry, itchy, flaky, rough, and inflamed skin is known as eczema. It is caused due to inflammation triggered by an allergic reaction. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and thus believed to be effective against eczema. But there is no solid scientific backing this theory. So, talk to your doctor before consuming garlic to reduce symptoms of eczema.
Usage- Consume 1-2 raw garlic cloves with room temperature water.

30. Treats Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is caused due to a fungal or yeast infection, also known as tinea pedis (ringworm of the foot).  Garlic is an antifungal agent and can be used to treat ringworm of the foot.
Usage- Consume 2 garlic cloves with leek juice in the morning.

31. Prevents Hair Loss

Hair loss is a serious problem these days. Pollution, impure water, bad eating habits, stress etc. all add up to rapid hair loss. Scientists have found that garlic gel, along with betamethasone valerate can help prevent hair loss.
Usage-Consume 1 raw garlic clove with a spinach smoothie. Also, add lots of garlic in cooked fish to prevent hair loss.


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